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A refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in many Nigerian homes. From preserving cooked meals to keeping fruits, vegetables and drinks fresh, it works around the clock. But with frequent power outages, voltage fluctuations and heavy daily use, many refrigerators in Nigeria wear out faster than expected.

In this article, five common mistakes that shorten the lifespan of your refrigerator are highlighted

Overloading the refrigerator

Packing your refrigerator with too much food may seem like a good way to maximise storage, but it can reduce airflow inside the appliance. Cold air needs space to circulate so that all compartments remain at the correct temperature. When the refrigerator is overloaded, the compressor has to work harder to keep everything cold. Over time, this extra workload can increase wear on the cooling system and reduce the appliance’s lifespan.

Ignoring the condenser coils

Many people never clean the condenser coils, yet they play an important role in keeping the refrigerator cool. Dust, pet hair and dirt can build up on the coils over time, making it harder for the appliance to release heat. When this happens, the compressor works longer and uses more electricity, increasing the risk of overheating.

It’s therefore recommended to clean the coils periodically, especially if the refrigerator is located in a dusty environment.

Placing the refrigerator too close to the wall

A refrigerator needs adequate ventilation to release heat generated during cooling. Placing it tightly against the wall or between cabinets can restrict airflow around the appliance.

Poor ventilation forces the compressor to work harder, increasing energy consumption and placing unnecessary strain on the motor.

Always leave enough space behind and on the sides of the refrigerator as recommended in the manufacturer’s manual.

Putting hot food directly inside

Many people place steaming pots of soup or rice straight into the refrigerator to cool them quickly.

However, hot food raises the internal temperature, forcing the refrigerator to work harder to restore the proper cooling level.

Allow cooked food to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. However, food should not be left out for more than two hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Failing to protect it from power fluctuations

Power surges and sudden voltage drops are common in many parts of Nigeria. These fluctuations can damage the refrigerator’s compressor and other electrical components.

Using a quality voltage protector or voltage stabiliser can help protect the appliance from unstable electricity and extend its lifespan.

If there is a prolonged power outage, avoid repeatedly switching the refrigerator on and off as electricity is restored.

(TRIBUNE)

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Imole Campaign Council, the campaign group for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, on Monday, faulted the redeployment of police commissioner  Ibrahim Gotan to the state amid widespread violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The council, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, described Mr Gotan’s controversial reinstatement as very concerning, citing “gross harassment, abuse of human rights and arbitrary arrest and detention of Accord Party chieftains and members under his supervision”.

The council said Mr Gotan’s redeployment after he allegedly detained the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and others at his residence reflected intent to hound the Accord Party in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.

“Suffice to say that the SSG was released immediately and the items taken from his house returned to him. This shows how politically consumed and unprofessional CP Gotan is to hound Accord Party chieftains to favour the All Progressives Congress in the August 15 governorship election,” it stated.

The council lamented that Mr Gotan was reinstated to oversee the forthcoming poll after CP Samuel Etaifo had been transferred to the state, alleging that the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, was pressured by the ruling APC.

Noting that security agencies must remain neutral and professional to achieve credibility and fairness in any election, the council said the IG “must not allow CP Gotan and his APC friends to plunge Nigeria’s democracy into the abyss through intimidation, arbitrary arrest, witch hunt and harassment of opponents.”

It urged Mr Disu to address the people of the state, adding that he must ensure the election is free, fair and credible.

“The IGP must address the people of Osun State and assure them of a violence-free poll on August 15, 2026. He must back his words with action and ensure the neutrality and impartiality of his men all through the election.

“The use of arrest and detention as tools of oppression of the opposition must end. Nigerians are watching. The world is watching. Democracy is about plurality of parties and not oppression and intimidation of opponents,” the council added.

The development came amid reports of violence in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Meanwhile, Mr Disu had assured residents of adequate security, saying the election would be one of the best in the country’s history.

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A governorship aspirant of the Accord Party in Oyo State, Hon. Olakunle Busari, has approached the Federal High Court in Ibadan, seeking to nullify the emergence of Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Busari, through his counsel, Tunji Ogunrinde (SAN), filed the suit marked FHC/IB/CS/97/26, asking the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Hamzat’s name from its records and replace it with his own as the authentic Accord governorship candidate.

According to the suit, Busari alleged that Hamzat did not participate in the party’s direct primary election held on May 26, 2026, insisting that his nomination was unlawfully secured through a section of the party’s leadership.

The plaintiff maintained that he emerged winner of the direct primary after polling the highest number of votes and argued that he is the rightful candidate of the Accord Party for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

Busari is therefore asking the court to compel INEC to recognise and publish his name as the valid winner of the party’s primary election.

He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognising or giving effect to Hamzat’s nomination as the Accord governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

In addition, Busari wants the court to restrain Hamzat from parading himself as the bona fide and authentic governorship candidate of the Accord Party pending the determination of the matter.