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Abacha Behind Annulled June 12 Election Without My Consent — Babangida Confesses
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex- Nigerian military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has confesseed that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was carried out without his consent.
Babangida made this revelation in his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” which was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday.
The former head of state recounted that he was in Katsina when the announcement of the annulment, which nullified the victory of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was made by the press secretary of his then-deputy, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.
Babangida attributed the decision to forces loyal to General Sani Abacha, who later became Nigeria’s military ruler. He expressed surprise at the development, insisting that the move was executed without his authorization.
He claimed to have had no prior knowledge of the decision, later discovering that General Sani Abacha, then Chief of Defence Staff, had led the forces behind the move.
He described the June 12 election annulment as the most challenging aspect of his life.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” he said.
The annulment of the June 12 election, widely considered one of Nigeria’s fairest, led to significant political unrest and remains a defining moment in the country’s history
However, Babangida said that he was happy that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged that Abiola won the election and honoured him with the greatest national title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, which is for presidents.
The book launch was attended by prominent political figures, military officers, and dignitaries who gathered to witness the former leader’s account of his years in power.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says there will be a seven-hour power outage in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the affected areas will experience blackout on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.
She attributed the action to scheduled annual preventive maintenance on two transformers.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria informs the public that its maintenance crew will conduct annual preventive maintenance on the 2x100MVA, TR3 & TR4 transformers at the Apo 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Abuja,” the statement read.
“The planned power interruptions are unavoidable, as Abuja DisCo will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the transformers during the maintenance period. Power supply will be restored to the affected areas upon completion of the maintenance exercise.”
Transmission Line Tower – TCN
Mbah explained that on Saturday, February 22, the power disruptions will affect the National Hospital, G2 Injection Station, Garki, Area 1, and Asokoro for seven hours.
According to the statement, areas including Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo Resettlement, Gudu, Apo Mechanic, and surrounding areas will also experience a seven-hour power outage.
Mbah explained that the interruption is necessary as Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the affected transformers during the maintenance period.
TCN apologised for any inconvenience caused to the affected customers during this time.
“Power supply will be restored once the maintenance exercise is completed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause the affected electricity customers,” the company said.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of over 100 senior officers to higher ranks within the force.
The decision includes the elevation of 38 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners, alongside 100 Chief Superintendents of Police.
The approval was confirmed in a statement by the PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, following an extraordinary plenary session held on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The meeting was chaired by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), and attended by key officials, including retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani.
Notable officers promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police include Emmanuel Deenom, Olufemi Takeet, and Yusuf Doki Sani, while others like Ibrahim Mohammed Agava and Akinloye Joseph Oyegade were promoted to Assistant Commissioners.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal University Lokoja has been shut down following students’ lingering protest.
The students began the protest on Monday following the killings of their colleagues by a trailer who rammed into the school shuttle bus, killing seven people instantly.
The closure of the school was disclosed in a circular with Ref. Number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 issued on Thursday by Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, Registrar and Secretary to Council, and copied Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command Director, DSS Kogi State.
The circular reads “Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17 February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.
“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down Indefinitely within one hour of release of this circular.
“Students are therefore to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon today, Thursday, 20th February, 2025. Please note for strict compliance.”
TCN envisages seven-hour blackout in parts of Abuja
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