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Nasarawa North Senatorial By-Election Commences Amid Intense Political Contest The much-anticipated Nasarawa North Senatorial By-Election has commenced across Akwanga, Wamba, and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, with voters trooping to polling units to elect a new representative in the Senate. The by-election became necessary following the demise of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented the district until his death, creating a vacancy in the upper legislative chamber. The contest is expected to be keenly fought, with political observers focusing attention on some of the most prominent candidates in the race. They include Barrister Danladi Halilu Envulanza of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, and former member of the House of Representatives, David Emmanuel Ombugadu, among other contenders. The election has attracted significant attention within and outside Nasarawa State, with many political...

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Calls Grow For Clarification Over Reports Of Dangote Fuel Being Re-Imported Into Nigeria Recent reports suggesting that petroleum marketers are purchasing fuel refined by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery through foreign channels and importing it back into Nigeria have sparked questions about pricing, market operations, and the future of local refining. The development has attracted public attention given the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery to Nigeria's economy and energy sector. Since commencing operations, the refinery has played a significant role in improving the availability of petroleum products, reducing dependence on imported fuel, and positioning Nigeria as a potential exporter of refined petroleum products. Industry observers say the reports raise several questions that require clarification. Among them is whether fuel refined in Nigeria is being sold at a lower price outside the country than within the domestic market. If true, analysts argue that s...

Opinion

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Justice For Victims Before Compassion For Criminals By Yahaya Abdulrahman  The recent rescue of Haj. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, from the captivity of bandits is undoubtedly welcome news. It brings some measure of relief after a tragic ordeal that claimed the life of a distinguished military officer who dedicated years of his life to the service of Nigeria. However, her rescue also raises an important question that policymakers must honestly confront. How would Haj. Amina feel if she were told today that the very criminals who abducted her and her husband, subjected them to untold suffering, and ultimately caused his death, could one day be pardoned, rehabilitated, reintegrated into society, empowered with government support, and presented as beneficiaries of public goodwill ?. She is not alone in this painful experience. Across Nigeria, thousands of innocent citizens have endured similar or even worse horrors at the hands of insurgents...

News

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Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd) Dies In Captivity Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, has died while being held by kidnappers, two weeks after he was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. The Katsina State Government announced the development on Saturday, describing the retired army officer's death as a painful loss not only to his family but also to the state and the nation at large. According to government officials, Major General Abubakar reportedly died in captivity due to health complications linked to diabetes and hypertension. Efforts by security agencies and the state government to secure his release before his condition deteriorated were unsuccessful. In a statement, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu'azu, expressed regret over the incident and reiterated the government's commitment to tackling insecurity across the state. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also extended hi...

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Planned Reintegration Of 720 Former Boko Haram Members Sparks Nationwide Concern The reported plan by the Borno State Government to reintegrate 720 former Boko Haram members into society has continued to generate widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing serious concerns over its potential implications for national security and the ongoing fight against insurgency. Since news of the planned reintegration emerged, Nigerians from different walks of life have questioned the wisdom of returning such a large number of former insurgents to society, particularly at a time when insecurity remains a major challenge in several parts of the country. Many observers describe the figure of 720 as alarming, arguing that the sheer number raises legitimate fears about the possibility of future security breaches should some of the beneficiaries return to extremist activities. They contend that even a small percentage of the individuals reverting to violence could pos...

News

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FIFA Ordered To Compensate Referee Following Visa Dispute Reports indicate that FIFA has been directed to pay compensation of approximately £74,000 to a referee who was previously suspended from officiating duties after issues surrounding a cancelled visa application. The development has attracted significant attention within the football community, with many observers questioning the circumstances that led to the official's exclusion from international assignments. The ruling is being viewed as a notable outcome in a dispute that has raised concerns about fairness, administrative procedures, and the treatment of match officials at the highest level of the game. According to reports, the referee's suspension was linked to complications arising from a visa cancellation, a situation that ultimately affected his professional engagements. Following a review of the matter, the decision was reportedly made that compensation should be awarded for the losses and consequence...

Honours and Recognition

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO MAL. (DR.) IDRIS MUHAMMAD LOKO ON HIS 34 YEARS OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS SECRETARY, NASARAWA EMIRATE COUNCIL The Management and Staff of Ideal Reporters heartily congratulate Mal. (Dr.) Idris Muhammad Loko on the remarkable milestone of his 34th year of dedicated service as Secretary of the Nasarawa Emirate Council and as the longest-serving secretary within traditional institutions in Nasarawa State. Your decades of unwavering commitment, loyalty, and exceptional service to the Nasarawa Emirate stand as a testament to your competence, integrity, and outstanding administrative ability. Serving diligently under three successive Emirs of Nasarawa reflects the immense confidence and respect you have earned throughout the years. Beyond your distinguished role within the Emirate Council, your contributions to journalism, local administration, traditional institution building, and community development remain highly commendable.  Your wealth of exper...