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Reps Urge FG To investigate Boat Mishaps In Nigeria, Provide Improved Maritime Safety

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and Ministry of Transportation to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent boat mishaps in Nigeria, to provide insights and recommendations on improving maritime safety;
The House also directed Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enforce safety regulations and ensure compliance with international maritime standards.
These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “URGENT NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE INCESSANT BOAT MISHAPS IN NIGERIA’S WATERWAYS”, by Rep. Unyime Idem, lawmaker representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom on Tuesday at plenary.
The lawmaker noted that Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in boat mishaps in recent times, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous lives and most recent incident, occurred on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Kogi state where a devastating boat mishap took place along the Dambo-Ebuchi waterways of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area, involving over 160 passengers, with only 24 rescued, approximately 54 confirmed dead, and an unknown number still unaccounted for.
The motion reads: “Further notes that the Kogi boat mishap marks the third passenger boat accident in Nigeria within a span of just 60 days. In a similar tragic incident, precisely October 3, 2024, a wooden dugout canoe carrying approximately 300 passengers capsized and sank in the River Niger, resulting in the loss of nearly 200 lives. Just last week, a collision between two boats in Delta State, southern Nigeria, claimed the lives of five people. The reoccurrence of these devastating incidents, culminating in the recent Kupa boat mishap in Kogi State, underscores the urgent need for improved maritime safety measures in Nigeria.
“Aware that maritime experts have identified a combination of critical factors contributing to the alarming frequency of boat accidents in Nigeria, including inadequate boat maintenance and poor design, overloading, lack of essential safety equipment and emergency response plans, insufficient training for boat operators, and a lack of strict regulatory enforcement.
“Also aware that NIMASA) and NIWA are responsible for enforcing safety regulations in the maritime sector. However, these agencies are reportedly more focused on revenue generation than ensuring the safety of passengers”.
The lawmaker expressed worries that the recent surge in boat accidents has raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s waterways and the need for urgent intervention.
“Concerned that if nothing is done to improve safety and emergency response systems, Nigerians will continue to face psychological trauma, economic losses, and untimely deaths”, it added.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, and observe a minute silent for the departed souls in the Kogi Boat Mishap;
The House also mandate the House Committees on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, and Inland Waterways to ensure compliance.

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SAD! APC lawmaker dies while asleep

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The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.

It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.

Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.

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Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.

They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.

His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.

According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

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Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.

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Just in: Sam Olumekun takes over as INEC’s Acting Chairman

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Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.

Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.

He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.

The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.

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It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.

During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.

He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.

Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

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Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.

“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.

Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.

The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.

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After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.

Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

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Crude oil prices slide further, now selling below $57

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Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.

This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.

A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.

JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.

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The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.

Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.

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