National grid restoration begins after collapse in Nigeria.
Port Harcourt DisCo Notification:
September 10, 2025
Dear Esteemed Customer, Please note that the outage currently experienced in all our franchise is due to loss of supply from all our Transmission Stations.
Consequently, there is no supply in our four franchise States namely: Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
We appeal to our valued customers to exercise patience while this situation lasts. Power will be restored as soon as possible.
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The controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension took a fresh twist on Tuesday as the Peoples Democratic Party and several Senior Advocates of Nigeria condemned the Senate’s decision to bar Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming when the upper chamber reconvenes on September 23.
In a letter dated September 4, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, formally notified Akpoti-Uduaghan that her six-month suspension imposed on March 6 remains in force until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment in her suit against the Senate.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved,” the letter stated.
The communication dashed hopes of the Kogi Central lawmaker, who, according to her lawyer, Victor Giwa, had already begun preparations to rejoin her colleagues after serving out the six-month penalty.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of insubordination for refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary.
The decision stripped her of salaries, aides and office privileges.
The senator has consistently maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to a petition she filed accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate dismissed. She challenged the action in court, announcing in April that she had secured judgment in her favour. However, Senate leadership insisted she would remain suspended for the full six months.
In July, her dramatic attempt to force her way back into the chamber ended in a standoff, as security operatives barred her entry despite protests by her supporters outside the National Assembly.
Reacting to the fresh letter, the PDP accused the Senate leadership of acting in bad faith.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party described the action as a calculated attempt by the APC-led Senate to stifle opposition voices and deprive the people of Kogi Central of representation.
“The attempt to use the National Assembly establishment against an elected senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in gross violation of the Constitution and the Standing Rules of the Senate is highly provocative and constitutes a clear and present danger to democracy,” the statement read.
The party alleged that the renewed move was part of a wider “creeping totalitarianism” under the APC-led Federal Government and demanded that the Clerk of the National Assembly withdraw the letter immediately.
PDP also linked the development to what it described as Akpabio’s “history of harassment against women,” urging the Senate President to clear himself of allegations rather than “intimidating” a female colleague.
The opposition party further called on the international community, rights groups, and democratic institutions to intervene, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan must be allowed to resume.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria said the Senate was overreaching in stopping Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming at the upper chamber after serving her six-month suspension.
They argued that the argument of awaiting the determination of the court case before allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume was constitutionally wrong and unjustifiable.
On his part, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) argued that it was prudent and constitutionally proper for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to be allowed to resume her seat as her suspension period had elapsed.
This, Adedeji said, would preserve the Senate’s dignity, show respect for its disciplinary powers, and ensure that the people of Kogi Central are not left without representation in violation of Sections 68 and 1(3) of the Constitution.
He argued that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan raises a constitutional issue beyond internal discipline.
Adedeji said, “While Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the Senate to regulate its own procedure, Section 68 makes clear that a member can only vacate a seat in circumstances expressly provided by the Constitution. A temporary suspension must, therefore, not be used in a way that effectively denies constituents their right to representation.
“In Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025), Hon. Justice Binta Nyako, though declining jurisdiction on separation of powers, cautioned against excessive suspensions, noting that a six-month suspension, half a legislative year, undermines constitutional representation. Her Lordship observed as follows:
“I do not think this is the intention of the framer of the law. To make a law that has no end is excessive and cannot be the intention of the law… The Senate has the power to… recall the plaintiff and at the same time allow her to represent the people who sent her there.”
Another SAN, Wale Balogun, also spoke in favour of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate, having served out her six-month suspension.
Notwithstanding the pending case, Balogun argued that the Senate should respect constitutional democracy and not further deprive Natasha’s constituency of representation.
Balogun said, “I feel that the Senate should be magnanimous in the interest of a constitutional democracy. It’s not only about Senator Natasha. They should remember it’s about the good people of Kogi Central senatorial district, and it’s about the constitutional democracy that we practice.
“So, candidly, I do not share the sentiment of the Senate with respect to that position. Now, we are talking of two different scenarios. The first scenario is a suspension by the Senate, which I want to discuss with you.
“So, it’s a suspension from the Senate, that’s the first primary issue, which is for a defined period of time, for six months. The second issue is the fact that suspension is now a subject matter of litigation that is ongoing. So, these are two separate things. Now, she has, by exclusion of time, which is the six months as prescribed, whether rightly or wrongly, the subject matter of which is pending in court. So, by exclusion of that time, the woman has now spent six months, and now the six months are over. So, naturally, that brings an end to those six months, because in other words, she has served the suspension.”
Referring to the instance of Bode George, Balogun wondered if Natasha would remain on perpetual suspension even though the court case may drag on for months, even years.
“The issue that is in court is a separate case. It’s a secondary issue arising from this primary issue. So, the court can still uphold her suit to say, No, you didn’t suspend her rightly. You know, they took away all her allowances, salary and others. The decision of the court will now give life to it.
“So, since the suspension has ended, she is supposed to be able to go back to the Senate, but the lawfulness or otherwise is still a subject matter that will continue in court. Even though she has spent the time, just like the prisoner who has spent his time. But whether he’s been wrongfully convicted, now, just like this senator, whether she was wrongfully suspended, will continue. The court will now pronounce one way,” Balogun said.
In the same vein, Paul Obi (SAN) described keeping Akpoti-Uduaghan outside the Senate chambers, after serving her six-month suspension, as wrong, unjustifiable, overreaching and an overkill.
“I don’t think that will be an action that is justifiable under the law, because you have put the woman on suspension for six months. She has tried to get the courts to reverse that. She has tried to get public opinion, sympathies and national communities to reverse that.
“You have stopped your guns and insisted on six months. Six months are drawing near now. And you want to start using the courts to extend, or judicial process, to extend that six months.
“That would be ultra vires in the powers of the Senate. I don’t think they will have that constitutional power to do that, and I think that would be overreaching and an overkill. The woman has served her punishment for what she did, by your own rules and by your own prescriptions. Allow her to return to the Senate to do her job for her constituency. They have no justification for that attempted extension of her suspension, because that’s what it is. They want to extend the suspension surreptitiously. That’s not right.”
Similarly, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) said the Senate was overreaching itself in not allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume in the Senate until the case is determined by the court.
Adegboruwa argued that an indirect extension beyond the six-month suspension portrays the Senate as being vindictive and petty.
Adegboruwa said, “I think the Senate is overreaching itself with this position. First, the suspension of the Senator was for six months, which was limited by time. Once the six months expire, she should be allowed to resume her seat in the Senate automatically. Failure to allow her to resume is indirectly extending the suspension beyond six months, without a valid resolution of the Senate to that effect. There is no such resolution at the moment. The case pending in court cannot be the reason to extend her suspension illegally.
“Second, the court case being referred to relates to the six-month suspension, as to its validity and constitutionality. The appeal flowing from that case is also limited in scope to the six-month suspension. Anything to the contrary will portray the Senate as being vindictive and petty.
“Third, the point was made by the trial court that the period of suspension should not exceed the usual sitting days of the Senate for a session. To refuse her resumption after the six months will be to make the suspension indefinite.”
He argued that the purpose of the suspension has been fulfilled, hence depriving Natasha of resumption was depriving millions of constituents of representation.
“Since this matter relates to the rights and privileges of a whole constituency comprising millions of voters, the Senate should do the needful by allowing Senator Natasha to resume forthwith.
“She has already served the six months in full, and any determination by the court can only relate to the validity of the suspension and her entitlements, but certainly, the sessions of the Senate that she missed due to her suspension cannot be reversed forever. In essence, the purpose of the suspension having been fulfilled, no useful purpose will be served to deny her from resuming duties as a Senator,” Adegboruwa said.
Taking a contrary position, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued that the Senate and Akpoti-Uduaghan should continue to fight to see out the case.
“On Natasha, the last time I checked, I thought I saw both parties in court with appeals and cross appeals. This means that both parties should fight their appeals and await the court’s pronouncement.”
Also, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned the Senate’s stance on Natasha’s resumption.
The group said, “The Senate President Mr Godswill Akpabio and Nigeria’s Senate must immediately allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties as indicated in her letter to the clerk of the National Assembly.
“The Senate cannot use the pending case(s) in court as a pretext to prevent Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming legislative duties. This is antithetical to the fundamental notion of the rule of law.
“There is no law in Nigeria that prevents the resumption of her legislative duties pending the hearing and determination of the case(s) in court. This travesty of justice must end.”
The group added, “Mr Godswill Akpabio and the Senate must immediately honour Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter notifying the clerk to the national assembly of her intention to resume on September 4, the date she said marked the end of her six-month suspension.
“The Senate should not continue to punish Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression.
“The Senate must allow her to resume her legislative duties and pay her salary and allowances for the duration of the suspension.”
SERAP held that preventing her to resume her legislative duties is a blatant disregard of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.
“No one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission’. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights.
“The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, not stamping them out.
“A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate.”
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors will today (Wednesday) hold its National Executive Council meeting to determine its next line of action on a pending ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The association had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies, warning that members would embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.
The threat comes amid mounting pressure on Nigeria’s fragile public health system, which is already grappling with a shortage of doctors, poor infrastructure, and overcrowded hospitals.
Resident doctors, who constitute the majority of the medical workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly gone on strike in recent years over unpaid wages, poor welfare, and inadequate working conditions.
Experts warn that another shutdown could cripple healthcare delivery, forcing patients to seek expensive private care and worsening health outcomes nationwide.
In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors demanded immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs.
They also demanded the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
In addition, they called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara said the outcome of today’s NEC meeting would determine the association’s next step.
“We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow (today), and the outcome will determine our next line of action. At the meeting, we will review whether the government has made any meaningful progress on addressing our demands. If there is a positive response, it will guide our decision, but if not, the council will take a firm stance on the next steps, including the possibility of industrial action,” he said.
NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would reconvene today to assess the situation.
“The outcome of the meeting will depend on the government’s response to our demands. If they are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely. Remember, we gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it. In the spirit of dialogue, the NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders for another three weeks, yet nothing has been done. When we meet tomorrow, we will review the government’s response and decide on the next line of action,” Abdulrauf said.
Introducing iPhone Air, a powerful new iPhone with a breakthrough design
iPhone Air features an impossibly thin and light design that is more durable than any previous model, with innovative camera experiences and remarkable all‑day battery life.
Apple today debuted the all-new iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever made, with pro performance. iPhone Air features a breakthrough titanium design that is elegant and light yet strong, with an innovative internal architecture that enables the latest iPhone experiences. The back of iPhone Air is now protected with Ceramic Shield, and the front cover uses Ceramic Shield 2, delivering 3x better scratch resistance, making iPhone Air more durable than any previous iPhone. iPhone Air also features a stunning 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz.1 With the most Apple-designed chips in an iPhone — the powerhouse A19 Pro, N1, and C1X — iPhone Air is the most power-efficient iPhone ever made. Paired with the redesigned internal architecture and software optimizations, iPhone Air has fantastic all-day battery life. A powerful 48MP Fusion Main camera enables the equivalent of four lenses with incredible image quality, and the innovative 18MP Center Stage front camera takes selfies to the next level.
iPhone Air will be available in four gorgeous finishes: space black, cloud white, light gold, and sky blue. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 12, with availability beginning Friday, September 19. “The all-new iPhone Air is so powerful, yet impossibly thin and light, that you really have to hold it to believe it’s real. This huge leap in design and engineering is only made possible through Apple innovation, especially Apple silicon,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. “iPhone Air is a brand-new member of the iPhone family that delivers advanced features our users will love, like pro performance, a versatile 48MP Fusion camera system, our innovative Center Stage front camera, and great all-day battery life — all in a breakthrough design that feels like you’re holding the future.”
A Breakthrough Design
Featuring a breakthrough design with pro performance, iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made at 5.6mm, and it is incredibly light, with a large, stunning display. The grade 5 titanium frame is strong, with an elegant high-gloss mirror finish, and a new plateau on the back that is precision-milled on both sides to house the cameras, speaker, and Apple silicon. This maximizes space for the battery to deliver remarkable all-day battery life. The thin design also features the Action button, so users can easily access a variety of functions with just a press, and Camera Control, to quickly launch the camera or enable visual intelligence.2
The stunning 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display features ProMotion, with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and stunning graphics. The Always-On display shows important information at a glance, and when not in use, it efficiently adjusts down to 1Hz. iPhone Air is easy to use outside with 3000 nits peak outdoor brightness — the highest ever on iPhone — and 2x better outdoor contrast.
iPhone Air also introduces the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover, which is tougher than any smartphone glass or glass-ceramic with a new Apple-designed coating, providing 3x better scratch resistance and improved anti-reflection to reduce glare. For the very first time, Ceramic Shield now protects the back of iPhone, including the plateau, delivering 4x better resistance to cracks than the back glass on previous models. And with the strong titanium frame, iPhone Air exceeds Apple’s stringent bend strength requirements. This design makes iPhone Air more durable than any previous iPhone.
Powerful Camera Systems
iPhone Air introduces an all-new Center Stage front camera that advances the photo and video experience. The Center Stage front camera features the first square front camera sensor on iPhone, offering a wide field of view and capturing photos up to 18MP. Users no longer have to rotate their iPhone to take a landscape selfie — they can take photos and videos in portrait or landscape while holding their iPhone vertically. For group shots, Center Stage for photos uses AI to automatically expand the field of view and can rotate from portrait to landscape to include everyone in the frame. The Center Stage front camera enables ultra-stabilized video in 4K HDR, and users can record on the front and rear cameras simultaneously with Dual Capture — perfect for documenting themselves and the world around them. During calls over FaceTime or third-party apps, Center Stage for video calls keeps users stable and positioned in frame.
A versatile new 48MP Fusion camera system gives users the equivalent of four lenses in their pocket. The custom main lens enables the popular 28mm and 35mm focal lengths, so users have more options to frame their shot, and the large 2.0µm quad-pixel sensor with sensor-shift OlS excels in low light. Users can also get closer to their subject with the optical-quality 2x Telephoto, which features an updated Photonic Engine that captures more lifelike details and color.
A new image pipeline built for iPhone Air enables next-generation portraits with Focus Control at the same level as multicamera systems, automatically capturing depth information so users can turn photos into portraits later in the Photos app. iPhone Air also supports the latest generation of Photographic Styles, including a new Bright style that brightens skin tones and applies a pop of vibrance across the image.3
iPhone Air captures stunning video, with the ability to record in 4K60 fps Dolby Vision, and supports Action mode. Video is captured with Spatial Audio for immersive listening; Audio Mix lets users adjust sound after capture to boost voices and reduce ambient noise; and wind noise reduction minimizes unwanted noise.
Powered by Apple Silicon The design of iPhone Air is only possible with Apple silicon. The high-performance A19 Pro, N1, and C1X chips make it the most power-efficient iPhone ever made.
Remarkable All-Day Battery Life Featuring advanced Apple silicon, an internal architecture that maximizes space for the battery, and software optimizations, iPhone Air delivers fantastic all-day battery life. The new Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26 also gets to know a user’s typical battery consumption and anticipates when they might run low, intelligently conserving power to help get them through the day.
eSIM: A Flexible, Convenient, and Secure Connection
iPhone Air features an eSIM-only design that saves space internally, helping enable the unbelievably light and thin form factor.4 eSIM offers greater flexibility, better security, and seamless connectivity compared to traditional physical SIM cards. An industry standard, eSIM is supported by over 500 carriers worldwide, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more. eSIM also makes staying connected while traveling even more convenient, allowing continued connectivity through affordable international roaming plans from users’ home carriers or local prepaid options available with more than 200 carriers. For better security, eSIM cannot be physically removed if an iPhone is lost or stolen, and managing travel eSIMs is even easier with a new streamlined setup in iOS 26.
Featuring iOS 26 with New Apple Intelligence Capabilities
iOS 26 elevates the iPhone experience with a beautiful new design, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, and meaningful improvements to the apps users rely on every day. The new design with Liquid Glass makes apps and system experiences more expressive and delightful, bringing greater focus to content while keeping iOS instantly familiar. Apple Intelligence now translates text and audio on the go with Live Translation, helping users communicate across languages in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.5
Motorists and residents across Lagos on Tuesday were trapped in heavy gridlock after several hours of early morning rainfall caused flash floods in major parts of the city.
The flooding brought commercial and other business activities to a halt, while several vehicles broke down on waterlogged roads, worsening the traffic situation.
Areas most affected included Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Alexander Way, Dolphin Estate, Lekki, and Obalende. Others were Funsho Williams Avenue (formerly Western Avenue), Ikorodu Road, Agege, Ikeja, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Oworonshoki, Oshodi, Apapa, and Alimosho, among others.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier predicted widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday, NiMet projected thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of the northern and southern states, including Lagos.
The agency urged residents to take safety precautions, including avoiding driving during heavy rain, while also advising farmers not to apply fertilisers or pesticides just before rainfall to prevent nutrient loss.
Northern states in the country have begun voter mobilisation as southern states continue to lead online pre-registration in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The PUNCH reports that Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto and Ilorin, among others, are part of the states that have begun renewed efforts to mobilise eligible citizens for the exercise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that over 3.5 million Nigerians have completed the online pre-registration.
The update was provided in a press release issued on Monday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
“As of Sunday, September 7, 2025, a total of 3,544,850 Nigerians have now pre-registered online in three weeks since the commencement of the exercise on 18th August 2025,” Olumekun said.
A breakdown by state showed that Osun recorded the highest number of online pre-registrants with 518,635, representing 14.63 percent of the total. Lagos followed with 440,647 (12.43 percent), Ogun with 348,217 (9.82 percent), and Borno with 296,409 (8.36 percent). Kebbi recorded 193,781 (5.47 percent), while Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) accounted for 187,480 (5.29 percent) and 180,260 (5.09 percent) respectively.
Yobe had 173,731 (4.90 percent), followed by Kogi with 166,010 (4.68 percent), Oyo with 160,652 (4.53 percent), and Kwara with 78,245 (2.21 percent). Ekiti followed with 74,423 (2.10 percent), Kano with 66,091 (1.86 percent), Delta with 62,192 (1.75 percent), and Imo with 61,341 (1.73 percent).
Sokoto recorded 54,084 (1.53 percent), Jigawa 48,285 (1.36 percent), Bauchi 46,504 (1.31 percent), Katsina 47,220 (1.33 percent), and Niger 62,819 (1.77 percent). Zamfara followed with 32,784 (0.92 percent), Plateau with 32,000 (0.90 percent), and Akwa Ibom with 31,081 (0.88 percent).
Cross River had 22,938 (0.65 percent), Benue 20,786 (0.59 percent), Rivers 19,294 (0.54 percent), and Gombe 18,630 (0.53 percent). Taraba registered 17,324 (0.49 percent), Bayelsa 13,374 (0.38 percent), and Ondo 9,033 (0.25 percent).
Adamawa recorded 8,849 (0.25 percent), Edo 7,893 (0.22 percent), Abia 2,629 (0.07 percent), Ebonyi 1,616 (0.05 percent), and Enugu the lowest with 1,203 (0.03 percent).
The majority of registrants — 2,291,809 or 64.65 percent — are between the ages of 18 and 34. Students make up 24.89 percent (882,441) of the total online registrants.
From the onset of the exercise, which began on August 18, Osun, Lagos and Ogun states have consistently occupied the top spots. In the first week of the CVR, Osun led with 393,269 online registrations, followed closely by Lagos and Ogun.
The second-week update saw the figures surge further, with Osun climbing to 474,372, Lagos reaching 355,372 and Ogun over 265,000.
The upward trend persisted into the third week, with Osun crossing the half-million mark and Lagos and Ogun maintaining their strong positions.
In contrast, Northern states, including some of the most populous, have struggled to match these numbers.
Kano, despite its size and political relevance, has only recorded around 66,091 online registrations. Kaduna fared slightly better, with over 187,480 entries, while Plateau remained low at approximately 32,000. Other states in the region have reported similar modest figures, a development that has stirred concern among political actors and community leaders.
The gap has triggered a response from northern stakeholders, who are now stepping up efforts to mobilise eligible residents.
Community-based organisations, religious leaders, and local officials in parts of the North have reportedly begun sensitisation campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and participation in the CVR process.
Recall that two opposition parties—the African Democratic Congress and the Labour Party had questioned the validity of the high registration numbers from the South-West, particularly Osun State.
The ADC, in a statement by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, called for a forensic audit of the figures, alleging that the numbers contradicted historical trends and demographic data.
The party highlighted INEC’s report on August 25, which showed 393,269 new registrations in Osun alone.
The LP’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, also urged Nigerians to scrutinise INEC’s claims closely, warning that such anomalies should not be ignored.
INEC, however, dismissed the allegations, describing them as unfounded. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the parties’ concerns stemmed from a lack of understanding of historical voter registration patterns.
In addition to the online entries, the commission reported that physical (in-person) registrations — which began on August 25 — had reached 288,614 as of September 4.
The commission reminded the public that registration was only open to Nigerian citizens who are at least 18 years old and have not registered previously.
“However, we wish to reiterate that voter registration is only open to citizens who are 18 years or older at the time of registration.
“It is illegal for anyone to encourage underage registration or those below 18 years of age to register in anticipation that they will attain the legal age of voting by the time the general election is held in 2027,” the statement added.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed his administration’s determination to make the state the leading sub-national entity with the highest number of registered voters in the country.
Yusuf gave the assurance when he received briefings on Sunday from the Task Force on Mobilisation for Voter Registration, recently inaugurated to drive the exercise.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Internal Affairs, Usman Bello, on behalf of the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya.
“I assure you of my total support in undertaking this critical assignment. Our resolve is to strengthen democracy by ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out of the process,” Yusuf said.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, disclosed that he had met with INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano to assess preparations for the exercise.
“The mobilisation effort is driven by patriotism and a commitment to the development of our dear state,” Waiya said.
The Zamfara State Government has also set up a committee aimed at mobilising the people of the state to go out and register.
The Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, revealed this while speaking with The PUNCH.
Kaura stressed that the state government had observed with dismay the nonchalant attitude of the people of the state towards the exercise, and as such, set up a committee under the state’s Deputy Governor to go round the state to mobilise people on the importance of the exercise.
He said, “As the state government observed that, many people are not even aware of the ongoing permanent voters card registration. The state government has set up a committee under the leadership of the state deputy governor to go out for a sensitisation campaign so that all the eligible voters are not left behind in the exercise.”
Also, last week, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, decried the low participation of residents across the state in the CVR exercise.
Sule lamented about the situation on Wednesday in Lafia, the state capital, during the official flag off of the state’s All Progressives Congress grassroots sensitisation/voters education on the INEC CVR.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Emmanuel Akabe said, “If you look at the charts that were published, Nasarawa State is still down below among states in the country, in the ongoing INEC’s CVR process. So, this is an opportunity for us to go back to our constituencies, our wards, our polling units and encourage our people to register so that they will be able to vote during the 2027 general election.”
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has also launched a mobilisation drive to ensure that every eligible citizen in the state participates in the voter registration exercise, describing it as “a pivotal moment in consolidating democracy and strengthening inclusive governance.”
The Governor’s directive was conveyed on Monday in Kaduna by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki.
“His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, has directed that no eligible citizen should be left behind in this crucial exercise. This is not only about participation; it is about securing the democratic rights of our people and deepening inclusive governance.
“To this end, the Ministry of Information is working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, the Bureau of Religious Affairs, as well as our revered traditional and religious leaders, to ensure that awareness and mobilization reach every ward, village, and community in Kaduna State,” Maiyaki stated.
In Kwara State, government officials and political appointees have taken the campaign to rural communities to sensitise residents on the importance of registering ahead of the 2027 general election.
The state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, told The PUNCH on Monday that the mobilisation drive was a mix of official campaigns and personal advocacies by stakeholders.
“Advocacy is ongoing, and many people are doing so in their personal capacity. I have done mine in my ward, Oro, in Irepodun LGA. Kwara is one of the states that delivered 100 per cent to the APC,” she said.
Olukoju explained that appointees were moving into the hinterlands to engage locals directly.
“What we are doing is to meet the people where they are. We tell them to come out and register. We are rallying people, despite the fact that it is their civic right. Our focus is on enlightening them on the need to register so they can have a say in the governance of their state,” she added.
The mobilisation comes as fresh figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that the South continues to maintain a lead in voter registration numbers, with the North trailing behind despite its larger population spread.
Political observers say the disparity could have significant implications for future elections if northern states fail to close the gap before the registration exercise winds down.
The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with MMB e-Campaign & Voters Education Directorate, has organised a training programme for voter registration volunteers.
The initiative, according to Amb. Dr. Adam Mohammed of the MMB e-Campaign & Voters Education Directorate, aims to equip 200 youths with the necessary skills to assist citizens during the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise in the state.
He said, “The trained volunteers will be deployed to the 17 local government areas and 178 wards across the state to provide assistance to citizens with the online registration process.
“The collaboration will enable members of the Yobe State community, both in urban and rural areas, to have easy access to resources and assistance for online registration,” he explained.
The Bauchi State Government disclosed that it was not interfering with the ongoing CVR exercise in the state.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, stated this in response to inquiries from The PUNCH on whether the state government would ensure massive mobilisation for the exercise.
According to him, the voter registration campaign and exercise are solely under the control of INEC.
“The campaign and registration are handled by INEC. It will be inappropriate for us as a government to interfere,” Gidado said.
The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Benue State, Benjamin Omale, has stated that the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, is leading the campaign to mobilise residents of the state to participate in the voter registration exercise.
Speaking with our correspondent in a telephone chat on Monday, Omale said the party was also involved in the mobilisation of people of the state for the exercise.
Omale said, “Our governor, His Excellency, Hyacinth Alia, is intensifying efforts to see that all eligible citizens of the state are registered.
“The party is also doing enough mobilisation for all residents of the state who are 18 years and above to participate in the ongoing voters registration.”
In the same vein, the deputy speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Lami Danladi-Ogenyi, said she already set up a mobilisation committee to ensure that people of the state, particularly, her constituency, participate in the ongoing registration exercise.
The Kebbi State Government called on eligible citizens across the state to actively participate in the exercise to strengthen democratic participation.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, while speaking with our correspondent on Monday, urged residents to take advantage of the window provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register, update, or transfer their voter details.
“His Excellency is appealing to all eligible Kebbi citizens to make themselves available at the designated registration centres. Democracy works best when everyone participates, and every vote counts,” Idris stated.
The Gombe State Government has pledged to work closely with INEC to ensure more citizens participate in the CVR exercise.
He gave this assurance at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by INEC in Gombe.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Alhaji Abdu Garba-Talasse, said, “The voter registration exercise is a major step in strengthening democracy. We will continue to encourage residents to participate in the CVR exercise.”
New Law: Nigerians Must Obtain Tax ID to Operate Bank Accounts, Businesses by 2026
BY NOEL CHIAGOROM
Beginning January 1, 2026, Nigerians will no longer be able to open or operate bank accounts, run businesses, or access financial services without a Taxpayer Identification Number (Tax ID or TIN).
This landmark reform, contained in the newly signed Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, is being described as the most significant change in Nigeria’s financial and tax system in decades.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
Signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August, the Act makes it compulsory for:
Individuals: No bank account can be opened or operated without a Tax ID.
Businesses: From roadside traders to multinationals, all must register for a Tax ID.
Government Agencies (MDAs): Required to obtain Tax IDs before entering contracts.
Foreign Suppliers: Must register with the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) before doing business in Nigeria.
👉 Under Section 8(2) of the Act, banks, insurers, and stockbrokers will be barred from providing services to anyone without a valid Tax ID.
WHY THE REFORM MATTERS
Nigeria has long struggled with weak tax compliance:
Nigeria – 10% tax-to-GDP ratio
Ghana – 13%
Kenya – 16%
South Africa – 27%+
Global Average – 34%
Out of 200 million+ citizens, only 10 million are registered taxpayers, while more than 60 million Nigerians hold bank accounts.
This gap explains why revenue remains poor despite Nigeria’s economic size. Past reforms like the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the National Identification Number (NIN) improved identity management. Now, the Tax ID mandate is seen as the next bold step to widen the tax net and cut reliance on oil.
The Act also abolishes the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), replacing it with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) — a major institutional shake-up.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENS & BUSINESSES
Bank Customers: No deposits, withdrawals, or transfers without a Tax ID.
Small Businesses: Informal traders must register, creating new compliance obligations.
Corporate Nigeria: Stricter oversight will reduce tax loopholes.
Foreign Firms: Non-resident suppliers must comply before doing business in Nigeria.
PUBLIC REACTIONS
A civil servant in Abuja expressed concern:
> “It’s good for accountability, but I fear delays and corruption in the process.”
A Lagos-based tax consultant welcomed it:
> “This is long overdue. Without linking tax IDs to financial services, compliance will never improve.”
RISKS AND CONCERNS
Exclusion of the Poor: With 38 million adults unbanked, the reform could sideline vulnerable groups.
Bureaucratic Delays & Corruption: Risk of officials exploiting the registration process.
Awareness Gap: Millions may miss the deadline, creating chaos at tax offices.
📌 5 THINGS NIGERIANS MUST KNOW ABOUT THE TAX ID LAW
1️⃣ Effective Date: January 1, 2026 — no Tax ID, no financial services. 2️⃣ Who Must Register: Individuals, businesses, MDAs, foreign suppliers. 3️⃣ Where It Applies: Banks, insurance, stock market, contracts, and business registration. 4️⃣ Why It Matters: Expands tax net; boosts revenue for development. 5️⃣ Risks: Exclusion, corruption, delays, low awareness.
❓ Q & A for Nigerians
Q1: What is a Tax ID? A unique number issued by the NRS for tax purposes, likely linked to BVN and NIN.
Q2: Who needs it? Everyone — individuals, businesses, MDAs, and foreign suppliers.
Q3: When does it take effect? From January 1, 2026.
Q4: How to register? The NRS will publish guidelines. Expected steps include:
Visit NRS office/center
Fill application form
Provide NIN, BVN, valid ID, address, and business documents (if applicable)
Receive Tax ID
Q5: What happens if I don’t register? You will be unable to operate bank accounts, access insurance/stockbroking, sign government contracts, or run a registered business.
From January 2026, tax compliance will become a ticket to financial access in Nigeria. This reform is a test of whether government can implement change without worsening hardship. For citizens, it is both a challenge and a call to prepare before the deadline.
I hope my daughter doesn’t accept things I’ve accepted - 2Baba’s ex-wife, Annie Macaulay.
I HOPE MY DAUGHTER DOESN'T ACCEPT THINGS I'VE ACCEPTED, THAT SHE KNOWS HER WORTH FROM THE START AND KNOWS THAT NO MATTER WHAT, SHE ALWAYS HAS ME IN HER CORNER.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has dismissed claims by his predecessor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, that he is one of his mentees, stressing instead that his political leaders are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
El-Rufai, during a recent appearance on Channels Television, described the Kaduna governor as one of the many people he mentored.
The ex-governor said, “Uba Sani is one of my mentees. I developed many of them. My biggest pride in life is that I’ve elevated many people. I’ve encouraged and mentored many people to greatness. Some even greater than me, and I’m very proud of it.”
But reacting in an interview with TVC on Sunday, Governor Sani said he would not be drawn into personal exchanges, insisting his focus remains on delivering for the people of Kaduna State.
“I don’t think it is necessary for me to respond to that comment because for me it is something I think I have no time to respond to,” he said.
Instead, Sani named President Tinubu and the late Fawehinmi as the leaders who shaped his political journey.
“I have so many people that I’ve worked with in my life. Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — I met him in 1994 at the house of Beko Ransom Kuti, and I still regard him as my leader. Chief Gani Fawehinmi is a leader, a father to me because during the era of struggle, I lived in his house,” the governor stated.
The governor emphasised that he would not be distracted by individual remarks, adding that his administration remains committed to governance in Kaduna.
“If someone is speaking about me, I will not comment. But what I can say here is that I’m focusing on Kaduna. I don’t talk about individuals, my focus is Kaduna. I don’t get distracted, my eyes are on the ball,” he stressed.
Sani was El-Rufai’s political adviser between 2015 and 2019.
Ahead of the 2019 election, El-Rufai supported Sani to replace Shehu Sani as the senator for the Kaduna Central district.
2027: It’s all psychological warfare that won’t work — Onochie
…“Dem No Fit… We Will Give Them a Run for Their Money”
Lauretta Onochie, former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and a prominent figure in the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has dismissed suggestions that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has an assured victory in the 2027 general election.
Onochie’s response, issued via her verified Facebook page on Sunday, September 7, 2025, was a rebuttal to claims in public discourse that the 2027 election outcome is already predetermined.
She described such claims as mere psychological warfare aimed at discouraging citizens from active participation in the democratic process.
“There’s a rumour in Nigeria being peddled by those who were once progressives but now celebrate impunity and lawlessness. They are bragging that INEC will rig the 2027 presidential election for President Tinubu. Dem no fit!” Onochie declared.
She further asserted: “There will be a new President in May 2027. Votes will count in 2027, just as they did in 2015. It’s nothing but psychological warfare aimed at discouraging Nigerians from active participation in our democracy. We will give them a run for their money.”
Onochie, who once served as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and was one of Buhari’s most visible media aides, maintained that the opposition remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
Fans of the BBNaija Season 10 show were thrown into confusion after housemates Dede and Joanna were asked to leave the house immediately in what appeared to be a sudden eviction.
The drama began when the house phone rang and Dede quickly picked it up, not knowing it was Ebuka on the other end of the line.
Unaware of the twist, Dede was told she had just 10 seconds to choose another housemate to join her for a surprise.
She picked Joanna, and the two were instructed to exit the house at once.
Many viewers initially thought the pair had been truly evicted, but they have instead been moved to another part of the house where they await further instructions.
Social media buzzed with reactions to the shocking moment. @TheCutestKimmy2 said: “Lmaoo Dede and Joana have been fake evicted. Even the housemates don’t believe biggie and his twist weh no jig . It’s a prank jor .It’s a joke no need to panick.”
@bellaznbrushes: “Dede and Joanna are still in the game guys. Biggie pranked the housemates. They have been put in the secret room #BBNaija”
@agendallagenda wrote, “Looks like Dede and Joanna will spend the Week together in the small room.
I was so scared when I heard Ebuka’s voice.”
@Sochima000 noted, “I am find it hard to believe that this is a fake eviction. If anything happens to me make una hold Biggie. Dede and Joanna should go ooh.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has said it will begin publicly naming and shaming airlines that fail to comply with aviation regulations, particularly in cases of flight cancellations and delays.
In a strongly worded warning posted on his X handle on Monday, the NCAA publicist, Michael Achimugu, emphasised that passengers who are left stranded between the hours of 10:00pm and 4:00am due to cancelled or delayed flights are entitled to hotel accommodation at the airline’s expense.
The NCAA’s move signals a more assertive regulatory approach aimed at improving accountability and passenger welfare in Nigeria’s aviation sector, following outcries and a series of airport violence stemming from airlines’ lapses and non-adherence to regulations.
In recent times, violent acts have become prominent in Nigerian airport incidents that were caused by different reasons.
While some unruly behaviours were caused by passengers’ ignorance of aviation rules, some were a result of airlines’ deliberate moves to circumvent regulations and deprive passengers of their rights.
As a result, the Authority condemned a growing trend where airline staff disappear from terminals during such disruptions, leaving NCAA Consumer Protection Officers to manage agitated passengers alone.
Achimugu warned, “The situation where airline staff intentionally disappear, leaving NCAA Consumer Protection Officers to handle justifiably irate and frustrated passengers will no longer be tolerated.”
While acknowledging the operational difficulties facing airlines in Nigeria, the NCAA insisted that challenges do not excuse non-compliance with aviation regulations.
“While one understands the challenges that operators face in our peculiar operating environment, whoever willfully ventures into a business and wants to remain in it must do it well.
“We must not always choose the easy way out. Don’t you want to be called ‘world class’? Don’t you want to compete at the highest level? If not for the sake of the passengers who trust you to safely fly them, what about for your own pride?” the statement read.
The authority further criticised the exposure of its staff to potentially dangerous situations, stressing that NCAA officials are only present to support both passengers and the airline industry.
“You cannot expose NCAA officials to avoidable risk when all they do is support your business and protect your rights,” Achimugu added.
To enforce compliance, the NCAA pledged strict adherence to its regulations and reiterated that it would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law in cases that warranted sanctions.
He said, “For infractions that are sanctionable, the Authority will apply the fullest measures possible. We will not abandon the letters of our regulations.”
Achimugu said the decisive action follows a directive from the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
As such, the NCAA said it would now begin naming and shaming defaulting airlines as part of its enforcement strategy.
The statement further read, “In compliance with the directives from the Federal Government and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the naming and shaming will commence.
“While we have done our best to advise per solutions to flight disruptions and why not nearly all cases are the fault of the airlines the NCAA expects that operators must comply with the regulations in the event of a disruption.”
Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Leila Fowler, is dead.
Her death was confirmed on Sunday in a statement by the school, which she established in 1991 in honour of her late daughter.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
“Chief (Mrs.) Fowler was a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist who founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991.
“Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education.
“Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence,” the statement partly read.
Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Fowler (née Moore) was educated at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and later at Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.
She initially pursued a teaching career before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her academic ambition later led her to law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962, before returning to Nigeria to be called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
Fowler built a career in legal practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy.
She also contributed to public life, serving as a councillor in the Lagos City Council from 1978 to 1980, and was actively involved with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
Her passion for education culminated in the founding of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, which has since become one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls schools, renowned for its culture of academic excellence and leadership training.
Fowler was widowed in 2015 after the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler, a surgeon and respected scholar.
In recognition of her contributions to education and society, she was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.
The school’s tribute described her as a devout Christian, lover of music, philanthropist and mentor who “will be deeply missed,” adding that “Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a Benue State man, Lintex Ogale, who reportedly stabbed his girlfriend, Deborah Okwori, to death in her apartment located in the mainland area of the state.
The command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed this in an exclusive telephone interview with PUNCH Metro on Sunday.
Our correspondent had earlier gathered from the victim’s cousin, Laff Ijuo, that the suspect and the victim’s romantic relationship had gone sour about two years ago.
Ijuo, in an interview with PUNCH Metro on Sunday, said Deborah had on several occasions reiterated her unwillingness to continue the relationship with Lintex, a decision the suspect was said to have continued to resist.
Ijuo noted that the situation between the duo went wild on Wednesday after Lintex allegedly disguised himself as a dispatch rider to enter his estranged girlfriend’s apartment.
Ijuo said, “The victim’s name is Deborah Okwori, and the accused is Lintex Ogale. Both are from Benue State. They were dating, but Deborah ended things about two years ago. Since then, the guy has been insisting that they should reconcile, but she refused.
“He started making threats that she cannot move on with another man and that if he can’t have her, no one will. Deborah had to block him on all platforms so that she could have her peace, but he tried every means to lure her out and meet him with different phone numbers. However, she declined.
“Knowing where she lives, he gained access to the estate on Wednesday night, disguised as a dispatch rider. Her compound gate was locked, so he used another compound through the fence to gain entrance. He came along with a knife.”
The cousin alleged that Lintex, armed with a knife, had forced his way into Deborah’s apartment before stabbing her in the stomach.
He continued that the neighbours who heard the ensuing noise stormed the scene, overpowered the suspect, and called the police.
He added, “The main door was not closed, but the net was locked. He broke the net and went in. He cut off the gas supply hose in an attempt to trigger an explosion, but that didn’t work.
“He then overpowered her and stabbed her multiple times. The cuts were so deep that her lungs were perforated. Through the neighbours, the guy was disarmed, and the police were called to pick him up.”
Ijuo appealed to the authorities to ensure that justice is served in the matter.
“We want justice to be served accordingly. We have seen how similar cases were carried out,” he concluded.
Confirming the arrest, Oluseyi said that the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“I can confirm the incident involving Deborah. The suspect has been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the SCID for further investigation,” the DPRO said.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, will return to the National Assembly later this month after completing her six-month suspension, her lawyer has confirmed.
Speaking with The PUNCH in Abuja, her counsel, Victor Giwa, disclosed that the senator was on vacation in London but had already made plans to resume plenary alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said.
The lawyer added that the Senate leadership was not expected to obstruct her return. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” he assured.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following allegations of insubordination after she rejected a change of her designated seat during plenary.
The suspension, based on recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries.
The lawmaker had consistently argued that her ordeal was linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate dismissed.
Commuters along the Kubwa Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory are facing delays on Monday morning following the fall of a trailer that blocked a major portion of the road, the Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed.
Speaking to our correspondent, FCT Sector Commander, Felix Theman, explained that the incident has caused a gridlock due to the partial blockade of the expressway.
“There’s currently a gridlock because there’s no free flow of traffic, as a section of the expressway has been blocked by the fallen trailer. However, our officers are fully on ground, ensuring that motorists use the available service lane and the one or two lanes that are still accessible on the express,” he said.
Theman emphasised the need for patience and discipline among road users to prevent the situation from worsening.
“It’s crucial that drivers exercise patience and cooperate with the officers on ground. Indiscipline, impatience, and lack of cooperation could compound the current traffic situation,” he added.
He also confirmed that efforts are underway to clear the obstruction, stating that the relevant towing services have been contacted.
“We’ve engaged the relevant towing company, Debasid, and their tow truck is already on its way to the scene. In no time, we hope to remove the trailer and restore normal traffic flow,” the sector commander noted.
When asked if the fallen trailer was the result of an accident, the sector commander confirmed, “Yes, it was a crash involving the trailer. One of the tyres pulled out. It fell and is currently lying across the road. Fortunately, there were no fatalities—just minor injuries.”
As of press time, the trailer had not yet been removed, and traffic remained slow in both directions.
Politics › National Grid Restoration Ongoing After Collapse by nlfpmod(mod): 5:11pm On Sep 10, 2025
