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INEC chair: Security check begins, Council of State to meet

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Potential candidates nominated to succeed Prof. Mahmud Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission are being interviewed and vetted ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s consultations with the Council of State.

Impeccable sources close to the development told our correspondent that while the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation prepares to circulate invitations for the meeting, nominees are undergoing checks by the Department of State Service and other relevant agencies.

“Yes, they’re undergoing checks before a name is finally picked. The President will soon convene a Council of State meeting where he will present the names to the council. It is a constitutional requirement,” one source confirmed Tuesday.

According to another source, “There are names for consideration. It is likely that some of the names you have heard are on the list. They are being considered. The process is on and the President will convene the Council of State meeting most likely when he returns from Lagos.”

The checks on the new nominees come as the tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, draws to a close. Yakubu was first appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015 and reappointed for a second tenure in December 2020. By law, the INEC chairman serves a renewable five-year term.

He oversaw two general elections and multiple off-cycle polls marked by both innovations and controversies. During his 10-year tenure, INEC introduced biometric voter authentication and electronic transmission pilots.

However, the systems suffered malfunctions during the last election, drawing criticism over delays and disputed results. Yakubu, who completes his second term in December 2025, is the longest-serving electoral umpire in Nigeria’s history.

According to the source

The Council of State is a constitutional advisory body chaired by the President and composed of serving governors, former heads of state, former chief justices, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Its responsibility includes advising the President on appointments such as INEC commissioners, the National Population Commission, and the prerogative of mercy.

“They will only offer advice,” a third official in the Presidency told The PUNCH, adding, “The council will not impose anyone on the President because its role is advisory. They will look at the argument in favour of the chosen candidate. However, those names must be presented to the Council of State.”

The source further explained, “In these kinds of appointments, there are often five to six names being considered. There are security checks by the DSS. They will invite them for interviews and check for suitability.

“Most of those putting their names out there…it’s not proper until it is officially confirmed because you’re not the only one being considered.  Of course, there are interactions between those nominated and the security people. It is only smart to keep quiet. I can’t mention any names at the moment. In these things, you need to play safe.”

Since the 1993 cycle, Nigeria’s election umpires have come from a handful of zones. The South-East produced Prof. Humphrey Nwosu from Anambra, who supervised the famed June 12, 1993 polls, and later Prof. Maurice Iwu (Imo), who oversaw the 2007 polls.

The South-South produced multiple chairpersons during the transition years. These include Okon Uya from Cross River who served briefly after June 12, Sumner Dagogo-Jack from Rivers state who served as NECON Chairman under Abacha, Justice Ephraim Akpata from Edo State, who oversaw the 1999 transition and Dr. Abel Guobadia from Edo state in 2003.

From 2010 the tide tilted to the North with the appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega from Kano State (North-West) who oversaw the 2011 and 2015 elections and is widely credited with restoring confidence after the 2007 cycle.

He was succeeded by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu from Bauchi (North-East), who conducted the 2019 and 2023 polls, and expanded the use of biometrics and other forms of tech.

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Turkey probes Israel’s arrest of 24 citizens in international waters

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The Istanbul chief prosecutor’s office on Thursday announced that it had opened an investigation after Israeli forces arrested Turkish citizens on board a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid.

The probe concerns “24 Turkish citizens arrested following the attack carried out by elements of the Israeli navy in international waters against the Global Sumud flotilla”, a statement said, according to Turkish media.

It cited the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and said it would look into “crimes of deprivation of liberty, hijacking or detention of means of transport, aggravated looting, material damage, and torture”.

Turkish media said 30 Turkish citizens in all were arrested and taken by Israeli forces for deportation to Europe.

The Turkish foreign ministry on Wednesday night denounced what it said was “an act of terrorism” by Israel after the flotilla was intercepted, and “hoped that this attack would not compromise efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza”.

The flotilla announced on Thursday morning that it would continue its journey towards the Palestinian territory, despite the interceptions.

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24 rescued, 14 dead, 42 missing in Kogi boat crash — NEMA

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The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following a boat accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

NEMA, in a post shared on X on Thursday, said the incident occurred on Tuesday and involved a boat carrying about 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji LGA.

Boat accidents are a recurring and serious challenge in Nigeria, particularly in riverine states where waterways serve as key transport routes.

Over the years, incidents involving overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and insufficient adherence to safety regulations have claimed hundreds of lives.

NEMA stated, “According to reports, the incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized while en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.

“Upon receiving the report, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, directing it to deploy personnel to the scene of the tragedy in support of ongoing local rescue efforts. The deployment underscores NEMA’s resolve to provide timely intervention and strengthen coordination with state and community responders.

“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, leading to the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have so far been recovered, while 42 persons remain missing as efforts to locate and recover them continue.”

It noted that community divers are actively assisting official rescue teams, and the operation is ongoing with updates to follow.

The agency emphasised that the rescue efforts are being coordinated with the active participation of multiple agencies and stakeholders, including the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency; the Local Emergency Management Committee, Ibaji; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the National Inland Waterways Authority; the Fire Service; the Nigerian Red Cross Society; local divers; and community members.

“The joint effort underscores the importance of multi-agency collaboration in tackling disasters and ensuring a timely response.

“The NEMA response team, led by the Head of Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, has also visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa community, Chief Patrick Arome, and commiserated with him and the people over the tragic incident.

“The tragedy further highlights the urgent need for strict compliance with water safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and enforcement of passenger limits on boats,” it added.

While earlier reports had put the death toll at 26, the latest report from NEMA confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following the boat accident.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kogi State over the sad incident.

In a CORRECTED: 24 rescued, 14 dead, 42 missing in Kogi boat mishap -NEMA

Lara Adejoro

The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following a boat accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.

NEMA, in a post on X on Thursday, said the incident occurred on Tuesday and involved a boat carrying about 80 passengers traveling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji LGA.

Boat accidents are a recurring and serious challenge in Nigeria, particularly in riverine states where waterways serve as key transport routes.

Over the years, incidents involving overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and insufficient adherence to safety regulations have claimed hundreds of lives.

NEMA stated, “According to reports, the incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized while en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.

“Upon receiving the report, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, directing it to deploy personnel to the scene of the tragedy in support of ongoing local rescue efforts. The deployment underscores NEMA’s resolve to provide timely intervention and strengthen coordination with state and community responders.

“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, leading to the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have so far been recovered, while 42 persons remain missing as efforts to locate and recover them continue.”

It noted that community divers are actively assisting official rescue teams, and the operation is ongoing with updates to follow.

The agency emphasized that the rescue efforts are being coordinated with the active participation of multiple agencies and stakeholders, including the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency; the Local Emergency Management Committee, Ibaji; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the National Inland Waterways Authority; the Fire Service; the Nigerian Red Cross Society; local divers; and community members.

“The joint effort underscores the importance of multi-agency collaboration in tackling disasters and ensuring a timely response.

“The NEMA response team, led by the Head of Abuja Operations Office, Mr. Zakari Abubakar, has also visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa community, Chief Patrick Arome, and commiserated with him and the people over the tragic incident.

“The tragedy further highlights the urgent need for strict compliance with water safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and enforcement of passenger limits on boats,” it added.

While earlier reports had put the death toll at 26, the latest report from NEMA confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following the boat accident.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kogi State over the sad incident.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” noting that the deceased were on legitimate missions to earn a living.

“The President commends the first responders at the accident scene and urges federal, state, and local emergency responders to step up their efforts to provide needed assistance to survivors and victims,” it read partly.

He also pressed water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit and prayed for solace for the bereaved and swift recovery for the injured.

issued on Wednesday and signed by his adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as “shocking and unfortunate,” noting that the deceased were on legitimate missions to earn a living.

“The President commends the first responders at the accident scene and urges federal, state, and local emergency responders to step up their efforts to provide needed assistance to survivors and victims,” it read partly.

He also urged water transport operators to prioritise safety over profit and prayed for solace for the bereaved and swift recovery for the injured.

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Fubara sacks commissioners, others

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and other public office holders serving in his administration.

The decision, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, takes immediate effect and followed the recent Supreme Court judgment.

The governor, during a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at Government House, Port Harcourt, thanked the outgoing officials for their services and contributions to the state’s development over the past two years.

The statement read in part, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

“The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.”

Fubara also reiterated his commitment to serve the state “with renewed vigour,” while expressing gratitude to Rivers people for their support and wishing Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

Recall that the immediate past administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), upon assumption of office during the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and assistants appointed by Fubara. Ibas also dissolved boards and suspended heads of parastatals he met in office.

Since Ibas exited the state on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s appointees had remained uncertain. The Rivers State House of Assembly, at its first sitting after the lifting of the emergency rule, had called on the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner-nominees for screening, alongside the 2025 budget for passage.

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