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BREAKING NEWS: Bururtu Legislative Leader Impeached, Barr. Martins Zimuaghan Emerges as New Leader.
By: Divine Perezide
Burutu, the headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area is still in shock as news of the successful impeachment of the House Leader, Rt. Hon Ekereke Odafe Bibobra, along with his Deputy, Hon. Akpososo Brigila and Azigbeotu Samson (Majority Leader), have just been impeached from their positions. This comes after 14 out of 20 members signed for their removal, citing various allegations such as gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, abuse of office, and high-handedness. The news has sent shockwaves through the community, as the three former leaders were well-respected and held important positions in the local government. The decision to impeach them was not taken lightly, as it was based on concrete evidence and the majority support of the legislative arm. In their place, Hon (Barr) Zimughan A. Martins has been elected as the new Leader. Along with him, Hon Clement wagha has been elected as Deputy Leader, Hon Pondy Ebipadewei stainless as Majority Leader, Hon Goodluck Ayangor as Chief Whip, and Hon Paul Florence (Miss) as Deputy Chief Whip. These new leaders have been chosen to steer the Legislative Arm in a new direction and bring a fresh perspective to governance in Burutu. The reasons for the impeachment of the former leaders are grave and cannot be taken lightly. Gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office are serious offenses that cannot be ignored. The Legislative Arm has a responsibility to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness, and the decision to impeach the former leaders shows their commitment to these principles. The new leadership, under Hon Zimughan A. Martins, is expected to bring positive changes and restore the trust of the people in the legislative arm. As a Barrister, Hon Martins brings a wealth of legal knowledge and experience to the position, which will be crucial in ensuring that the legislative arm operates within the confines of the law. Along with the new Leader, the election’s of Hon Clement wagha, Hon Pondy Ebipadewei stainless, Hon Goodluck Ayangor, and Hon Paul Florence (Miss) as Deputy Leader, Majority Leader, Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whip respectively, are expected to bring a balance of experience, expertise, and diversity to the legislative arm. The town of Burutu can now look forward to a transparent and accountable government, with the newly elected leaders at the helm. The people’s voices have been heard, and their concerns have been addressed through the impeachment of the former leaders. This marks a new beginning for the legislative arm, and a step towards a better and brighter future for the town of Burutu. In conclusion, the impeachment of the Leader of Burutu legislative arm and the subsequent election of new leaders is a significant event that will have a lasting impact on the Council. It shows that the people’s voices are being heard, and that the legislative arm is committed to upholding the values of good governance. The new leadership brings a promise of positive change and a renewed hope for the people of Burutu Local Government.
The new Leader, Hon (Barr) Zimughan A. Martins’s acceptance speech was filled with humility and a deep sense of honor as he thanked both God and his fellow members for entrusting him with the position. He made a promise to not let any personal vendettas affect his leadership and instead, he plans to reach out and mend any broken relationships among the members. He expressed his gratitude towards his party and the council chairman Chief (Dr) Julius Takeme for bringing uncommon developments to the grassroots level. He emphasized the importance of a harmonious and transparent working relationship between the legislative and executive branches in order to fulfill the promises made to the people who voted them into office. His tone of voice was sincere and genuine, as he reiterated his commitment to bringing about positive change for the Burutu people. He made it clear that his ultimate goal is to deliver on the dividends of democracy and heal any divides caused by past poor leadership.
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International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.
The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.
Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.
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Agbor Makes List as PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees for Osun, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta States
By: Divine Perezide
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.
In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”
State Committees Announced
For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.
In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.
The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.
For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.
In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.
Mandate and Tenure
The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”
Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.