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IPOB Bans ‘Emma Powerful’, Cancels Feb. 2 Sit-at-home Order As Onitsha Market Resumes Monday

February 1, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Government has announced the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market, after a week-long closure occasioned by traders’ observation of the outlawed Monday sit-at-home order proclaimed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, in South East region of Nigeria.

The state Government said the Market will be reopening for normal business activities on Monday , February 2, 2026, after the expiry of the closure period on Sunday February 1,2026.

The announcement of the re-opening of the Market , however, came on the heels of the purported resignation of the spokesperson for the Biafra separatist movement Emma Powerful over a deep disagreement within the ranks of the IPOB leadership concerning the validity or otherwise of a South East-wide special sit-at-home order.

A statement on Friday January 30 ,by Emma Powerful ordering a total lockdown of the entire five South Eastern states in sympathy with traders over the Onitsha Main Market closure had sparked serious resentment within the IPOB top hierarchy, leading to a counter directive.

In a terse statement on Saturday , January 31 ,2026 from Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, head of its Directorate of State DOS, said IPOB has formally banned any further use of the pseudonym” Emma Powerful” for the release of any official communications.

While totally condemning and distancing themselves from the special Monday sit-at-home order proclaimed for Monday February 2 in all the States of the South East region, the IPOB leadership informed that henceforth, all official statements from the group will be issued on its letterhead.

The IPOB leadership emphasized that the new measure has become imperative in the face of the abuse, misuse and compromise of the pseudonym “Emma Powerful.”

According to the group, the continued use of the Pseudonym, ” Emma Powerful” constitutes a grave danger both to its image and the Biafran struggle.

“Emma Powerful was originally an operational pseudonym used for IPOB press releases.

“Any statement issued under the name of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra carries enormous responsibility for IPOB and its leadership.

“The pseudonym, however, has been abused, misused and compromised.

“The continued use of the pseudonym presents clear and present dangers to IPOB as a movement,and to the Biafran self-determination struggle.

“Certain individuals and groups have subtly deployed the pseudonym as a tool to disrupt the prevailing peace and security currently being enjoyed by both Biafrans and visitors in Biafra land .

” Consequently, the Directorate of State of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra resolved as follows:

“In line with organizational standards, all press statements representing the official position of the IPOB must henceforth be released exclusively on IPOB’s official letterhead paper.

“Arising from the abuse, misuse and compromise of the pseudonym, ‘Emma Powerful’ ,IPOB shall no longer use the name in issuing it’s press statements.

“Furthermore, the Directorate of State did not authorize any individuals or groups whatsoever to issue a lockdown or sit-at-home order across Biafra land on Monday, 2 February, 2026” the partly reads.

Reacting to the position of the IPOB’s leadership, Emma Powerful, in a statement late on Saturday evening noted that his resignation followed a deep reflection and consultation with his conscience,as well as careful consideration of recent developments within the movement.

“I have served with commitment, discipline and loyalty, believing strongly in the ideals of justice, equity, and truth that originally inspired my involvement.

“However, the unfolding realities, internal contradictions, and emerging approaches being adopted in recent times have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue in this capacity in good conscience”, Emma Powerful stated .

A statement from the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, at the Weekend, noted that following the expiry of the closure period,all traders are expected to resume at the Market on Monday February 2 ,2026 normal business activities.

“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo lapses this weekend.

‘To that effect, all traders are hereby informed to resume business as usual on Monda, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State”, Mefor noted .

While assuring of the commitment of the authorities towards the provision of enhanced security, the Commissioner directed the traders to promptly report any perceived security breaches to the appropriate channels.

This is as the state Government further warned that it will henceforth pay civil servants in the State, including teachers on pro rata basis(no work on Mondays, no payment).

President Tinubu Says APC Governors Are Party Leaders In States

Adesina Soyooye

February 1, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

President Bola Tinubu has put an end to who, exactly, is the Leader of the Party in All Progressives Congress’ State.

He said that State Governors are Party Leaders in all APC States.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Saturday, January, 31, at the official reception of the State Governor, Agbu Kefas, after he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC.

The President noted that Governor Kefas has now become the leader of the APC in Taraba State since he has defected to the Party.

Not a few people think that by extention, the President has, also, settled the place of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in Rivers State APC.

While the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Presidential Adviser, Daniel Bwala, had, on two different occasions, declared Fubara the leader of the Party, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists, have kept taunting Fubara and insisting he is not the leader of the party. In deed, a couple of days ago, Senator Magnus Abe, had publicly declared that Wike is the leader of the Rivers State APC.

For the records, Wike is not a member of the APC even though he is serving an APC Government and proclaims to high heaven that he is a member of the PDP.

President Tinubu Invites Adamawa And Bauchi Governors To Join APC

Adesina Soyooye

February 1, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

President Bola Tinubu has invited the Governors of Bauchi and Adamawa States, Bala Mohammed and Ahmadu Fintiri to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Both Governors are of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. Instructively, Governor Mohammed is the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.

President Tinubu extended the invitation to the two Governors on Saturday, January 31, 2026, when he spoke in Jalingo, Taraba State, at the reception of Governor Kefas Agbu into the APC. Agbu dumped the PDP for the APC, and, thus, joined a long list of PDP Governors who dumped the Party for the APC. At the last count, from 13 Governors of the PDP in 2023, the Party has only four Governors left. The rest have defected to the APC.

Yet, out of the remaining four PDP Governors, President Tinubu is inviting two to the APC, thus raising the fears of a one-party State.

At the reception where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu, he said: “I am satisfied with the defection of a Governor in the North-east geo- political zone, and I want both Adamawa and Bauchi to join the Party at the centre.”

Three other Political Parties – Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and Accord Party have one Governor each.

Coup Plot: A Note Of Caution For The Media

The Source

February 1, 2026

By Richard Akinnola

Since the army authorities came out last week to confirm the detention of some army officers over alleged coup plot, there have been a number of media stories regarding the alleged roles played by some of the officers.

While many of us are unreservedly opposed to any coup plot or military intervention in our governance, l think some of these stories against some of the officers are prejudicial and amount to media trial. We saw a bit of similar show in 1995 when the Abacha government falsely accused Generals Obasanjo, Shehu Yar’Adua and others of what turned out to be a phantom coup plot. A number of fallacious claims against them were dished to media, which turned out to be false.

Few days after the Orkar coup of April 22, 1990, a journalist with Concord, Onoise Osunbor was arrested as a suspect because he lived with one of the suspects at Ikeja Cantonment and being a journalist, he was naturally suspected to have been the person who must have written the coup speech for them. It didn’t occur to the investigators that such a badly written speech couldn’t have been written by a senior journalist.

On June 6, 1990, l wrote a letter to Col. Haliru Akilu, who was the Director of DMI, seeking an audience with him. Two days after, June 8, he replied through his military assistant, Major ID Akinyemi, inviting me for a meeting on Monday, June 11 at the Bonny Camp. This was followed up with other meetings.

It took a couple of meetings by some of us – myself, late Ladi Lawal, Kayode Komolafe, Owei Lakemfa, with Col. Akilu, at both the DMI office, Bonny Camp and SSS office, Ikoyi to get Onoise out of detention.

While l concede the media have the right to get the people informed by virtue of section 39 of the 1999 constitution, despite this provision, there is a need to balance this with the right of the accused to fair trial, particularly regarding pre-trial publicity, otherwise known as PTP.

As M. Hermida posits, with PTP, “there is a possibility jurors have been exposed to prejudicial information which would be taken into account in determining a defendant’s guilt. This would render a trial unfair.

When the media disrupt a criminal trial in this way, they pervert the judicial process and threaten the administration of justice”. See -Hermida, M. (1995), Trial by Tabloid. St. Thomas Law Review, 7, 197-216.

Katie Sambrooks of Cardiff University, in emphasizing on this, made reference to the popular Taylor and Taylor case where she said:

”In this case, two sisters were convicted of stabbing to death, the wife of Michelle Taylor’s lover. The Court of Appeal described the publicity surrounding the case as ‘unremitting, extensive, sensational, inaccurate and misleading’.

For example, The Sun had published the headline:The “killer” mistress who was at lover’s wedding. The court concluded that it was ‘impossible to say that the jury were not influenced in their decision by what they read in the press’, and was therefore satisfied that the conviction was unsafe.

Their lawyer believed that a jury would have been unable to ignore the ‘unrelenting, collective pressure from the media “. See (Davies, N. (1994). The newspapers which hounded the Taylor sisters. www.nickdavies.net/1994/11/01.

Meanwhile, we shall continue our advocacy against military rule. It has no place in our political development. Military governments are evil and retrogressive.

Akinnola is a Lawyer, accomplished Journalist, Human Rights Activist

Deadly Communal Clashes: Gov Nwifuru Sacks All Traditional Rulers, Govt Appointees

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 31, 2026

Governor Francis Nwifuru sacks all Traditional Rulers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, Saturday January 31, 2026, ordered the termination of the appointment of Government appointees including Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Special Assistants, from Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Council of the State.

The Governor also directed the immediate withdrawal of certificates of authority from all the Traditional Rulers, Village Heads and other Leaders of the community over their failure to nip in the bud the clashes which has seriously embarrassed the State Government.

This is as the Governor appealed to the Okporojor community not to resort to self -help but to trust the State Government to rise to the occasion.

The Source reports that Governor Nwifuru’s action is coming against the backdrop of the communal clash between Amasiri and Okporojor communities which left four persons beheaded, and several homes razed.

According to local witness accounts, some armed hoodlums from Amasiri Community had, late Thursday afternoon, invaded Okporojor in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of the State shooting indiscriminately, and setting homes on fire.

Apart from the four persons said to have been beheaded, several other members of the Okporojor community, including women and children were also said to have been abducted by the invading local fighters from Amasiri.

Many other residents in their attempts to escape the onslaught, were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The attack, according to locals, was in connection with a long-standing communal disagreement over disputed border area between the two communities.

According to local sources, the two warring communities have been laying claims to the disputed land, with past efforts at amicably resolving the rift ending in futility.

Governor Nwifuru who announced the sweeping disciplinary measures against Amasiri-born Government appointees and traditional rulers during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the carnage on Saturday, similarly sacked all town Union Executives, and development centre coordinators, and management members from Amasiri Community as a punishment for their alleged complicity in the gruesome and dastardly attack on Okporojor community.

Addressing thousands of displaced residents of Okporojor, the Ebonyi State Governor affirmed the unflinching commitment of the Government to bringing the perpetrators of the heinous act to justice.

“I am saddened and disappointed over the recent developments in Okporojor community. However, the assurance I am giving to the Okporojor leaders and citizens is that the Government will arrest the perpetrators of the unrest.

“The Government of Ebonyi State will definitely prove to those behind this evil act that they can not got scot-free. I promise you, we as a Government, will not allow this wicked deed to go unpunished.

“But I am pleading with you to remain calm and peaceful and avoid anything that can escalate the problem. Avoid the temptation of engaging in reprisal attacks.

“My visit today is a clear testimonial to our readiness to get to the root of this dastardly act. My message to the people of Amasiri is for them to have a rethink because violence will never lead them to anywhere.

“I heard also that Akpoha community have blocked their road because of the alleged belligerent posture of Amasiri Community.

“And I say, look, it has already gotten to the point of no return. So, Amasiri should be careful of their actions. We love them. We adore them. We believe that they have men that still have character.

“So, on this note, for the time being, the Development Union Executives and all the Village Heads in Amasiri Community are hereby dissolved.

” The Traditional Rulers Certificates are hereby withdrawn. All the Government appointees from Amasiri are hereby sacked.

“All the Government appointees from the Management Committee to Commissioners are hereby sacked”, Gov Nwifuru stated.

The Source further reports that Governor Nwifuru had on Friday January 30, 2026 ordered a comprehensive inquest into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

The Governor, while vehemently condemning the development, described the attendant human fatalities and wanton destruction of properties as not only barbaric, but a gross violation of the sanctity of human life.

He informed that the State Government will work in concert with security agencies and other relevant authorities to to track down the masterminds of the devilish act.

“I received with shock the news of the attack on Oso Edda which claimed lives, and led to the destruction of properties.

“This act of callousness is a direct affront to our resolve to restore lasting peace in our Communities,and it will not be tolerated.

“As a Government, the security of our people and their property is paramount and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served”, the Governor assured.

Ondo’s 50th Anniversary: Gov. Aiyedatiwa Declares Monday, Tuesday, Public Holiday, Leads Health Walk

Ayodele Oni

January 31, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

As Ondo State celebrates its 50th year of creation, Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared Monday, and Tuesday, as public holidays across the State.

The declaration is to enable residents of Ondo State fully participate in activities lined up to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, a historic milestone that marks five decades of growth, resilience and collective progress.

The Governor urges citizens to use the opportunity of the holidays to join in the celebrations, reflect on the State’s journey so far, and recommit themselves to the shared vision of building a more prosperous and united Ondo State.

Essential service providers are, however, advised to make adequate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services during the period.

Earlier on Saturday, Governor Aiyedatiwa, led workers and the people of the state on a walk from the Government House, Alagbaka, as part of activities lined up for the state’s golden jubilee celebration.

He emphasised the importance of physical fitness and spiritual renewal as essential pillars for healthy living and effective service.

Speaking at the Akure Township Stadium after, the walk, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged residents to remain committed to renewing their strength, both physically and spiritually

Members of the State Executive Council, political appointees and party faithful joined the governor on the health walk. Residents who trooped out in large numbers were elated with the exercise.

Drawing from biblical references, he said waiting upon God renews strength, adding that participants had demonstrated resilience by completing the walk without fainting.

According to him, the health walk was a vital component of the anniversary programme, stressing that the body, which carries the soul and spirit, must be kept in good shape to function effectively.

He explained that regular physical exercise supports cardiovascular health, improves breathing and enhances overall wellbeing, noting that a weak or sick body could affect both the soul and spiritual connection.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the successful conduct of the exercise, noting that no injury was recorded.

He thanked members of the anniversary planning committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti and announced that anniversary activities would continue with a thanksgiving service at St. Thomas Church, Akure, on Sunday.

JSC To Pick 12 Judges From 48 For Elevation To Court Of Appeal

Ayodele Oni

January 31, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Twelve States have been shortlisted to produce 48 Judges for elevation to the Court of Appeal.

Already, the federal government, through the Federal Judicial Service Commission, (JSC), has shortlisted no fewer than 48 justices from across 12 states for appointments into the Court of Appeal bench.

In a notice published by the commission, which was obtained, four justices from each of the 12 states were shortlisted, calling for comments from the public on the integrity, reputation and suitability of the nominees for Judicial appointments.

According to the notice, only twelve nominees would be picked from the 48 nominations after the review of feedback from the people in the States.

The 48 nominees were drawn from Benue, Plateau, Gombe, Taraba, Katsina,Kebbi, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo states.

The nominees from Ekiti include, Justice Abodunde Monisola Oluwatoyin- Customary Court of Appeal ; Justice Jubril Babajide Aladejana, Justice Lucas Ogundana and Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi, from the state high court.

Below is the full List,

State: Benue

Hon. Justice Ibrahim I. Mohammed — High Court,

Benue State.

Hon. Justice Augustine Lorhemen Ityonyiman — High Court, Benue State
Hon. Justice Ijohor Mbalamen Jennifer — High Court, Benue State
Hon. Justice Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse — High Court, Benue State

State: Plateau

Hon. Justice Jacob Azi Atsen — Customary Court of Appeal, Plateau State

Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom — Customary Court of Appeal, Plateau State

Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam — Federal High Court
Hon. Justice Nankwat Dawat Shaseet — High Court, Plateau State

State: Gombe

Hon. Justice Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu — High Court, Gombe State
Hon. Justice Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar — High Court, Gombe State
Hon. Justice Mohammed Auwal Haruna — High Court, Gombe State
Hon. Justice Daurabo Suleiman Sikkam — High Court, Gombe State

Hon. Justice Ogunfowora Olugboboye — High Court, Ogun State
Hon. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro — High Court, Lagos State
Hon. Justice Olufunke Sule-Amzat — High Court, Lagos State

State: Ondo

Hon. Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay — High Court, Ondo State
Hon. Justice Orimisan James Koroisade — Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State
Hon. Justice Akinfenwa Michael Owoyemi — Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State

Hon. Justice Ademola Enikuomehin — Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State

Davido Joins Anikulapo Kuti’s Family As Grammy Honours Fela With Lifetime Achievement Award

Akinwale Kasali

January 31, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Legendary late Afrobeat Musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti has been honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the music industry.

The Award made the Afrobeat maestro the first African to be honoured with such prestigious Award.

David Adeleke, popularly as Davido, joined the Kuti family at the Grammy Honors Party in Los Angeles, United States of America, held in celebration of the late Afrobeat pioneer.

Videos shared on Instagram by Davido’s logistics manager, Israel DMW, showed the singer alongside Fela’s children, Femi and Yeni Kuti, and other members of his team at the ceremony.

Sharing clips from the event, Israel DMW wrote, “A night for late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Abami Eda of the universe. Outside LA.”

The Late Afrobeat legend will officially be recognised this weekend by the Recording Academy, with the Lifetime Achievement Award set to be presented at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday, on the eve of the main GRAMMY Awards gala.

Other recipients of the honour include music icons such as Cher, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon and Chaka Khan.

Femi Anikulapo Kuti, the eldest Son of Fela while reacting to the recognition, alongside Fela’s first cousin and head of the Kuti family, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, described the award as a victory for Africa.

“This is a celebration for the African people and they should take it as their award. Another African is being celebrated,” she told AFP.

However, she also urged award-giving bodies not to wait until artists are gone before recognising their impact.

Reflecting on what Fela’s reaction might have been, Ransome-Kuti said the Afrobeat legend would likely have remarked, “better late than never,” while noting that during his lifetime, he was not particularly concerned about Western recognition.

Nollywood Actress, Funke Akindele, Slams Critics Who Fault Her Marketing Style

Akinwale Kasali

January 31, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Africa Movie Box Office Record Breaker, Funke Akindele, has come hard on those criticizing her ‘Dancing Style’ approach in marketing her movies.

The Actress, popular as Jenifa, is known for her dancing and comedic marketing strategy of her movies. She currently holds the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood filmmaker. But she has come under criticism from netizens, colleagues and movie critiques, who have faulted her marketing approach.

In a series of posts shared by the actress Saturday on her Instagram story, she stated that she is not the one hindering anybody’s progress and it only makes sense if all of them succeed together.

She said, “I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye nin ye ni”

She further stated that the sky is big enough for everybody to fly and others should create their own path if they cannot beat them or join the existing one.

She said: “If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly. Eyin Werey jojo!!!”

She urged her other colleagues to go ahead and create alternative promotion strategies to market their films.

“Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it.

“You can do it! The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me”, she said.

The Actress broke her own Movie Box Office Record, as she currently holds the record for the top three highest-grossing Nollywood movies with Behind The Scenes, released in 2025, grossing N2,407,000,000 and still counting. Everybody Loves Jenifer, released in 2024, grossed N1,882,553,548, and A Tribe Called Judah, released in 2023, grossed N1,408,227,541.

In a similar development, renowned filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, has said he is not interested in box office records or competing for cinema revenue, stressing that his focus is on creative control and long-term value rather than headline earnings.

Afolayan made the remarks while speaking at the Lagos Business of Film Summit on January 30, where he criticised what he described as the exhausting promotional demands associated with cinema releases.

According to him, streaming platforms such as Netflix offer better returns without the pressure of extensive promotional gimmicks, citing his recent project, Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, as an example.

Responding to questions about a possible return to cinema releases, Afolayan suggested he would only do so under the right creative conditions. “I’ll come back if Kene and Ope can say to me, look at the gimmick she has left. See what they did.

“They want to release in December, your film that you are in. They have announced in January. But my point really is, I just need like, I’ll make you amazing film,” he said in part.

Referencing Aníkúlápó, the filmmaker noted that minimal promotion can still generate strong audience interest.

“Look at, okay, look at Anikulapo, This is not anything. We released just a screenshot, a screen grab of the series, I did that like two weeks ago. I posted it and it was people have been stabbed of good content.

“You see why you need me, Kene. The whole world went boom because they haven’t seen, you know, anything from us in a while,” he said.

He added that while a future cinema collaboration remains possible, it would not involve what he described as performative promotion.

“I Don’t Give A Damn, I Don’t Care,” Wike Says As He Sacks Two Directors

The Source

January 31, 2026

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Gideon Njoku

Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has sacked two Directors of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, and he says he neither gives a damn nor cares.

Disclosing this on Friday during a Media parley, Wike said they were sacked for insubordination and sabotage.

He did not disclose the names of the Directors he sacked, or whether they were even queried before their sudden sack but not only did he accuse them of sabotage, he accused them of unwillingness to work.

He said: “For somebody like me, it won’t work. Once I identify that you are not willing to work, you are doing something to sabotage, I kick you out of the place.

“Last night I took a decision to kick out one or two Directors. They will hear it tomorrow. I don’t give a damn. I don’t care.

“This country must move on. No one man can say he owns this country. Nobody. No one group can say they own this country than you. Nobody can say that. We all own this country. We all belong to this country.

“The moment I see that you don’t want to work, I kick you out. Heaven will not fall.”

The fate of the two Directors came on the heels of the strike action and protest embarked upon by the FCT a few days ago.

During the protest, the angry workers asked for the sack of the Minister and called him unprintable names.

The National Industrial Court has since ordered the workers to suspend their strike action pending the hearing of the suit they filed against the FCT Minister.

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