Home Blog Page 257

Tinubu To Senate: Approve State Police To Tackle Insecurity

By
James Orji
-
0
Tinubu State Police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Nigerian Senate to amend the constitution to provide a legal framework for the establishment of State Police to tackle insecurity nationwide.

President Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The President said that the creation of State Police has become urgent to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, strengthen grassroots policing, and enhance states’ capacity to respond swiftly to threats within their jurisdictions.

He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.

Tinubu commended the cordial relationship between the executive and the Senate, saying that unity is needed to defeat terrorism and banditry in the country.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all.

President Tinubu also thanked the Senate for its unflinching support towards achieving various economic reforms of his administration, especially the fuel subsidy removal and tax reform policy.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange.

“You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” the President said.

Kano Suspends Medical Doctor Over Alcohol-induced Misconduct While On Duty

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government on Wednesday,  February 24, 2026, announced the suspension of a Medical Doctor in the employ of one  of the Secondary health facilities in the State for reporting to duty while under the influence of alcoholic drink.

The Medical personnel also was alleged to have indulged in an unwholesome and  unprofessional conduct while on duty.

A statement  from the spokesperson for the Kano State Hospital Management Board, KSHMB, Samira Suleiman, informed that the disciplinary measure which  was approved by Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, will remain in force pending the outcome of an inquest into the unfortunate incident.

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary also directed that  a query be issued to the affected doctor.

Suleiman further noted that the incident which occurred at a State Government health facility attracted the attention of some workers who promptly reported it to the authorities.

According to the Board’s spokesman, the suspension order followed a preliminary finding which confirmed the alleged  misconduct on the part of the medical personnel.

The Management, the statement added, has condemned the alleged misconduct, describing it as totally unacceptable,and a gross violation of professional and ethical principles, as well as the  code guiding medical practice.

While emphasizing the sensitivity of the healthcare delivery system, Dr Nagoda stressed the need for personnel to subscribe to the highest level of responsibility, discipline and sound judgment, most especially within the secondary health facilities while performing their duties.

This is as he expressed the unflinching commitment of the present Kano state Government to the task of restoring professionalism , accountability and institutional discipline and excellence within the health sector.

The Source reports that the alleged misconduct is coming amidst the ongoing Ramadan fasting period in the State.

Adamawa House Of Assembly Falls To APC As Speaker, 14 Others Dump PDP

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Adamawa Speaker Joins APC

By Adesina Soyooye

The signs are strong that Adamawa State and its Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, will, very soon, go the way of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

For weeks, speculations have been strong that the Governor will drive a final nail in the Political relevance of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar by defecting to the APC.

A few days ago, the Governor gave more than an inkling that he could be headed to the APC when he said he would do what Adamawa people want to him to do.

The journey to clear the way for the Governor to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, began on Wednesday, February 24, when the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, and 14 other Members of the House dumped the PDP and defected to the APC.

The defection took place during plenary Wednesday.

With the defection of the 15 members, including the Speaker, not a few people have already taken it for granted that Governor Fintiri is already knocking on the door of the  APC. When that happens, the opinion is that Atiku’s flak will be left open, unprotected.

A few weeks ago, his own son defected from the PDP to the APC, and promised he would work seriously to see to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

For the records, Atiku is a Presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Okpebholo Condemns Attack On Opposition Party Members

By
The Source
-
0
Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor
Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor

 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, has condemned the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as an internal party crisis that was taken t

 

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor on Wednesday, in Benin.

 

In the statement, Okpebholo expressed sympathy with the affected ADC members and warned that his administration would not tolerate violence in the state.

 

The Governor emphasized that politics should focus on performance and engagement with the people, rather than violence and intimidation.

 

He urged residents of Edo State to remain calm and maintain peace, saying “Edo remains a peaceful state, and no one can take that away from us.”

 

Okpebholo also called on the police and security agencies to monitor political gatherings and prevent escalation of violence.

 

The attack on ADC members occurred on Tuesday, with reports of thugs destroying property and injuring party members at the ADC secretariat.

ADC Fingers Gov Okpebholo In Attack On Obi, Oyegun, Others

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Bolaji Abdullahi
Bolaji Abdullahi



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, blamed the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the attack by armed hoodlums on the Edo state Secretariat and its leading members including, Peter Obi.

 

This is as the emerging opposition Coalition platform said it will report the unfortunate incident and the troubling pattern of opposition harassment to Diplomatic Missions ,and  the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.

 

The Source reports that Obi, the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, some prominent members of the ADC were Tuesday, February 24, attacked at the Benin residence of Chief John Oyegun, a former Governor of Edo State, after being trailed from the party’s Secretariat.

 

Although no lives were lost in the unprovoked attack, scores of vehicles parked at Oyegun’s residence were riddled with bullets ,and the windshield severely damaged.

Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday, the ADC alleged that Governor Okpebholo’s series of incendiary and inflammatory rhetorics ,and threats preceded the attack on Obi, Oyegun and the party’s State Headquarters.

 

According to the ADC , Governor Okpebholo’s earlier threat of not guaranteeing Obi’s safety in the State, as well as his well documented inflammatory rhetorics of late were at the root of the attack.

 

 The ADC expressed serious concern over what it described as a troubling pattern of premeditated attacks targeting the opposition camp not only in Edo state but the entire country.

 

According to the party, the All Progressive Congress APC and the Federal Government have increasingly become terrorists organizations with the opposition platforms their primary targets.

 

The ADC, particularly accused Governor Okpebholo of stoking tension and crises in Edo State, through his unguarded and inflammatory comments, thereby threatening the peace and stability of the State.

 

“This was not an isolated incident . It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous, and escalating pattern of political intimidation, and terror against our party across the country.

 

“The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the opposition which has no place in a constitutional democracy.

 

“We are, particularly, alarmed by the pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and threats that preceded these events, including the outrageous claim by the Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who had earlier issued a threat that he would not guarantee the safety of Mr Peter Obi should he visit Edo state.

 

“The Governor has since gone ahead to make further ridiculous and irresponsible claim that the ADC is sponsoring cultism in Edo state ,and threatened to start demolishing properties of the opposition in the State.

 

“Let it be said plainly, Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or Governor. No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass ,or endanger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights.

 

“Our members and supporters across Edo State and Nigeria have the constitutional right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and right to lawful self-defence.”

 

The party warned it will not hesitate to hold the Federal Government and Edo State authorities accountable for any harm that comes to its members.

 

“The Federal Government and the Edo State Government are free to continue in their present course. But let there be no misunderstanding: If any harm comes to our leaders,  members or supporters as a result of this escalating climate of official hostility, intimidation, or incitement, the responsibility for whatever consequences that follow will rest squarely with those who chose the path of provocation over the the path of peace.

 

“We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party. We shall soon be making our reports available to all Diplomatic Missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights”,Abdullahi stated .

 

The ADC also assured that no orchestrated political witch-hunt will make it to abdicate its responsibility of holding Government at all levels to account.

Benin Attack: Peter Obi Thanks Nigerians, Renews Faith In The People

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi



In Benin City on Tuesday, February 24, Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, along with two former Governors of Edo State, Elder Statesmen Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Professor Oserheimen, as well as a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, all chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, ADC,  survived an attack by blood-thirsty gunmen during an event.

 

After the harrowing experience, Peter Obi, in a thank you note to Nigerians  who, in their millions, expressed concern over his safety, said that the violent attack has “strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria.”

 

Following, the full text of his thank you note.

 

 Thank You Nigerians

 

“I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday. 

 

“I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor. 

 

“Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria. My deep gratitude is reflected in my renewed commitment to serve and build our nation.

 

“Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me. Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust. Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility. 

 

“As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people.

 

“This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion—leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.

 

“Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve.

 

“A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”

MURIC Kicks Over ICPC’s Prolonged Detention Of El-Rufai

By
The Source
-
0
Professor Ishaq Akintola - MURIC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to  either arraign the detained former Governor of Kaduna state Malam Nasir El-Rufai and or grant him bail.

 

This is as the umbrella body of Muslim faithful, urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to abide by all known democratic principles, as well as respect the rule of law in its dealings with the citizens.

 

MURIC’s position  is coming on the heels of Wednesday’s stalled arraignment of the African Democratic Congress’ chieftain by the Department of State Service, DSS, over alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

 

The Source reports that El-Rufai, who, on Monday, February 16, 2026, honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, without being charged as required by extant laws of the land.

Mallam Nasir el-Rufai

His continued detention beyond the 48 hours required by law, also, on Wednesday stalled El-Rufai’s scheduled arraignment before an Abuja Federal High Court as he was conspicuously absent when his case was called up.

 

His absence inevitably led to the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik,  adjourning his  planned arraignment to April 23, 2026, without granting him bail.

 

But in a statement issued on Wednesday , February 25, 2026, by its Executive Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC, while  condemning the prolonged detention of El-Rufai without trial, also, expressed serious regret that the ICPC could ignore the law prescribing maximum 48 hours detention period for suspects.

 

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been in detention since his voluntary visit to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC’ Abuja on Monday 16th February, 2026.

 

“Although EFCC released him on Wednesday, 18th February, he was picked up by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, same day.

 

“MURIC demands the immediate arraignment of Malam Nasir El-Rufai in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

“The law prescribes 48 hours, only, as the maximum period a suspect  can be held in detention, and within which period he must be produced in court”, Akintola stated.

 

The Muslim body emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government and its agencies to respect citizens’ rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria.

Popular Comic Nollywood Actor, Okemesi Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Bamidele Okemesi Oluwatope
Bamidele Okemesi Oluwatope

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a month after the Nollywood Industry laid Actress Allwell Ademola to rest, the Industry has, again, lost another Actor.

Comic Actor and Content Creator, Bamidele ‘Okemesi’ Oluwatope has died.

It will be recalled that the Actor had fallen into Coma, following complications from medication administered during a recent hospital stay.

This disclosure was made by fellow actor, Jeff ‘Tony Montana’ who announced Okemesi’s death in a video posted on his Instagram page late Tuesday night.

He said: “With a heavy heart, I am announcing to the world that Okemesi is dead. Bamidele Oluwatope, aka Okemesi, is dead.

The doctor pronounced him dead at precisely 11.50 am this morning. Today’s date is the 24th of February 2026. Okemesi is gone.

So, on behalf of the entire Bamidele family, I am announcing to the world that Oluwatope Bamidele Okemesi is dead.

“We have taken the body to  the morgue, and I

DSS To Arraign Fmr. Kaduna Gov. El-Rufai On April 23

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Mallam Nair El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 23 for the arraignment of former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai in the cybercrimes and breach of Communication act brought against him by the Department of the State Service DSS. 

 

The bid by the DSS to arraign El-Rufai on Wednesday could not hold due to his absence in the court. 

 

El-Rufai, who was to be docked for his plea of guilty or not guilty over his alleged complicity in cybercrimes, breach of Communications Act was not in court when the DSS case against him was called. 

 

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Aladedoye SAN, standing for DSS informed the court that the former governor was still with the Independent Corrupt and Practices and other related offences Commission ICPC for investigation on matters. 

 

He said that DSS has no control over the sister agency and requested an adjourned to March 23.

 

Although, counsel to El-Rufai, Mr Oluwole Iyamu did not oppose adjournment, but vehemently demanded for bail for the former governor. 

 

He cited several authorities to back up the request for bail. 

 

DSS lawyer however vehemently opposed the bail request on the ground that it was premature adding that the issue of bail can only be raised after the formal arraignment. 

 

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik after taking the arguments declined to grant the bail request adding that her court was not yet seized of the matter.

 

The Judge agreed that El-Rufai can only apply for bail after the arraignment and fixed April 23 for the arraignment.

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) filed the charge against  El-Rufai over his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

 

In the three-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 was filed early on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the secret police accused the former governor of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, (2024), and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) 

 

Counts in the charge read:

 

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

 

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13t February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did state during the interview that you know and relate with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without reporting the said individual to relevant Security agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

 

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on 13th February, 2026, on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The Attack On Peter Obi Was Premeditated – NAC

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi escaped assasination
Peter Obi, attacked in Edo State

A public policy think tank, the NEO AFRICANA CENTRE (NAC) has said that the armed attack launched on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by elements suspected to be assassins was premeditated. It expressed dismay that the culture of intolerance which Governor Monday Okpebholo has been promoting in Edo State is fast degenerating into anarchy.

Reports have it that the convoy of Peter Obi, a frontline presidential hopeful, was attacked in front of the residence of the former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The ugly incident took place as Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and some other prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) were arriving the residence of Odigie-Oyegun after they attended an official ADC event at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Amanze Obi, the Centre said it was alarmed by the unfortunate turn of events. It wondered why Obi, the politician who harbors no ill will or disaffection against no one should be the target of such a devious plot. While calling on appropriate security agencies to launch an immediate probe into the matter, it expressed disappointment that Edo State, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has become a haven for gunmen.

The Centre said it recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, in July 2025 warned Obi never to enter Edo State without security clearance, a directive it said was in breach of Obi’s right to freedom of movement and association. The Centre is of the view that Tuesday’s armed attack on Obi may not be unconnected with Okpebholo’s irreverent outburst of July last year. It expressed regret that Governor Okpebholo’s unfriendly disposition towards Mr Obi is fueling tension and unease in Edo State.

The statement reads in part:

“We received with shock and disappointment the ugly news of the armed attack on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The assassination attempt is not only alarming, it sends the signal that prominent opposition figures in Nigeria like Peter Obi are no longer safe as we move closer to the 2027 general elections.

“The incident in Benin City is particularly worrisome when we recall that Governor Monday Okphebhol has never hidden his disdain for Peter Obi. It should be recalled that Okpebholo had alleged in July 2025 that Obi visited Edo State and violence erupted, leading to the death of three. The governor did not substantiate his allegation. However, a recourse to the chronology of events at that time revealed that Obi visited Benin City on July 7, 2025 and donated N15m to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school. Twelve days after Obi’s visit, Okpebholo strangely linked a violent incident that took place in his domain to Obi who had left his state several days earlier. Okpebholo warned Obi then never to enter Edo State again without security clearance.

“In the light of the foregoing we are constrained to think that what happened in Benin City on Tuesday has something to do with Okpebholo’s earlier warning to Obi. For us therefore, the attack is premeditated. It smacks of bad blood and raw hatred.

“We therefore call on appropriate security agencies to launch a probe into the incident. Nigerians need to know who the attackers are and their exact mission. It is important to lay this matter bare so that Nigerians will not completely lose confidence in our security agencies. Peter Obi is a free citizen of Nigeria. His right to freedom of movement and association is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. Nobody, no matter the high office he occupies, has the right to abridge this right.

“As we move closer to the election year, a conducive atmosphere must be created for one and all. Intimidation and armed attacks should not be brought into the mix . It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to ensure that everyone is safe and secure”.

1...256257258...3,029Page 257 of 3,029