Today’s Headlines:Wike Defends Tinubu’s Removal of Petrol Subsidy;Senate Declares Emergency on Ebola

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that successive administrations recognised the policy as fraudulent but lacked the courage to abolish it. Speaking at a political stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, Wike acknowledged that the decision had increased the cost of living but expressed confidence that prices would fall once the government’s economic reforms stabilised.

Wike also defended Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming that state governors no longer needed bank loans and public universities had experienced no strikes during the administration. Although he admitted that the government had not solved all the country’s problems, he maintained that significant progress had been made. He urged FCT Peoples Democratic Party members to support Tinubu and All Progressives Congress candidates in the 2027 elections, promising logistical support for their campaign activities.

The Senate has declared an emergency over the risk of an Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, following confirmation of the country’s first case in the Federal Capital Territory. It adopted resolutions mandating compulsory health screening for all international travellers at airports, seaports and designated land borders, including temperature checks, health declaration forms and symptom assessments. The Senate also called for trained health officers, screening equipment and isolation facilities at entry points, alongside the urgent release of emergency funds to strengthen the country’s response.

Senators raised concerns over gaps in border screening after the infected traveller reportedly entered Nigeria from Kenya without proper checks. About 44 contacts had been identified for quarantine and observation, prompting warnings of possible further transmission. The Senate also called for the repeal of the 1926 Quarantine Act and its replacement with modern public health legislation. Senators further demanded the immediate release of funds reportedly approved for Ebola control and improved preparedness across all 36 states and the FCT.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has urged northern politicians to respect Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement and allow the South to complete its eight-year presidential tenure before seeking power. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Akume said the agreement, reached in 1999 by Peoples Democratic Party governors-elect and other political leaders, was designed to promote fairness, national unity and political stability by alternating the presidency between the North and South in eight-year cycles.

Akume criticised northern aspirants seeking the presidency before the South completes its current tenure, insisting that the arrangement should be respected following former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office. He described power rotation as a fundamental political understanding necessary to maintain mutual trust and prevent regional exclusion. He also called for sustained cooperation among the federal, state and local governments to address economic challenges and improve citizens’ welfare.

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, have foiled an alleged pipeline vandalism attempt in Gou community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, and arrested an 18-year-old motorcycle rider, Aondoyima Agber. The suspect was apprehended on October 20, 2026, after soldiers responded to intelligence about suspected vandals, who fled before their arrival. Agber was allegedly attempting to transport a section of the pipeline and remains in custody.

The Acting Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, said troops were continuing patrols to protect critical national infrastructure and prevent further criminal activities. The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the soldiers for their swift response and warned against the destruction of public assets. He also urged residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with security agencies to strengthen peace and security in the area.

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