The Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has criticized the recent local government elections in Rivers State, calling them a violation of democratic principles. The elections, held on October 5 by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), took place despite a court ruling from Justice Peter Lifu, which stated that RSIEC did not follow the required 90-day notice before setting the election date.

The ruling also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register and barred security support from the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

In defiance of these orders, the election proceeded, with the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning 22 of the 23 local government chairmanship positions. Obinna Francis, the Executive Director of CTJ, condemned the elections in a press conference, claiming they lacked transparency and legitimacy. He labeled the actions of Governor Fubara in conducting the elections as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens democracy, stating, “What happened in Rivers State is a travesty of democracy and an assault on the rule of law.” Francis emphasized that the elections were illegal and violated core democratic principles.

Fuel prices in Abia have dropped from N1,300-N1,350 per liter to between N1,150 and N1,200. This decrease follows the Nigeria National Petroleum Company’s (NNPC) decision to allow direct requests and payments for fuel from members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). Marketers in Aba and Umuahia have begun sourcing fuel directly from the NNPC, contributing to the lower prices.

Mazi Oliver Okolo, Executive Chairman of IPMAN’s Aba branch, explained that improved supply from the NNPC is driving the price reduction. He noted that since the NNPC opened its portal for requests last Saturday, he expects further price drops once supplies begin next week. Okolo emphasized that direct supply from the NNPC and the operational status of local depots in Aba are crucial for sustaining low fuel prices.

He believes that if NNPC, the state government, and the federal government collaborate to ensure fuel availability at the Aba depot, prices could fall to around N900 or below N1,000 per liter. Okolo acknowledged the challenges faced by marketers due to high sourcing costs from third parties and thanked Governor Alex Otti for starting the rehabilitation of the Osisioma-NNPC-Ekeakpara road, a federal road that will aid in improving fuel distribution.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, recently expressed that Nigeria’s continued existence is nothing short of a miracle.

In a video shared from one of the church’s events, Adeboye attributed the nation’s survival to the power of prayer and divine intervention.

He recounted a conversation with a senior Muslim leader who conveyed gratitude for the prayers being offered by individuals like Adeboye.

The cleric shared that the leader stated, “If it weren’t for the prayers of people like you, there would be no Nigeria today.”

This statement deeply resonated with Adeboye, who reflected on the profound implications of such acknowledgment.

Adeboye stated, “Nigeria remains one of the greatest miracles.”

He emphasized that the nation’s survival amidst various challenges demonstrates God’s faithfulness and the impact of collective prayers.

The pastor highlighted that the ongoing existence of Nigeria is a testament to the fact that God continues to listen and respond to the prayers of His people.

He concluded by reiterating the message that Nigeria being united today serves as a powerful sign of hope and divine grace, reaffirming his belief that God’s presence is still active in the nation’s affairs.

Adeboye’s remarks reflect a deep sense of faith and optimism for Nigeria’s future, encouraging citizens to remain steadfast in their prayers for the country.