The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kebbi State has accused the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, of allegedly targeting former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in an attempt to dissuade him from pursuing his governorship ambition in the state.

The allegation was contained in a statement released on Sunday and co-signed by the Kebbi State Chairman of the party, Sufiyanu Bala, and Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa.

The ADC contended that the federal government is employing judicial measures to intimidate opposition figures at both the federal and state levels.

The party asserted that these alleged actions are designed to instil fear among opposition politicians and deter them from pursuing their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“By 12 noon in 2027, their party is gone. That is why they are intimidating strong opposition figures who appear poised to replace them, particularly Malami, who is being persecuted through the judiciary,” the statement read.

Additionally, the party claimed that the Kebbi State Government is participating in efforts to undermine Malami’s governorship ambition through various intimidation tactics, insisting that nothing will hinder his candidacy in the 2027 election.

The ADC also alleged that the confiscation of Malami’s assets is part of a coordinated strategy by both the Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government to intimidate the former minister.

Despite what it described as judicial and political persecution, the party expressed its determination and confidence that the judiciary would reverse the recent ruling against Malami.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted two tankers designated to transport edible vegetable oil after they were found carrying Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, described the incident as a serious breach of food safety regulations and a potential threat to public health.

Mr Iluyomade said the discovery was made during a recent enforcement operation in Lagos.

He said the agency investigation revealed that the two tankers, meant exclusively for edible vegetable oil, had been loaded with diesel in violation of food safety regulations.

The director said the manager claimed ignorance of the colour-coding requirements for edible oil tankers and that the vehicles had previously been used only to transport diesel.

Mr Iluyomade said the two tankers and their drivers had been taken into custody, while investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the violation and ensure appropriate regulatory action.

“Vegetable oil has nothing to do with petrol or petroleum products, and that is why we are very particular about it,” he said.

“Any tanker designated for edible vegetable oil must be dedicated exclusively to that purpose, which is in line with international best practices for food safety.

The director assured the public that NAFDAC would intensify its enforcement and ensure additional vigilance to prevent a recurrence of such violations.

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Mr Iluyomade, who is also the chairman of the National Taskforce, urged operators in the sector to comply with established safety and regulatory requirements.

The agency also appealed to members of the public to support its enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.

(NAN)