News
Governor Bello Receives Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Emphasizes Peaceful Coexistence
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, has welcomed members of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs on Friday at his office in Government House, Lokoja.
In his address, the governor expressed his gratitude to the Royal Fathers, whom he described as crucial supporters of his administration, especially in the realms of community policing and overall development.
During the meeting, Governor Bello extended his heartfelt condolences to the Atta Igala on the passing of his elder brother two weeks ago.
The governor took the opportunity to clarify the effects of removing petroleum product subsidies on the government and its people. He emphasized the need to channel funds towards improving health, education, agriculture, and other critical infrastructure, all of which are essential for enhancing the well-being of the populace.
Regarding the Operation Light Up Kogi East, a rural electrification project in Kogi East Senatorial District, the governor acknowledged the substantial achievements made so far but however stressed the importance of continuing efforts to ensure that every community in the region receives reliable electricity supply.
Governor Bello also discussed the progress of Kogi State University, Kabba. He informed the traditional rulers that the recruitment of qualified academics had been advertised, urging Kogi Sons and Daughters with the necessary qualifications to apply and support the project.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Governor Bello urged the traditional rulers to advise their subjects to conduct peaceful campaigns, devoid of any form of crisis, violence, or acts that might threaten the state’s peace and security. He expressed confidence in his political party, the APC, and its ability to secure a rancor-free atmosphere for the people of Kogi State to cast their votes on 11 November 2023.
Regarding rumors about his own life, the governor reminded everyone that life and death are in the hands of God alone, and he will return to God when it is divinely appointed.
Furthermore, Governor Bello encouraged the traditional rulers to advocate for peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and unity among their people. He advised against engaging in acrimonious politics, spreading fake news, and resorting to propaganda.
The governor implored the traditional rulers to continue working and praying for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acknowledging the visionary policies his administration has undertaken. He expressed optimism that better days are ahead, and the current challenges will yield the desired results.
The President of Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, the Atta Igala, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-akpa II, was represented by the Ohimege-Igu of Koto Karfe, His Royal Majesty, Abdulrasaq Isah Koto. They conveyed their solidarity to the governor and commended him for his various developmental projects.
The council highlighted significant improvements in rural electrification, particularly in Kogi/Koto and Lokoja local government areas. He urged the governor to maintain the momentum of progress, especially in the area of electricity and emphasized the importance of delivering good governance to the people while disregarding distractions.
News
Multiple Accident on Karu Bridge Abuja (Video)
Reports are coming in of multiple accidents which occurred on Thursday evening, November 13th on the Karu Bridge in Abuja.
Details of the accident are still emerging, but a video posted on X, shows cars in flames while eyewitnesses calls for fire fighters to put out the engulfing inferno.
Authorities are likely on the scene, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching the area and to consider alternative routes if possible.
Video ccredit.
Crime
Robert Mugabe Jr. Convicted of Drug Offense, Says He’s a Single Father
Robert Mugabe Junior, 33, the son of late former president Robert Mugabe, has been found guilty of illegal possession of drugs by the Harare Magistrates Court. Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki delivered the ruling on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
Mugabe pleaded guilty to possessing two grams of dagga, admitting the offence in open court. During proceedings, he appealed to the court for leniency, revealing that he is a single father of two.
“I am a single father raising two children. I ask the court to be lenient with me,” he said.
Sentencing is scheduled for later Thursday afternoon.
Found With Dagga During Traffic Stop
The case stems from a traffic stop on 1 October 2025, when police intercepted Mugabe’s silver Honda Fit in central Harare. Officers discovered a small quantity of dagga in his bag.
Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira told the court the search uncovered:
- Two sachets of dagga
- One pack of Rizla rolling papers
- A white dagga crusher
The total haul weighed two grams, with an estimated street value of US$30 (R550). Chigumira also noted that Mugabe had initially refused to sign the seizure receipt issued by police.
Previous Court Appearance and Bail
Mugabe first appeared in court on 2 October 2025 and spent two nights in custody before being granted bail of US$300 (R5,500). Magistrate Mutendereki ordered him to report weekly to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and remain at his registered address until the case concluded.
The trial has attracted widespread attention on social media, with public reactions divided over his conviction.
Police Allegations of Wider Syndicate
Earlier, the Zimbabwe Republic Police suggested Mugabe might be connected to a larger drug network. Commissioner Paul Nyathi told reporters on 2 October 2025 that authorities had recovered 25 sachets of Indo hybrid dagga and six ecstasy pills linked to a syndicate allegedly involving Phillip Munetsi Chiyangwa, Mitchel Jackson, Simbarashe Kaseke, Wellington Icube, and Tanaka Kashamba.
However, prosecutors focused solely on Mugabe’s personal possession charge in court, leaving the wider syndicate allegations unaddressed.
History of Legal Trouble
This is not Mugabe Junior’s first legal issue. In February 2023, he was arrested for allegedly damaging property at a party in Harare. That case was later dropped following compensation. His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, who represented him in 2023, again defended him in this case, saying:
“He accepts responsibility for what happened and has cooperated with the authorities.”
Mugabe is expected back in court Thursday afternoon for sentencing, when Magistrate Mutendereki will determine his punishment.
Business
Nigerian govt suspends implementation of 15% petrol import duty
The Nigerian government has suspended the planned 15 per cent import duty on premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (diesel). The announcement was made by George Ene-Ita, spokesperson for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in a statement on Thursday.
The regulator urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, assuring that there is adequate supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15 percent ad valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” NMDPRA stated.
The statement added that both domestic and imported supplies of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products are sufficient to meet demand, especially during the peak period. The authority warned against hoarding, panic buying, or unwarranted price increases, and affirmed that it would continue to monitor supply and distribution closely.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the 15 per cent import duty last month to encourage the use of products from Dangote Refinery. While some stakeholders supported the move as a boost for local refining, critics argued it could increase fuel prices and worsen economic hardship for Nigerians.
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