Author: Opalim Lifted

A compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered bus has exploded at Mando motor park in Kaduna State, triggering fresh concerns over gas safety in Nigeria’s transport sector. The early morning incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, involved a luxury bus operated by Silver Luxury Travel. The explosion reportedly caused a fire that spread to at least two other luxury buses parked nearby. According to the Kaduna State Police Command, the blast was linked to an overfilled gas tank in the vehicle. Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan confirmed in a statement that no casualties or property losses were recorded, despite the intensity…

President Bola Tinubu has approved a payment plan to settle the ₦3.3 trillion outstanding debt in the power sector under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced the approval in a statement on Sunday. The approval comes almost four weeks after the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) said gas firms were planning to stop supply to thermal power plants over an estimated ₦3.3 trillion debt owed by generation companies (GenCos). On February 19, APGC said the federal government owes GenCos about ₦6.5 trillion. According to Onanuga, the…

The Iranian military has warned the United States and Israel that the “entire region will turn into hell” if the ongoing war escalates further. According to Al Jazeera, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said on Saturday that the illusion of defeating Iran has “turned into a swamp” that will “sink” the US and Israel. “Do not forget that if aggression expands, the entire region will turn into hell for you,” the Iranian military spokesperson said. “The illusion of defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into a swamp in which you will sink.” Earlier, US President…

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or risk “hell raining down” on the country. Trump’s comments, contained in a Truth Social post on Saturday, mark a resumption of his threats to Iran last month over the closure of the waterway. “Remember when I gave Iran 10 days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT? Time is running out — 48 hours before all hell will rain down on them. Glory be to God!” the US president wrote. Earlier in March, Tehran said the strait, one of the world’s busiest oil…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the immediate suspension of preparations for its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise. The directive was issued through an internal memo signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country have been instructed to halt all publicity and logistical arrangements tied to the exercise with immediate effect. The commission said the suspension will remain in place pending further notice. INEC also announced a change to its schedule, confirming that its planned meeting with RECs will now be held virtually. Commissioners were advised to remain in their…

Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven have been crowned Eredivisie champions for the third consecutive season after Feyenoord failed to beat FC Volendam on Sunday. The 0-0 draw confirmed PSV’s unassailable 17-point lead, sealing their 27th league title in dominant fashion. PSV had earlier edged FC Utrecht 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, putting Peter Bosz’s side on the brink of glory. They needed Feyenoord to drop points—and that’s exactly what happened, as Robin van Persie’s team were held in Volendam. Even if Feyenoord had won, PSV’s superior goal difference would have kept them firmly in control of the title race. Story of…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has enlisted a Washington-based lobbying firm to strengthen his reputation and influence policy perception in the United States ahead of the 2027 elections. Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Atiku signed a 12-month contract worth $1.2 million with Von Batten-Montague-York. The agreement was executed on March 9 and 10, 2026. Under the deal, the firm will work to “counterbalance” what it describes as the Nigerian government’s lobbying narratives in Washington, while promoting Atiku’s leadership credentials and policy agenda among US policymakers. The contract outlines plans to arrange high-level meetings between Atiku…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that key figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have agreed to support whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. Speaking in a widely circulated DW Hausa interview, Atiku addressed the deepening leadership crisis rocking the party, insisting unity remains the top priority among stakeholders aligned with David Mark. The crisis intensified after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from rival ADC factions led by Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The commission said it would avoid dealings with both camps pending a court decision. Despite the turmoil,…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a total and indefinite nationwide strike beginning at midnight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, escalating tensions with the Federal Government over doctors’ welfare. The planned action follows allegations that the government intends to halt the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT), a key agreement reached after the doctors’ 2025 industrial action. NARD said the revised allowance structure covering call duty, shift, non-clinical, and rural posting allowances was due to take effect in January 2026 but only commenced in February. The association now claims authorities are moving to suspend it by…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for more humane and people-focused governance, urging authorities to prioritise the welfare of Nigerian workers amid rising economic hardship. In its Easter message titled “This Easter: A Cross For Liberty!”, signed by its president Joe Ajaero, the union criticised policies that suppress workers’ rights and deepen inequality. The congress warned that using state power to silence dissent or impose harsh economic measures that favour a small elite undermines leadership and contradicts the spirit of Easter. It urged political leaders to draw lessons from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, stressing that governance should be…