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FG Outlines Buhari’s Burial Arrangements, Declares National Mourning

Enyosa Favour
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FG Outlines Buhari’s Burial Arrangements, Declares National Mourning

The Federal Government has officially announced detailed plans for the state burial of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. This was disclosed on Monday, 14th July 2025, by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to Idris, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a national programme to honour the late former President, including the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with organizing a dignified and well-coordinated burial in collaboration with the Katsina State Government and the Buhari family.

The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, and includes several key ministers and heads of security agencies.

Full List of Committee Members:

  1. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
  2. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
  3. Minister of Defence
  4. Minister of Information and National Orientation
  5. Minister of Works
  6. Minister of Interior
  7. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
  8. Minister of Housing and Urban Development
  9. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare
  10. Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy
  11. National Security Adviser
  12. Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination
  13. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters
  14. Inspector General of Police
  15. Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
  16. Chief of Defence Staff

The Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office (GSO) will serve as the Committee’s Secretariat.

President Tinubu to Personally Receive Buhari’s Remains
The remains of the former President are expected to arrive in Katsina by 12 noon on Tuesday, 15th July 2025. A high-level Federal Government delegation, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, is currently in London finalizing documentation and logistics for the repatriation.

Upon arrival at the airport in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held, after which President Tinubu will personally receive the remains. The body will then be transported to Daura for the traditional Islamic funeral prayer (Jana’iza) and burial at Buhari’s residence.

Participation of Federal Executive Council Members
Twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have been directed to travel to Katsina to partake in the burial ceremonies and remain in Daura for the Third-Day Prayers scheduled for Wednesday, 16th July 2025.

National Mourning and Public Holiday Declared
President Tinubu has declared a seven-day period of National Mourning, which began on Sunday, 13th July 2025. Throughout this period, the national flag is to be flown at half-mast across the country. State governments and the private sector are expected to comply. In addition, Tuesday has been declared a public holiday in honour of the former president.

Condolence Registers Open Nationwide

Condolence registers have been opened across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Additional registers have also been established at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and at Nigerian embassies and missions worldwide.

International Condolences
President Tinubu continues to receive condolences from world leaders and heads of government, highlighting the global respect and recognition of Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria and Africa.

The Federal Government called on Nigerians to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of the late elder statesman as the nation prepares to bid him farewell.

Tinubu Constitutes Committee For State Funeral Of Former President Buhari

Enyosa Favour
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Tinubu Constitutes Committee For State Funeral Of Former President Buhari

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the planning and coordination of a state burial for Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON.

The committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure a befitting state burial is organized in honour of the late elder statesman. Members of the committee include top government officials and security chiefs as follows:

  1. Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
  2. Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning
  3. Honourable Minister of Defence
  4. Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
  5. Honourable Minister of Works
  6. Honourable Minister of Interior
  7. Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
  8. Minister of Housing and Urban Development
  9. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare
  10. Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy
  11. National Security Adviser
  12. Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination
  13. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters
  14. Inspector General of Police
  15. Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
  16. Chief of Defence Staff

The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the Secretariat for the committee.

In a further mark of respect, President Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to open condolence registers at the entrance of their offices, allowing members of the public to pay tribute to the late former president.

Additionally, central condolence registers will be made available for the diplomatic community and the general public at both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

Further updates regarding the funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days.

U.S. Denies Targeting Nigeria Over Reduced Visa Duration

Tosin Onisuuru
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U.S. Denies Targeting Nigeria Over Reduced Visa Duration

Officials from the United States Mission have explained that the recent adjustment shortening visa durations for Nigerian applicants, from five years down to just three months should not be interpreted as punitive or retaliatory.

Rather, the revision is part of an ongoing worldwide evaluation process designed to enhance the security and integrity of the U.S. immigration framework.

According to the Mission, the shortened visa duration stems from assessments tied to technical standards and risk mitigation practices. It clarified that Nigeria is not being singled out; instead, the policy is one piece of a comprehensive global update across multiple countries.

In addressing public speculation, the Mission refuted assumptions that the change is linked to Nigeria’s position on third-country deportation practices, the implementation of electronic visa systems, or any affiliations with economic blocs such as BRICS.

Additionally, the U.S. Mission reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining strong and constructive relations with both the Nigerian people and government institutions, stating it remains committed to ensuring secure and mutually advantageous travel opportunities between both nations.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, voiced opposition to efforts aimed at returning individuals from third-party countries — notably Venezuelan nationals — to African countries. Tuggar argued that Nigeria is already contending with internal pressures, including a large population and resource constraints, making such relocations unsustainable.

It was previously reported that during a past U.S. administration, African countries were encouraged to accept deported migrants. The move was seen by observers as a firm merging of immigration enforcement and foreign relations strategy.

Despite the recent change to visa durations, U.S. authorities reiterated their ongoing support for a strong bilateral partnership. Nigeria continues to hold a pivotal role in regional affairs across West Africa and remains a strategic ally in America’s engagements on the continent.

Buhari’s Remains Depart London For Nigeria

Olaosun Rebecca
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Buhari’s Remains Depart London For Nigeria

‎The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari departed London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday morning en route to Daura, Katsina State, for a state burial.
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‎The late president’s body was transported aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
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‎Vice President Kashim Shettima is heading a high-level Federal Government delegation to oversee the final documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation.
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‎On Monday, the Federal Government announced that President Bola Tinubu will receive the late president’s remains in Katsina before his final interment in Daura.
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‎This was revealed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing in Abuja.
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‎Idris stated that the former president’s body, following his death in a London hospital on Sunday, is expected to arrive in Nigeria by midday Tuesday.
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‎”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally receive the remains of the former President in Katsina.
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‎”Upon arrival in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport before the body is moved to Daura.
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‎“The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) will take place thereafter, followed by interment at the late President’s residence,” Idris said.
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‎The minister stated that, as part of the national mourning, President Tinubu has ordered the opening of condolence registers in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions around the world.
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‎He added that an additional condolence register will be made available at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
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‎Idris further mentioned that condolence messages from global leaders have continued to pour in.
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‎“The condolences coming in from Heads of State and Governments across the globe are a testament to the global stature and legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
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‎To ensure what he called a “dignified and well-coordinated programme,” Idris said the President has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
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‎The committee is expected to collaborate closely with the Katsina State Government and the family of the late President Buhari.
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‎The minister also revealed that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council have been instructed to travel to Katsina to attend the burial rites and stay in Daura for the Third-Day prayers set for Wednesday.
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Public Holiday To Mourn Buhari: Roll Call, World Leaders Pay Tribute

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Public Holiday To Mourn Buhari: Roll Call, World Leaders Pay Tribute

Nigeria is observing a national public holiday today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as tributes pour in from across the world for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the public holiday in honour of the late statesman, ordering all national flags to fly at half-mast for seven days as a mark of respect.

Early this morning, Buhari’s remains departed the United Kingdom aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft. His body is expected to arrive in Katsina by 12:00 noon, with burial rites scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in his hometown of Daura, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

The body is being accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government officials.
As the nation prepares for his final interment, a cascade of tributes has emerged from global leaders, institutions, and citizens, celebrating the life and legacy of a man many described as disciplined, devoted, and unwavering in his commitment to national and continental development.

Tributes From World Leaders

From across continents, messages of condolence have flowed in, recognizing Muhammadu Buhari as a significant figure in global affairs.

The United States Mission in Nigeria mourned him as “a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office.” It added that his legacy would be remembered in his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria paid homage to his dedication and role in deepening China–Nigeria relations. “His pivotal contributions will forever remain etched in our shared history,” the embassy stated.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed sadness over Buhari’s death. “His wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment to India–Nigeria friendship stood out,” he wrote on X.

Türkiye’s embassy in Nigeria also shared condolences, describing Buhari’s passing as a great loss and praying for the repose of his soul.

Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, described him as a man who lived by discipline, humility, and deep love for Nigeria.

Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank, expressed gratitude for Buhari’s leadership and personal support. “May God comfort your dear wife and family. May your soul rest in peace,” he posted.

African Leaders and Regional Bodies

Across the African continent, the loss of Buhari is being felt deeply.
Mahmoud Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the late president as “a principled and resolute leader” and “a staunch Pan-Africanist and champion of regional integration.”

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his condolences, calling it “a profound moment of national mourning.”

Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and current ECOWAS Chair, referred to Buhari’s death as a “devastating loss,” offering heartfelt sympathies to Nigeria’s government and people.

Dr. Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS, hailed Buhari as “a distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration across Africa.”

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, expressed sorrow at the sudden turn of events: “I did not know just how ill President Buhari was… I am so very sad. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Voices From Home: Workers, Kinsmen & Associates

Beyond officialdom, personal reflections from Buhari’s hometown and household reveal the quieter, more intimate aspects of his post-presidency life.
Following his retirement from office in 2023, Buhari spent his final years in Daura, Katsina State, surrounded by a close circle of domestic workers, neighbors, and longtime associates.

According to those who lived and worked with him, the former president remained approachable and emotionally connected to the people around him.

His domestic staff recalled his profound compassion, not just toward people, but also animals. Buhari was known to have a deep affection for his pets, including three aged tortoises and a small kiskadee bird that often visited his compound. He also cared for bulls, camels, horses, cows, and piccolo birds, which brought him joy in his final days.

“He was more than an employer,” one staff member said. “He was a guardian and a friend to us and our families.”

Others spoke of his generosity and empathy, sharing how he would personally visit a worker who lost a child or attend the naming ceremony of another’s newborn. Despite his stature, they say he remained grounded, often engaging in simple, heartfelt conversations that left lasting impressions.

Political and National Reflections

Back in the political circle, voices from across Nigeria’s political spectrum have united in mourning.

President Tinubu described Buhari as “a disciplined patriot whose unwavering belief in Nigeria’s unity guided his every action.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised him as a “man whose life was defined by unflinching patriotism,” while Peter Obi said his passing was “a solemn moment for the nation.”

Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman, recalled Buhari’s quiet strength and steadfast service, saying, “Whether in uniform or in civilian attire, his love for our country was unquestionable.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC), under whose platform Buhari was twice elected, hailed him as “an iconic elder-statesman and exemplary patriot.”

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also acknowledged his disciplined service to Nigeria, regardless of their political differences.

As the clock ticks toward his final burial in Daura, Nigeria stands still, united in memory, reverence, and solemn reflection for a leader whose life spanned soldiering, statecraft, and an unrelenting belief in the Nigerian dream.

Zuckerberg Faces $8B Trial Over Alleged Data Misuse

Tosin Onisuuru
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Zuckerberg Faces $8B Trial Over Alleged Data Misuse

Mark Zuckerberg is set to take the stand this week in a high-stakes $8 billion courtroom battle where he and other company executives are being accused of allowing Facebook to be run in a manner that violated users’ privacy on a massive scale.

The lawsuit, brought by investors in Meta Platforms, the parent entity of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram alleges that Zuckerberg and several former and current top officials repeatedly breached a 2012 consent decree made with the Federal Trade Commission, which obligated the company to protect its users’ personal information.

The controversy stems from a 2018 revelation that Cambridge Analytica, a political data firm involved in Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, had improperly obtained data from millions of Facebook users.

In response, shareholders are seeking reimbursement from Zuckerberg and the other named executives for over $8 billion in damages, which includes a historic $5 billion regulatory fine levied in 2019 for breaching the FTC agreement.

Other individuals listed in the lawsuit include former COO Sheryl Sandberg, investor and board member Marc Andreessen, and former board members Peter Thiel and Reed Hastings.

Zuckerberg and his co-defendants, while not responding publicly, have called the accusations “extreme claims” in legal documents. Meta itself is not on trial and has declined to provide a statement.

The non-jury proceedings are taking place in Wilmington, Delaware, and are expected to run for eight days. The hearing will primarily delve into past decisions and corporate meetings from around a decade ago to examine how the 2012 deal with the FTC was executed.

Even though the issues at the heart of the trial are historical, the case unfolds amid persistent questions about Meta’s current privacy practices, particularly regarding how it trains its artificial intelligence systems. Since 2019, the company says it has poured billions into upgrading its privacy safeguards.

Jason Kint, who leads a digital media industry organization, said the trial could reveal key insights into what Meta’s leadership knew—and when—about the misuse of users’ data. “There’s an argument we can’t avoid Facebook and Instagram in our lives,” he said. “Can we trust Mark Zuckerberg?”

Allegations Of Massive Oversight Failure

Two years ago, the defendants attempted to have the case dismissed before reaching trial, but the court rejected that request. “This is a case involving alleged wrongdoing on a truly colossal scale,” stated then-presiding judge Travis Laster. The trial is now being led by Judge Kathaleen McCormick in the Court of Chancery.

To win, the investors which include union-backed pension funds such as California’s State Teachers’ Retirement System must meet the high bar of proving that Meta’s board failed entirely in its responsibility to oversee the company’s conduct. Legal analysts say this may be the first case of its kind to reach trial on these grounds.

The suit claims that Zuckerberg and Sandberg knowingly permitted conduct that violated legal boundaries. While Delaware corporate law shields executives from poor business choices, it does not extend that protection to illegal acts even if those acts result in financial gains.

The defense team argues that the plaintiffs lack the necessary evidence.

In filings submitted before the trial, shareholders assert that deceptive practices continued well after the 2012 FTC deal allegedly under Zuckerberg’s direction. Defendants counter that Facebook took steps to address compliance by assembling a privacy oversight team and hiring an external firm to monitor its practices, describing the company itself as a target of Cambridge Analytica’s “studied deceit.”

One additional claim brought by the plaintiffs centers on Zuckerberg’s financial activity. They allege that he sold large amounts of stock after learning the scandal was about to become public, earning an estimated $1 billion in profit. Defendants argue that the sales were pre-planned under a legal trading arrangement meant to avoid insider trading violations. They also say the proceeds were directed toward philanthropic efforts.

Deadly Fire At Massachusetts Senior Home Kills Nine

Ohiomoje Margaret
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Deadly Fire At Massachusetts Senior Home Kills Nine

A deadly fire at an assisted living residence in Massachusetts claimed the lives of at least nine people and left more than 30 others injured, according to officials.

The fire erupted around 9:30 p.m. local time on Sunday at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, a town located approximately 60 miles south of Boston, said Jake Wark, a spokesperson with the state’s fire safety department.

Roughly 70 residents were staying at the facility when the flames broke out. Emergency crews were dispatched quickly to the scene, with about 50 firefighters working to extinguish the fire and rescue trapped residents.

City officials established a temporary shelter for those who survived the incident and were displaced by the fire.

According to Wark, firefighters successfully pulled many individuals from the burning building, which serves older adults who require occasional assistance but generally live on their own. Some victims were pronounced dead at the site, while others were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. One person was reported to be in critical condition.

Fall River’s fire chief, Jeffrey Bacon, shared harrowing details with the press, noting that rescuers found people hanging from windows when they arrived.

“This is an unfathomable tragedy for the families involved and the Fall River community,” Bacon said, telling reporters that the fire was under investigatio.

Additionally, five firefighters suffered injuries during the response, though none of their conditions were considered life-threatening, Wark added.

Liverpool Begins Pre-Season With 3-1 Victory Over Preston

Tosin Onisuuru
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Liverpool Begins Pre-Season With 3-1 Victory Over Preston

Liverpool opened their summer pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win over Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, in a fixture defined as much by its emotional weight as its sporting result.

The match marked the Reds’ return to action following the heartbreaking loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, whose tragic passing was honoured with moving tributes before and during the game.

Manager Arne Slot deployed two entirely different XIs in each half, using the opportunity to rotate the squad. Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal for the first half, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez were introduced in the second period.

First Half

The game began with a solemn moment of silence in memory of Diogo and Andre, observed impeccably by players and supporters alike.

Liverpool’s attacking intent was clear from the outset, with young winger Rio Ngumoha making an early impression on the left, supported by Federico Chiesa through the middle and Mohamed Salah on the right. Ngumoha’s confident runs and a sharp turn from Ryan Gravenberch set up an early shooting opportunity for the teenager.

Chiesa nearly opened the scoring midway through the half, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Preston’s Lewis Gibson after a defensive lapse.

On the 20-minute mark, the entire stadium rose to pay tribute as images of Diogo and Andre were displayed on the big screen. A touching, near 10-minute rendition of Jota’s chant echoed from the away end, sung with heartfelt pride and love.

Liverpool’s opening goal arrived shortly after. Ngumoha combined with Chiesa, whose pass found Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian’s shot deflected into the path of Conor Bradley, who calmly finished at the back post to give the Reds the lead.

Second Half

A completely reshuffled Liverpool side returned after the interval, and within minutes, Darwin Nunez made it 2-0. The Uruguayan forward capitalised on a poor backpass, rounded goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, and slotted into an empty net. He then paid tribute to Jota with a series of his signature goal celebrations in front of the travelling supporters.

Jeremie Frimpong impressed with his direct dribbling from the right, and one of his runs nearly resulted in a third goal as Curtis Jones sent a powerful strike narrowly wide.

Preston responded late in the game when Liam Lindsay rose to head home powerfully and reduce the deficit to 2-1.

However, Liverpool had the final word. Ben Doak found Cody Gakpo with a clever pass, aided by a subtle dummy from Nunez. Gakpo finished with composure, before turning to the away fans and signing the number 20 with his hands—a final, fitting tribute to Diogo Jota.

The Premier League champions begin their 2025-26 preparations with a well-earned victory, but more significantly, the match served as a poignant occasion to honour two beloved members of the football family. The memories of Diogo and Andre will continue to inspire Liverpool’s journey this season and beyond.

APC Dominates Lagos LG Polls, Sweeps All Chairmanship

Olaosun Rebecca
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APC Dominates Lagos LG Polls, Sweeps All Chairmanship

‎The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has announced the results of the July 12, 2025, Local Government elections, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing a sweeping victory across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
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‎The ruling party won all 57 chairmanship seats and 375 out of 376 councillorship positions, reinforcing its political dominance in Lagos, a trend consistent since the return of democracy in 1999.
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‎The elections, conducted across 13,325 polling units in 376 electoral wards, saw over seven million registered voters eligible to elect leaders for chairmanship and councillorship roles, though voter turnout was notably low.
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‎The APC fielded candidates in all 57 councils and 376 wards, outpacing competitors like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which contested in 45 councils and 259 wards, and the Labour Party (LP), which participated in 22 LGAs and 130 wards.
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‎Other parties, including the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Alliance (AA), and Young Progressive Party (YPP), fielded fewer candidates. The sole non-APC victory was in Ward D, Yaba LCDA, where PDP’s Babatunde Dosunmu Tijani, a former APC member, clinched a councillorship seat.
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‎LASIEC Chairperson Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.) announced the results on July 13 at the commission’s headquarters in Sabo, Yaba, noting the peaceful conduct despite logistical challenges, such as late arrivals of electoral materials in areas like Ikosi-Isheri and FESTAC.
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‎In Lagos Island, APC’s Taiwo Oyekan won the chairmanship with 28,385 votes, far surpassing PDP’s Ajibade Olusegun’s 1,271 votes.
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‎In Amuwo-Odofin, APC’s Prince Lanre Sanusi secured 24,926 votes, defeating LP’s Engr. Seyi Ipinlaye, who earned 1,962 votes.
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‎Agege LGA saw APC’s Tunde Azeez triumph with 31,503 votes, while APM and ZLP trailed with 86 and 10 votes, respectively.
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‎At Oba Elegushi Palace polling unit, APC polled 3,655 votes for both chairmanship and councillorship, dwarfing opposition parties like PDP (20 votes) and LP (12 votes).
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‎In Ojodu LCDA, APC dominated with 49 votes for chairmanship at Yakoyo Market, while PDP secured none.
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‎Despite the peaceful nature of the polls, opposition parties, including LP and the African Action Congress (AAC), rejected the results, alleging irregularities.
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‎LP’s Lagos Secretary, Sam Okpala, called the election a “sham” and a “rape of democracy,” citing absent LASIEC officials in nearly half of the polling units and voter intimidation.
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‎AAC’s Ayoyinka Oni described the process as a “coup,” accusing LASIEC of vote-rigging and demanding its cancellation and the resignation of Justice Okikiolu-Ighile and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
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‎The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also criticized LASIEC for omitting its logo from ballot papers. In contrast, APC’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, praised the electorate’s “overwhelming support,” framing the victory as an endorsement of the party’s grassroots development agenda.
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‎Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Lagosians for their orderly participation, thanking security agencies, media, and LASIEC for ensuring a credible process.
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‎He described the APC’s sweep as a “resounding affirmation” of trust in the party’s vision, urging continued collaboration for a “Greater Lagos.”
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‎APC candidates, like Yaba LCDA’s Adebayo Adefuye, hailed the process as smooth, with Adefuye outlining his “Yaba tuntun” agenda focused on local development.
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‎However, voter apathy was a recurring concern, with reports of low turnout in areas like Surulere, where only a handful of the 172 registered voters at one polling unit participated, and FESTAC, where residents cited fear as a deterrent.
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‎The elections, held from 9 am to 3 pm with adjusted movement restrictions from 6 am to 3 pm to accommodate emergencies, saw 139 candidates from 10 parties contesting chairmanship seats and 842 candidates from 14 parties vying for councillorship positions.
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‎Despite challenges, LASIEC emphasized improvements in polling unit accessibility and pledged to address voter apathy through enhanced education.
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‎The APC’s near-total victory underscores its entrenched influence in Lagos, though opposition parties vow to challenge the results, signaling tensions as the state looks toward the 2027 general elections.
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No Safety Fault In Boeing Switches, Says US Regulator

Ohiomoje Margaret
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0
No Safety Fault In Boeing Switches, Says US Regulator

US aviation authorities have declared that the fuel control mechanisms in Boeing aircraft do not pose a safety risk, despite their reported involvement in the June crash of an Air India flight that claimed 260 lives.

This component has drawn scrutiny after investigators released an initial report last Friday outlining early findings from the crash.

The report revealed that both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lost fuel supply shortly after departing from Ahmedabad airport. It also referenced older guidance suggesting that the fuel control switches be reviewed to ensure operational integrity.

In internal communication, Air India’s top executive cautioned against “premature conclusions” being formed based on this preliminary document.

The crash of Flight 171, en route to London, is among the deadliest air disasters the world has seen in recent years.

According to the early findings, the switches that manage fuel delivery to the engines had been shifted from the “run” to “cut-off” mode, severely reducing engine thrust. This information came from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The AAIB pointed to a 2018 advisory issued by the US aviation regulator, which had encouraged though not required Boeing aircraft operators to verify that the safety lock on the fuel cut-off switches could not be disengaged unintentionally.

Air India, investigators said, had not carried out this suggested check.

On Friday, the US regulator confirmed it had reviewed the AAIB’s preliminary assessment. It explained that the earlier advisory was prompted by cases in which the locking function on the switches was found to be disengaged during installation.

“Although the fuel control switch design, including the locking feature, is similar on various Boeing airplane models, the FAA does not consider this issue to be an unsafe condition that would warrant an Airworthiness Directive on any Boeing airplane models, including the Model 787,” said the authority, in an internal note shared with the BBC.

“The FAA will continue to share relevant information with foreign civil aviation authorities as appropriate.”

Cockpit audio recovered from the wreckage revealed a moment of confusion, with one pilot asking the other why the fuel had been shut off.

“The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” said the report.

The switches reportedly changed position at almost the same moment shortly after takeoff. However, the report did not provide a clear explanation for how or why that occurred.

Air India’s chief executive, Campbell Wilson, reiterated in an internal message that reaching any conclusions about what caused the incident is premature.

He described a “cycle of theories, allegations, rumours and sensational headlines” that had circulated since the crash, many of which he claimed had since been debunked.

The preliminary report, he emphasized, had not pointed to a definitive cause nor issued any formal recommendations.

“The investigation is far from over”, he said.

“We will continue to cooperate with the investigators to ensure they have everything they need to conduct a thorough and comprehensive enquiry.”

Wilson also noted that the aircraft involved had no mechanical or maintenance issues, and that all standard inspections were completed before the journey.

Despite this, the airline decided to perform additional inspections across its entire 787 fleet shortly after the accident “out of an abundance of caution.” All aircraft passed these checks and were declared airworthy.

Flight 171 had been scheduled to operate from Ahmedabad, India, to Gatwick Airport in London.

Tragically, the aircraft crashed into a nearby medical college complex less than a minute after takeoff. The crash resulted in 260 fatalities—mostly passengers. One person, a British national, survived.

A final and more detailed report on the crash is expected within the next year.

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