Governor Nwifuru Suspends His Commissioners For Works, Infrastructure, Indefinitely

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February 28, 2026

Ebonyi State Governor - Francis Nwifuru — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

By Akinwale Kasali

In wielding the big stick for alleged dereliction of duties, Governor Francis Nwifuru has suspended his Commissioners for Works, and Infrastructural Development, Stanley Mbam and Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara respectively. The suspension is Indefinite.

Mbam is expected to hand over all Government Properties in his possession to the Secretary to the State Government.

Mbam’s suspension was disclosed by Monday Uzor, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nwifuru, in a Press Statement.

The statement reads;

“The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has approved the indefinite suspension from office of Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Hon. Commissioner for Works and Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara, Hon. Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession for dereliction of duties.

“They are to hand over all Government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government with immediate effect.”

This is not the first time Governor Nwifuru is suspending his Commissioners, as he had done same months back. For the Governor, it is routine.

Insults Hauled At Journalist: Abia PDP Tackles Gov. Otti

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The Source

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February 28, 2026

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The Abia State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party expresses profound concern over the recent comments attributed to Governor Alex Otti, in which a journalist was publicly insulted for asking a legitimate and professional question regarding data and measurable outcomes of government policies as they affect the lives of ordinary Abians. We state clearly that there is nothing improper, offensive, or unintelligent about a journalist requesting empirical evidence of governance outcomes. Such questions lie at the very heart of responsible journalism and democratic accountability.

In a constitutional democracy, public office holders are accountable to the people, and governance is properly assessed not by rhetoric or self appraisal but by verifiable data that speaks to employment creation, healthcare delivery, educational outcomes, infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and general improvement in living standards. When legitimate questions are met with personal attacks rather than facts, it diminishes public discourse, erodes confidence in leadership, and projects intolerance for accountability.

Alex Otti - Abia State Governor — Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

The media remains a constitutionally recognized institution whose duty is to ask questions on behalf of the people. An attack on a journalist for performing this duty is an affront not only to the individual concerned but also to the media organization he represents and to the people of Abia State whose interests he sought to articulate. Leadership demands composure, humility, and respect for institutions, especially when confronted with scrutiny.

The Abia PDP therefore calls on the Governor to put his temperament in check, rise to the responsibility of his office, and offer a public apology to the journalist concerned, the media organization he represents, and the people of Abia State. Such an apology will reaffirm respect for press freedom, strengthen democratic norms, and restore confidence in the maturity of governance in our state. We further urge the Governor to respond to public inquiries with verifiable data and calm confidence, as transparency and accountability remain the true measures of leadership.

Signed

Elder Abraham Amah, Chairman Abia PDP

Anger, Condemnation Over Gov Otti’s Attacks On Abia Journalist

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 28, 2026

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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A groundswell of public outrage and condemnation have continued to trail the Abia State Governor’s hauling of insults at, and vituperation on a broadcast Journalist in the State, Mr Chika Nwabueze.

This is as the All Progressive Congress, APC, expressed its unalloyed solidarity with Nwabueze over what it described as unwarranted assault on journalist by the Abia State Governor.

The Source reports that Governor Otti’s avoidable outburst and scathing tirades against Nwabueze over a routine and innocuous question demanding a verifiable data on the impacts of Government policies and programmes on the people, completely overshadowed his monthly media chat for February, Friday night.

“Your Excellency, your administration has received accolades on infrastructure, projects, and reforms, but critics say transparency and inclusive governance need improvement. Can you provide verifiable data showing how your policies have directly improved the standard of living of Abia people”, Nwabueze had asked the Governor.

But rather than responding to the question, the Abia state Governor resorted to the hauling of insults at the Journalist, describing his question as “irresponsible” and the Journalist as “stupid”

Governor Otti who was apparently more enraged by the fact that the Journalist works with a local Radio, “Don FM”, which ownership is linked to the Abia State Coordinator of the nascent , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Support Group “City Boys Movement” berated the Journalist for asking what he considered an irrelevant question.

“You have not said anything. Since you live in Umuahia, you will be the one to provide data.

“This is a serious media chat. We are not here to massage opposition. You can’t come to my media chat and ask me to provide data about the measurable impact of the work that is being done in the State where you live.

” It is irresponsible. That we throw this media chat open for everybody to ask questions doesn’t mean people should be stupid.

“Let us take this seriously. Speech is free, but when you come to my media chat you must be prepared.

“If you don’t have any question then you don’t raise your hand. What do you want to hear from me”, Gov Otti fumed.

However,the Governor’s aggressive disposition nothwithstanding, the Journalist insisted on being availed verifiable evidence of the manifest impacts of the policies of the Government.

Expectedly, the Governor’s seemingly unwarranted outburst has been eliciting widespread indignation and condemnation from across the State, particularly the opposition camp.

Not a few working journalists in the state have come to perceive the Governor’s insults on Nwabueze as an assault on free press and democratic norms.

The APC in a statement issued by its Abia state caucus on Saturday, February 28,2026, expressed deep shock and disbelief over the Governor’s attack on an innocent working Journalist.

The party also condemned the attempt by Governor Otti to cow Journalists and suppress freedom of press in the state.

“An unfortunate altercation occurred yesterday during Governor Alex Otti’s media chat where a Journalist was verbally attacked for asking questions.bordering on verifiable data of Abia Government’s claims .

“Our Governor must understand that democracy thrives on transparency, accountability anchored on credible data, and mutual respect between public office holders and the media.

“Abia State chapter of the All Progressive Congress strongly frowns at Governor Alex Otti’s troubling conduct during the media engagement yesterday ( Friday) which raises deeper concerns about his temperament and commitment to accountability.

“As members of Fourth Estate of the Realm, Journalists play a critical role in safeguarding democracy. When a Governor reacts harshly to legitimate inquiries, it raises concerns about his openness and respect for democratic principles.

“Abia APC insists that public office holders must be prepared to defend their policies with fact rather than emotion”, the APC stated .

Gov. Okpebholo Stakes Office, Vows To Resign If Tinubu Doesn’t Win 2027 Poll

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Ayodele Oni

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February 28, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Reaffirming commitment and belief in President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has declared that he would step down from office if Tinubu fails to win the 2027 presidential election.

The governor made the declaration on Friday while speaking during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT).

He maintained that his confidence is rooted in the development projects currently ongoing in Edo State, which he credited to the support of the Tinubu-led federal government.

Okpebholo stated that residents of the state would express their appreciation for the president through their votes in 2027.

He argued that visible infrastructure and social projects would shape political decisions more than campaign promises.

“Edo people have not even thanked Tinubu. How they will thank him is through their votes.

“The various projects across the state are the things that will speak for Tinubu and he will win here. Bet me, if he doesn’t win, I will resign as governor.

“There is no election here for him. I’m a politician, who under-studied Chief Tony Aneneh. My style of politics is not thuggery but grassroots,” he said.

The governor also emphasised that his political approach is based on community engagement and direct contact with ordinary citizens, rather than violence or intimidation.

He described himself as a grassroots politician who believes elections should be won through performance and connection with the people.

Funke Akindele Honoured By NFVCB As Box Office Queen, Bags Four Awards

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 28, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Nollywood Actress, Funke Akindele, has bagged four awards from the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, with the prestigious Nollywood Box Office Champion Award headlining the series of honours she bagged.

The award recognises Akindele’s outstanding performance at the box office, with her films “Omo Ghetto” (2020), “Everybody Loves Jenifa” (2024/2025), and “Behind The Scenes” (2026) grossing N2.7 billion.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony held in Lagos, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NFVCB, described the occasion as a celebration of excellence and a milestone in the evolution of Nigerian cinema.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to promoting excellence, professionalism, and commercial sustainability in the film industry.

Dr Husseini noted that Akindele has dominated the Nigerian box office for four consecutive years, setting new records and expanding cinema audiences. He attributed her success to her vision, discipline, strategic distribution, and deep understanding of audience engagement.

“This award is more than a trophy,” Husseini said. “It is a statement that excellence in cinema exhibition matters. It is a signal that consistency and professionalism will always be recognised. It also affirms the immense promise of Nigeria’s creative economy,” he said.

Minister of Arts, Culture, Creative Economy and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, praised Akindele as a “phenomenon” and a trailblazer who has set industry benchmarks.

She commended Akindele’s achievement, saying it sends a powerful message that Nollywood is not only culturally influential but also economically viable.

In her acceptance speech, Akindele attributed her success to relentless dedication, strategic planning and unwavering commitment to excellence. She urged practitioners to resist selfish interests and emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in driving industry growth.

Addressing the audience, Akindele said, “public commentary about her promotional style, explaining that her energetic dancing was a creative and cost-effective marketing strategy. She welcomed constructive criticism and thanked the NFVCB for recognising her work.

“Nollywood is big enough for everyone,” she stated, calling on established professionals to support emerging creatives and ensure collective growth.

In her goodwill message, General Manager of the National Theatre Mrs. Akerele also praised Akindele for her resilience, humility and openness to growth. She noted that Akindele’s discipline and continuous improvement serve as inspiration to women across the industry, adding that her career trajectory could one day become a subject of academic study.

Goodwill messages came from the Audio-visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) and the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).

2027: Iyabo Obasanjo Unveils Governorship Ambition Plan, Lauds Tinubu’s Economic Reform

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The Source

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February 28, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Iyabo Obasanjo, a Daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo has unveiled her Governorship ambition plan ahead of the 2027 Election.

The former Senator is vying for the Ogun State Governorship Position under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Iyabo showered praises on President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, and stressed that President Tinubu has helped a lot to stabilize the economy and strengthen the purchasing power of Nigerians.

He further lauded President Tinubu on his foresight in embarking on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road, saying that the massive road construction would not only help in deepening economic activities along that corridor but would also help to decongest the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

She added that her Governorship aspiration is not a fluke, neither is she out to clear the path for any other candidate, but that she is putting in every effort and commitment to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun come 2027.

The Epidemiology Specialist made this disclosure during a media parley with journalists held on Saturday at the penthouse inside her father’s sprawling Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

Iyabo, who represented Ogun Central at the Senate between 2007 and 2011 affirmed that there have been a lot of positive developments with the economy in the last two and a half years.

She explained: “I think there’s a lot going on, positively. One is the stabilization of the Naira. What that does is that people can predict how much money they will spend on imports and how much income they will get. So stabilization of the Naira is a big one.

“I think that the economic stability cannot be overstated, because when people can predict income and exports, things get better — because then you are not buying something at one price due to dollar instability and having to sell it at a higher price when it changes.

“So, for economic stability, there has been progress and there has been some improvement in security, mainly because now we have a lot of collaboration going on. There is international collaboration, the President’s visits to different countries for trade, economic development is rising and that is the key to everything we do.”

Speaking further, she said there might have been a lot of negativity around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road, but the truth is that it is a valuable move towards expanding the economy and addressing regular congestion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

She disclosed that “although there was a lot of negativity around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road, it is a developmental move that will help to generate income as it helps to connect the ports within the axis.

“It will also help to ease transportation on the Lagos-Ibadan corridor. Right now, to go north in Nigeria, to go east, you have to come through Ogun State on that road.

“Yes, it’s good that they go through, but if they’re going through and congesting that road, it’s also a problem, right? So that road will help us decongest Ogun State roads in ways that will actually help us with development, too.”

Iyabo however spoke extensively on her Governorship Ambition, stressing that her government will build on the recent gains of industrialisation that is fast catching up with the state, as well as the value chain in agriculture and tourism, among others, to strengthen the economy of the state.

She disclosed: “The current administration has made impressive moves with industrialisation — the number of factories we have, because with those factories come jobs, opportunity and taxation.

“But also, those resources can then be turned into products. So we are becoming the industrialisation hub of Nigeria.

“That was how China started. Factories were taken from America to China. So now China is bringing factories here. This is an opportunity for the state to become the Guangdong of Nigeria.

“Also important is agriculture. We need to do even more in that regard because we do have a lot of land and we are close to Lagos, which is a city where people need a lot of food. Since we all have to eat every day, let us do that.

“And also, we are close to the port. So if we produce food for export or industry for export, we are in a good position to send products across the world. So focusing on agriculture as we add value to agricultural products will be something for us to do.”

She also stated that her government would also invest heavily in the area of ICT and Tech education to ensure that the advantages in technology are leveraged to create jobs and advance scientific and technical development.

Families Of Kidnapped Victims Fault Ondo Police On Arrest, Release Claims

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Ayodele Oni

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February 28, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Families of worshippers abducted during a midnight service at a Celestial Church in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have faulted claims by the Ondo State Police Command that suspects have been arrested and one of the victims rescued.

The families, who spoke with journalists on Saturday, described the police statement as “misleading and untrue,” insisting that all the abducted worshippers remain in the custody of their captors four days after the attack.

The victims were reportedly seized on Tuesday night when gunmen invaded the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway during a service.

Their reaction followed an earlier disclosure by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, that 11 suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction and that one of the victims had been rescued.

The police commissioner spoke on Friday during a media Parley in Akure while reacting to update on the incident.

However, the families said they were shocked by the announcement, stressing that none of the victims had returned home and that they had not been contacted by the police regarding any rescue or confirmed arrests linked to the incident.

“We are surprised to hear that arrests have been made and that one victim has been rescued,” a family spokesperson said. “As of today, none of the abducted worshippers has returned home, and none of us has been shown or informed of any suspect arrested in connection with this crime.

“If truly arrests have been made, we expect transparency. We are the ones directly affected, and we should not be left in the dark.”

The families further disclosed that the abductors had established contact and were demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for the release of the victims.

According to them, the ransom demand has deepened their anxiety and contradicted the police’s assertion that significant breakthroughs had been recorded in the case.

“The kidnappers have reached out to us and are insisting on ₦100 million. This shows clearly that our loved ones are still with them. We are in constant fear and distress,” another relative said.

They lamented that since the abduction, they had not received any formal briefing from security agencies on concrete steps taken to secure the victims’ freedom.

While appealing for intensified rescue efforts, the families urged the police to prioritise actionable operations over public statements that, in their view, do not reflect the situation on the ground.

“We need results, not assurances. Every conflicting statement increases public anxiety and weakens trust in security agencies,” the spokesperson added.

The families also called on the Ondo State and federal government to urgently scale up security operations in the area to ensure the safe and unconditional release of the victims.

ADC Chieftain, Odigie-Oyegun Says Party Had Fore Knowledge Of Benin Attack Through Police

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Ayodele Oni

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February 28, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has expressed disappointment over the inability of the police to arrest gunmen who attacked the party Secretariat and his residence in Benin on Tuesday.

The Gunmen also shot at the convoy of another chieftain of ADC, Peter Obi.

Odigie-Oyegun, also a former Edo governor, stated this on Friday, when fielding questions after the party’s South South Zonal Leadership Committee meeting in Benin.

He said the security agencies gave them a hint of the attack, which saved them.

“I am not sure if an arrest has been made. I am also not sure if an arrest will be made, considering the nature of the event.

“Imagine people bearing arms in broad daylight and being seen, and no one has been arrested up till now,” he said.

He urged the government to allow peace to reign and eschew violence in the run-up to the election.

“The ADC will do what it takes to make the party the choice of Nigerians,” he noted

Odigie-Oyegun also urged leaders and party members in the zone to work in unity and learn from each other’s experience, so that the zone could be worthy of emulation.

Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amechi, announced his presidential bid at the meeting.

2027: We Did Not Endorse Amaechi For Presidency – South-South ADC

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Ayodele Oni

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February 28, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mabel Oboh, has clarified that there was no time leaders of the zone endorsed former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for 2027 presidency.

Reports have claimed that one of the national leaders in the zone, former Governor John Odigie-Oyegun, and others endorsed Amaechi on Friday when the former Transport Minister visited Edo to inform leaders of his intentions to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party.

The Zonal Publicity Secretary, described the reports as “misleading, undemocratic, and a troubling example of how selective narratives can distort political reality.”

It was gathered that the February 27 meeting, was held at Oyegun’s residence, with respected party elders, senior stakeholders, and state representatives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.

According to Oboh, the meeting was organised to strengthen internal cohesion, deepen grassroots mobilisation, and position the party strategically for future electoral contests.

She said: “These were not casual attendees, they were seasoned political leaders, individuals with decades of experience in governance, party administration, and democratic practice.

“To suggest that such a body would casually abandon constitutional process for an informal endorsement is both inaccurate and illogical.”

Ms Oboh described Amaechi’s move to formally informed regional leaders of his intention to seek the party’s presidential ticket as respectful consultation with his geopolitical zone.

“Consultation is not endorsement, and courtesy is not coronation,” adding receiving a prominent son of the South-South who chose to formally brief his regional leaders cannot be twisted into a declaration of support.

Oboh emphasised that at no time, before, during, or after the meeting, was any motion moved, resolution adopted, vote taken, or consensus reached to endorse any aspirant.

She further stressed that Chief Oyegun’s political history makes the allegation particularly implausible.

As a former national chairman of a ruling political party and a longstanding advocate of constitutional order within party systems, Oyegun, she said, understands the weight of process and institutional discipline.

“It is inconceivable that a leader of his pedigree would undermine the very democratic structures he has spent decades strengthening.

“Misinformation in political reporting does not merely mislead the public; it risks undermining democratic processes, fueling unnecessary tension within parties, and eroding confidence in institutional procedures.”

She maintained that the ADC remains committed to internal democracy, noting that the power to nominate and elect candidates rests with constitutionally recognised organs of the party and ultimately with its members, not with a handful of leaders at a zonal consultation.

Reaffirming the unity of the South-South bloc, Oboh stated that the meeting’s true objective was structural consolidation and party growth, not premature political alignment.

“The elders of the South-South remain united, disciplined, and committed to due process. No endorsement took place. Any narrative suggesting otherwise is false and should be disregarded.”

Osun House Of Assembly Speaker, Egbedun Leads 24 Lawmakers To Accord Party

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Ayodele Oni

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February 28, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Aligning their political future with that of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, and 24 other serving lawmakers, on Friday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party.

The decision followed a meeting held at the Osun State House of Assembly complex on Friday evening, where the legislators reportedly resolved to realign their political future ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Governor Adeleke had earlier defected to Accord Party and secured the party’s ticket to contest for the second time.

His decision followed series of crisis in the PDP which has led to emergence of factions under different leaders.

Report revealed that the lawmakers’ defection was influenced by their desire to maintain political alignment with Governor Ademola Adeleke, who had earlier left the PDP for the Accord Party in preparation for his 2026 re-election bid.

According to one of the lawmakers, discussions around the defection had been ongoing since Governor Adeleke’s move to the Accord Party in November.

However, he said a final decision was reached following recent developments surrounding adjustments to the general election timetable.

Confirming the development, the Speaker’s spokesperson, Mr Olamide Tiamiyu, said 25 out of the 26 members of the Assembly had formally joined the Accord Party.

He added that further details on the defection would be made public in due course.