General News
El-Rufai Seeks Clarification Over Alleged Importation of Toxic Chemical
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has called on the Office of the National Security Adviser to clarify reports alleging that it imported a highly toxic substance, thallium sulphate, from Poland.
El-Rufai made the demand Sunday in a post on X, stating that he had formally written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, requesting details about the alleged transaction.
According to him, information circulating among opposition political figures indicated that the security office recently imported about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a foreign supplier. He described the substance as “a very dangerous toxin,” noting that it is odourless and colourless, characteristics he said heighten concerns about its potential risks.
In his letter, El-Rufai reportedly emphasized that thallium compounds are extremely hazardous and subject to strict international controls. He said the alleged procurement raised questions about transparency, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
The former governor requested clarification on several points, including the purpose of the chemical, its intended end-user, the identity of the supplying company, and whether the importation was backed by valid defence or chemical permits. He also asked for details on the quantity and concentration obtained, as well as storage and security arrangements.
Additionally, he queried whether relevant regulatory and public-health agencies—such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control—were involved in assessing risks or preparing mitigation plans.
El-Rufai stressed that public trust in national institutions requires prompt and transparent clarification of the matter. As of press time, the national security office had not issued an official response to the allegation.
Abubakar Usman, a fisherman from Maiyama Local Government Area in Kebbi State, stole the spotlight at this year’s Argungu International Fishing Festival by landing a massive 59-kilogram fish, earning him the title of overall champion.
For his remarkable catch, Usman was awarded two brand-new Toyota vehicles by the Sokoto State Government, along with a cash prize of N1 million.
Second place went to Abdullahi Garba of Argungu Local Government Area, whose 40-kilogram fish secured him a Toyota saloon car donated by WACOTT Rice Mills Limited and N1 million in cash.
The third-place position was shared by Danlansu Dankani of Jega and another contestant, each presenting 34-kilogram catches. Both received N1 million and a motorcycle.
The festival’s grand finale, held in Argungu, drew a large audience and high-profile guests, including President Bola Tinubu, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.
Tinubu praised the festival as more than a competition, calling it a celebration of unity, cultural pride, and peaceful coexistence, while highlighting its potential to drive economic growth through tourism and natural resources.
The President also commended the Kebbi State Government for ensuring security and smooth organisation, applauding Governor Nasir Idris for his development initiatives.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for having the state’s ultra-modern secretariat named after him and promised continued federal support to boost peace and tourism in the region.
Governor Idris, in his address, cited key achievements of his administration, including expanded road networks, rehabilitation of health facilities, distribution of agricultural inputs, and timely payment of workers’ salaries, asserting that the government has fulfilled a significant portion of its campaign promises within three years.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Argungu, Muhammad Sama’ila-Mera, addressed a minor disruption that occurred before the President’s arrival, when more than 50,000 fishermen reportedly entered the Matan Fada River ahead of schedule.
The monarch underscored the festival’s cultural importance and urged the federal government to revive the stalled permanent fishing centre project, previously recognised by UNESCO.
The Delta State Government has carried out renovations on more than 400 dispensaries across the state, alongside upgrades of several general and cottage hospitals, in a move aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, revealed that a new Specialist Hospital is currently under construction in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area. The facility, when completed, will complement existing tertiary health institutions in Asaba, Oghara, and Warri, further expanding the state’s medical capacity.
He noted that beyond infrastructural improvements, the administration has invested in modern medical equipment for public hospitals. This includes advanced diagnostic machines such as MRI scanners, which were previously available mainly in private health facilities.
Aniagwu stressed that the government is not only focused on building structures but also on equipping them with up-to-date technology and strengthening the workforce required to manage them effectively.
According to him, the Oborevwori administration’s emphasis on grassroots infrastructure, improved healthcare access, and human capital development is part of a broader strategy to enhance living standards and promote inclusive growth across Delta State.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy for the traders and residents of Kano State following a destructive fire at Kano’s Singer Market over the weekend.
This was disclosed in statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Sunday in Abuja.
The blaze, which broke out on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday morning, caused significant damage to the food market. The President, who had earlier contacted Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a situation report, described the incident as “tragic.”
President Tinubu expressed particular concern that the fire comes less than two weeks after a previous blaze destroyed dozens of shops and property at the same market.
In response, the President has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the recurrent fires, emphasizing the need to safeguard traders’ livelihoods and prevent further loss.