76 Disputed Oil Wells: We Are Ready To Protect What Rightly Belongs To Us – Gov Eno

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February 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr. Umo Eno has expressed the readiness of his administration to go head-to-head with the Cross River State authorities in the renewed battle for the long disputed 76 oil wells.

The Source reports that of recent, the Cross River State Government has renewed its claim to the oil wells which were earlier ceded to Akwa Ibom courtesy of two Supreme court rulings.

The State is believed to be deploying all the political ,and diplomatic arsenal at its disposal to ensure a reversal of the Supreme Court’s verdict which effectively shut it out of the country’s littoral states ,as well as denied it significant amount accruing from the 13% derivation funds for oil producing states.

The state is said to be hinging its hope of reprieve on the work of a Federal Government Committee which is re-evaluating the issue years after the Supreme Court’s pronouncement.

But speaking at the weekend on the occasion of the second year anniversary celebration of the “Golden Initiative For All GIFA, a pet project of his late wife, Governor Eno remained adamant that no Committee or any other Government agencies have the legal and moral powers to overturn the Supreme Court’s verdict on the disputed 76 Oil wells.

According to him, any attempts at revisiting and or overturning the apex court judgement will tantamount to repudiating the International Court of Justice ICJ ruling on the Bakassi Peninsula, a development which he fears may internationalize the issue at stake.

“We have two Supreme Court judgments and there is no reason whatsoever to revisit the issue. Nothing has changed that will prompt us to begin to look at the Supreme Court’s pronouncement on the issue again.

” No Committee can overturn a Supreme Court’s judgment. No agency of Government can overturn a Supreme Court’s judgment..

“Akwa Ibom, according to the Supreme Court’s ruling, does not have a maritime boundary with Cross River state. We only have a maritime boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, and any attempt to shift that boundary will amount to tampering with the ICJ ruling, and know that by that time it will become an international issue” Gov Eno stated .

While appealing to Akwa Ibom citizens to remain calm, Governor Eno affirmed his administration’s resolve and readiness to go the whole hug in securing what rightly belongs to the Akwa Ibom people.

This is as he expressed unflinching confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to be on the side of justice in the present circumstances.

He expressed the readiness of his administration’ to match whatever antics Cross River state authorities are applying in the bid to protect what belongs to Akwa Ibom citizens.

” We are in the ruling party. We will go where they go. We will meet who they meet. We will talk where they talk. We will sit where they sit and we will defend what belongs to us”, the Governor vowed.

“I Fear God” – Kashim Imam On Why He Decided To Part Ways With Tinubu

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The Source

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February 21, 2026

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Kashim Imam and Bola Tinubu — L-R; Kashim Imam and President Bola Tinubu

By Gideon Njoku

Kashim Imam, a popular Northern Politian, has, for 36 years, been a close political ally of President Bola Tinubu. For 36 years, he stayed glued to Tinubu. Theirs was for good or bad, even if, at one point or the other they belonged to different political parties.

So, for 36 years, they were like five and six.

But no more.

What could have caused the destruction of a 36-year old relationship?

Imam who is now a member of the opposition coalition party, African Democratic Congres, ADC, and functions as the Party’s Chairman, Membership Registration and Revalidation, explained why on Friday February 20, 2026. “I fear God”, he said.

In a video on X which was shared by Sulaiman Uwaisu Idris, @kafinHausa, a political commentator, Imam said his decision to severe his relationship with Tinubu was guided by his conscience and faith.

He said the Tinubu Government is driven by unprecedented injustice, emphasising that “Nigeria is experiencing levels of injustice never witnessed since its creation.”

His words: “I was a close ally of Tinubu for 36 years. But today, I decided to part ways with him out of fear of God and a rejection of injustice.”

Lauretta Onochie, a former Boss of the Niger Delta Development Commission and and late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Aide, commended Iman for what she described as his “courageous stand.”

Ondo: Gunmen Again Invade Akure North Community, Abduct Couple

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Ayodele Oni

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February 21, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

For the third time within a month, residents of Eleyewo in the Ilu-Abo area, Akure North local government, Ondo State, were thrown into panic late Friday night as suspected bandits invaded the community, abducting a couple and shooting a neighbour during the attack.

The incident, which occurred around 9:45 p.m. on February 20, 2026, targeted Mr. Jamiu Olawale and his wife, said to be residents of Olaribigba Estate, Ilu-Abo.

According to sources, the couple had just returned home from their shop in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry when unknown gunmen reportedly emerged from a nearby bush and attacked them at the frontage of their residence.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the assailants fired several gunshots into the air, causing widespread panic as residents fled for safety.

The attackers subsequently whisked the couple away to an unknown destination.

During the attack, a neighbour, Mr. Patrick Ilumaro, who was seated in front of his residence, sustained a gunshot wound. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Akure, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said tactical teams and conventional operatives had been deployed to comb the surrounding bushes and adjoining areas with a view to rescuing the victims unhurt and apprehending the perpetrators.

He assured residents that concerted efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted couple and bring those responsible to justice.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while also calling for credible and actionable information that could aid ongoing investigations.

The latest attack comes barely days after suspected bandits killed the Alagamo of Agamo, Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, also in Akure North Local Government Area during a failed abduction attempt.

Security Chiefs in the state, led by the commissioner of police had visited the area two days ago following the killing on a traditional ruler promising adequate security.

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At 70, Owoeye’s Quiet Genius Still Builds Nigeria

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The Source

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February 21, 2026

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By Folu Olamiti

At a moment when Nigeria’s classrooms groan under swelling enrolment and shrinking means, the life of Professor Jide Owoeye stands as a tender reminder that true nation-building is often the work of patience, sacrifice and faith in tomorrow.

Born in Ibadan in 1956, Owoeye will on March 1 2026 marks his 70th birthday , not with fanfare, but with the enduring gratitude of students whose futures he helped to rescue. A scholar of International Relations, and Pro-Chancellor of Lead City University, he has spent a lifetime nurturing minds while quietly easing burdens for those who could not afford a second chance.

From chalkboard to compass of hope

His intellectual path began at University of Ibadan and matured at Obafemi Awolowo University, where scholarship met purpose. Rising to professor in 2002, he carried his curiosity beyond Nigeria’s shores, studying Africa’s diplomatic ties with Asia during fieldwork in Japan.

Yet titles were never his destination. After decades in the public university system, he founded Lead City University in 2005, determined to widen the narrow door through which too few Nigerian youths could pass. Lecture theatres became sanctuaries of hope; laboratories, engines of confidence; scholarships, lifelines to children who had once resigned themselves to lost dreams.

Recognition tempered by humility

His honours include the Africa Education Legends Award in 2022. But those closest to him say his truest accolade lies in the quiet stories: fees paid anonymously, hostels built where none existed, lecturers supported through hardship, and the shy student who discovered courage because one man believed in her.

Through ventures such as *College Press & Publishers Ltd. and Lead City Microfinance Bank, Owoeye sought to ease the wider burdens of education-books within reach, loans without humiliation, dignity for teacherbs and learners alike.

A life shaped by compassion

Students describe him as a gentle listener who remembers their names long after graduation. Staff recall a leader who asks first about families before files. In lecture halls and council chambers, he carries a quiet conviction: that education is not a commodity, but a covenant between generations.

At 70, his journey mirrors the story of Nigeria itself-tested, hopeful, unfinished. His legacy whispers that progress is possible when intellect is guided by kindness and ambition softened by grace.

In an age of impatience, Professor Owoeye’s life reminds a weary nation that institutions are built not merely with bricks and budgets, but with love, vision and the courage to believe that every child deserves a future brighter than yesterday.

Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike Gets First Female Vice Chancellor In 34 Years

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 21, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Thirty four years after its establishment, a first female Vice Chancellor has emerged for the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, MOUAU.

She is Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa.

She was announced as the 7th Vice Chancellor of the University by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Comrade Chukwunweike Ede, shortly after the Council ratified her appointment at its 95th Meeting.

The Professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation,who currently serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor , Research and Development of the University will be taking over from the incumbent Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, whose five-year non-renewable tenure will come to an end on February 28,2026.

Prof Akanwa’s appointment as Vice Chancellor is coming sixteen years after joining the services of MOUAU, from the Abia State University, Uturu, in 2010 as an Associate Professor.

She rose to the rank of a full Professor in 2014.

ADC Says Long Hours Of Movement Restriction Will Compromise Outcome Of FCT Area Council Poll

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Ayodele Oni

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February 21, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that restriction of movement due to the area council election at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will compromise the outcome of the poll.

The party expressed grave concern over the declaration of what it described as a premature curfew in the Federal Capital Territory ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.

According to the party, the decision to impose movement restrictions from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, as announced by the FCT administration under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, raises serious questions about the commitment of authorities to ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

ADC pointed out that while limited restrictions on movement on election day may be understandable for security and logistical reasons, the established democratic practice is for such measures to commence at midnight on the day of the election — not several hours before.

The party warned that imposing a curfew a day before the polls could significantly disrupt voter movement, discourage participation, and create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

The ADC stated that elections must be conducted in an environment that is not only secure but also visibly open, transparent, and accessible to all eligible voters.

Abuja residents, the party stressed, must be able to travel safely to their polling units, remain there until the voting process is concluded, and return home without harassment, intimidation, or arbitrary restrictions.

The party therefore registered its strong objection to what it described as a premature and unjustified restriction on movement and called on the authorities to immediately review the decision in the interest of democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful participation in the electoral process and urged security agencies to act professionally, impartially, and in strict accordance with the law.

FCT Council Poll: Senator Kingibe Condemns Restriction Of Movement, Describes Wike’s Action As Authoritarian

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Ayodele Oni

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February 21, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, has described restriction of movement due to Saturday’s election by the Minister, Nyesome Wike as authoritarian.

The senator, who accused the minister of not carrying along stakeholders, called for a review or suspension of the movement restriction imposed ahead of the FCT Local Government elections.

Wike had declared Friday a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement from 8 pm on Friday till 6 pm Saturday in preparation for the FCT Local Council elections scheduled for tomorrow.

Reacting in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, Senator Kingibe strongly condemned what she described as the unilateral imposition of a curfew, characterising the minister’s action as “authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society.”

The Senator stated unequivocally that the decision to impose a curfew across the Federal Capital Territory, without broad consultation with critical stakeholders, is a direct affront to democratic governance and the constitutional rights of residents.

“The people of the FCT are not subjects under a dictatorship. They are citizens of a democratic republic.

“Any sweeping restriction on their movement and livelihoods must be justified by compelling evidence, subjected to scrutiny, and carried out with transparency,” she said.

While acknowledging the importance of maintaining law and order, Kingibe emphasised that security concerns cannot serve as a blanket justification for “executive overreach.”

She stressed that the curfew, as announced, risks inflicting severe economic hardship on small businesses, workers, and families who rely on daily income for survival, as well as international visitors.

“ECOWAS Parliamentarians will be arriving for a planned 10-day extraordinary meeting starting on Sunday, Set Weddings and receptions, Planned Functions, Marked Events and Embassies.

“Curfews are only warranted when there are SERIOUS security breaches, and there are NONE. This is only just Area Council (LG) Elections.

“Decisions of this magnitude cannot be taken without cause, consultation with stakeholders, and due process.

“The minister should please remember that he is not the first to administer this territory and this is not the first election taking place here,” she said.

Senator Kingibe, therefore, called on the minister to immediately review and suspend the curfew.

“The rights, freedoms, and economic well-being of the people of the FCT must never be compromised by arbitrary, authoritarian and draconian executive action.”

Uzodimma Tasks Imo Judicial Service Commission On integrity, Trust, Swears-in new Members

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The Source

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February 21, 2026

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Governor Hope Uzodimma has called on members of the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to uphold the tenets of integrity, unity, and fairness in the discharge of their duties in the judiciary in particular and Imo State in general.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of new members Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Government House Owerri, the Governor emphasised that the strength of democracy rests on a “committed and independent judiciary,” urging the appointees to see their roles as a sacred trust.

Those sworn in are: Hon Lady Mercy Mgbechi Anyanwu ( Chairman),

Barr. Louis Alozie (member), Prof. John Ukazu Njoku (member), and Barr. Benneth Amukamara ( member).

“Authority is entrusted to us by God. I encourage you to do what is right before God and in service to the people.”

Uzodimma noted that the law establishing the Judicial Service Commission is in line with democratic principles and aimed at strengthening the justice system in Imo State.

He described the inauguration of the Commission as a vital step towards ensuring fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.

The Governor insisted that every sector of the State’s governance structure requires attention, and maintained that the judiciary remains central to sustaining public confidence in government institutions.

His words: “You have been appointed today to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and to guide the system in the collective interest of our people.”

Uzodimma further urged the members of the Commission to remain united and committed in carrying out their responsibilities, adding that their decisions must reflect justice, equity, and service to humanity.

Responding on behalf of the members,

Barr. Louis Alozie expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for the opportunity to serve, describing the appointment as a “call to integrity, honesty, and strict adherence to the oath of office.”

He pledged that members would not be swayed by social media narratives or external pressures, but would act according to their conscience and the law.

Acknowledging past controversies surrounding the Imo State judiciary, he vowed that they will “reverse the narrative” by upholding fairness and decisions that can be defended before God and man.

He assured the Governor and the people of Imo State that the Commission will not disappoint their expectations.

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua,

a former Governor of the State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, the Secretary to State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Hon. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu, other judges and members of the Nigeria Barr Association (MBA), and members of the Imo State Executive Council.

Gov Lawal Gives Out 40 Vehicles To Zamfara Juma’at Mosque Islamic Clerics

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 20, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Friday February 20,2026 gifted 40 exotic vehicles to Islamic scholars and Juma’at Mosque Clerics in the State.

According to the Governor, the gesture is in furtherance of the State Government’s avowed efforts aimed at supporting the Imams in the performance of their religious duties.

Governor Lawal emphasized that the vehicles are particularly meant to enhance the mobility of the Islamic clerics ,as well as facilitate their preaching and other outreach programmes across Zamfara state.

He explained that with the massive construction of Mosques ,and residential buildings for Islamic clerics ,it will not be out of place to equally improve their mobility.

“We are constructing Mosques and houses for Imams ,and we also feel that it is important for them to move freely.

“Mobility is essential, especially for preaching and community engagements . That is why we have selected 40 Imams in this first phase to receive vehicles to ease their movement” Lawal stated.

This is as he noted that improving the welfare of religious leaders in the state has remained a top priority of his administration since inception.

While affirming his administration’s commitment towards sustaining its support to religious leaders , Governor Lawal assured that more clerics will benefit in subsequent phases of the vehicles distribution.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters , Sheikh Bello Almufty, while appreciating the gesture, described the Governor as a leader committed to truth, justice and inclusive development.

Particularly, he lauded the Governor for always prioritizing the welfare of religious leaders in state through the regular provisions of tangible benefits , including improved welfare packages and allowances .

On his part, Sheikh Atiku Zuwayya ,assured that beneficiaries will make maximum use of the vehicles in discharging their religious duties.

“This gesture will enhance the the services of the Imams to the people”, he noted.

FCT Polls: Tinubu Tasks INEC On Prompt Transmission Of Election Results

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 20, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Two days after he hurriedly assented to the 2026 Electoral Act amendment bill into law, Tinubu, on Friday, February 20, 2026 urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to leverage the Federal Capital Territory FCT Council polls and the by-elections in Kano and Rivers States to strengthen public confidence in the system.

This is as he urged the electorate to come out and exercise their civic responsibilities without fear, and avoid engaging in violence, inflammatory rhetorics, as well as other actions capable of undermining the peace and stability of the country.

The President emphasized the need for political parties’ candidates and their supporters to eschew incendiary and inflammatory rhetorics and actions capable of questioning the credibility of the polls ,and the country’s electoral process.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President also called on security agencies to exercise restraint while performing their duties on the election day.

“President Tinubu urged all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasizing that the democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect”.

President Tinubu cautioned security agencies against indulging in high-handedness, intimidation or any conducts that could lead to the disenfranchisement of voters and erode public confidence and trust in the country’s electoral system.

He harped on the need for security agencies and all other institutions concerned to safeguard lives and property ,as well as protect the sanctity and integrity of the the system.

The President encouraged the INEC to, as a matter of importance, take all necessary steps towards boosting voter confidence through timely accreditation, smooth voting procedures, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in line with the provi of the 2026 Electoral Act.

The Source further reports that besides the FCT Council polls, the INEC is set to conduct by-elections to fill vacant State Legislative positions in Ahoada East II and Khana II state Constituencies in Rivers State and Kano Municipal and Ungogo State Constituencies of Kano state on Saturday February 21, 2026