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Fintiri’s Defection Makes APC Governors 31

By
James Orji
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Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state has finally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. His defection from his former party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, marked the end of months-long speculations that he was planning to join the APC.

The governor announced his defection from the PDP during a state-wide broadcast on Friday, in  Yola, the state’s capital, saying he took the decision to join the ruling party in the interest of his people.

According to him, he took the decision after “wide ‘consultation” with many stakeholders in the state, saying the decision also aligned with the need to join the APC which is the ruling party at the federal level, adding that his action is not based on personal interest

Governor Fintiri stressed that the entire political structure of the state is moving into the APC with him, including political appointees,  party executives across the state’s 226 wards and 21 local government areas, promising that his defection will not affect government performance. .

“We are moving as a collective, with the required political strength and the numbers that confer value,” Fintiri said.

Meanwhile, the magazine reports that Fintiri’s defection has effectively brought the number of APC state governors to 31, from the 24 governors after the 2023 elections.

Decarbonisation: NIMASA Rallies Stakeholders On National Action Plan

By
James Orji
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NIMASA Decarbonisation

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA has pledged its commitment to provide the regulatory leadership, technical coordination, and stakeholder engagement required to successfully develop and implement a robust National Action Plan on maritime decarbonization in Nigeria.

The Director General of the agency Dr. Dayo Mobereola who made this known during the National Stakeholders’ workshop on the development of a National Maritime Decarbonization Action Plan further described the workshop as a critical step in actualizing the Federal Government’s blue economy and climate objectives.

Represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, the NIMASA DG underscored the significance of the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project, a technical cooperation initiative /designed to support developing countries in implementing the IMO GHG Strategy.

According to him, the National Action Plan being developed will reflect national realities, leverage existing capacities, address identified gaps, and align with broader economic and environmental priorities of the Federal Government.

Dr. Mobereola stressed that “this transition is not merely about compliance with international obligations, it is about safeguarding our marine environment, protecting public health, strengthening the blue economy, and ensuring that our maritime industry remains competitive and future-ready”, the DG said.

Also speaking at the event, was the Technical Manager of the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project, Astrid Dispert, who highlighted that the overarching objective of the initiative is to advance a coherent and globally aligned regulatory framework to accelerate maritime decarbonization. She also emphasised that NIMASA plays a pivotal role in driving the project at the national level.

The IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project provides technical expertise and institutional support to assist countries in developing and implementing National Action Plans that promote sustainable shipping practices, encourage investment in clean technologies, and strengthen capacity for long-term emissions reduction.

Through this collaboration, the Federal Government is advancing deliberate steps towards maritime decarbonization, reinforcing its commitment to global climate goals and ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the sector.

Ondo Banditry: ADC Asks  Aiyedatiwa To Declare State Of Emergency On Insecurity

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa.

By Ayodele Oni

As banditry attack and kidnappings continue in Ondo state, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has advised the state government to cease treating symptoms and instead attack the root causes with decisive, proactive force.

The party condemned the escalating wave of kidnappings, killings, and maiming that has gripped Ondo State in recent times.

A statement on Friday by Kunle Adeloye, State Publicity Secretary, ADC, noted that

“The gruesome murder of Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo in Akure North Local Government right within his palace is most shameful and totally unspeakable.

“While the tension created arising from such dastard act is yet unsettled, the barbaric abduction of innocent worshippers including no fewer than six members of the Celestial Church of Christ during a midnight vigil in Uso, Owo Local Government Area represents yet another horrifying chapter in this unrelenting nightmare.

“Gunmen storming places of worship, highways, farms, and homes have turned our state into a theatre of terror, where no one feels safe.

“We do not know who will be the next victim, and this pervasive fear has paralyzed daily life across communities.

“We are appalled that under the watch of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, these atrocities continue unabated.

“The recent incidents, including repeated kidnappings along the Akure-Owo Expressway, abductions in agrarian communities like Ilu-Abo, and the brazen attacks that have forced residents to block major highways in desperate protests, expose a glaring failure of leadership and security architecture.

“While we acknowledge recent efforts such as the induction of new Amotekun operatives and arrests of some suspects, these measures remain largely reactive, piecemeal, and insufficient in the face of a sophisticated criminal network operating with impunity.

“The government must cease treating symptoms and instead attack the root causes with decisive, proactive force.

“The economic devastation wrought by this insecurity cannot be overstated. Our farmers, the backbone of Ondo State’s agrarian economy are fleeing their farmlands in droves, abandoning cocoa, cassava, yam, and other crops out of mortal fear of being kidnapped or killed.

“Our highways once bustling with commerce now carry tales of horror, deterring investors, crippling trade, and threatening imminent food shortages that will hit the most vulnerable hardest.

“If this trend continues unchecked, Ondo State risks descending into a humanitarian and economic crisis that no amount of rhetoric can reverse.”

The party advised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and unveil a comprehensive, time-bound security strategy.

According to it, this should include enhanced intelligence gathering, rapid-response teams deployable within minutes to hotspots, permanent surveillance in forests and rural areas, and strengthened collaboration between Amotekun, the Police, Army, and community vigilantes.

“Security operations can be decentralized to empower local communities and traditional institutions in intelligence and response efforts.

“Your Excellency can as well invest massively in equipping and training security forces to dismantle criminal hideouts, prosecute offenders swiftly through special fast-track courts,  and end the era of ransom payments that only embolden kidnappers.

“It is important to address the underlying socio-economic drivers of crime, including youth unemployment and poverty, to prevent recruitment into these syndicates.

“The people of Ondo State elected Your Excellency to protect our lives and property, not to issue condolences after every tragedy. Enough is enough!

“We are using this medium to call on the government to wake up from your complacency, rise to the occasion, and restore peace, security, and dignity to our state before more innocent blood is shed.”

“You Are Working Under Me As Personal Aides, Not To Be Holding Nocturnal Political Meetings”, Fubara Warns New SSG, CoS

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The embattled Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday February 26, 2026, sounded unusually tough as he  read the riot act to his newly appointed Chief of Staff, CoS, and Secretary to the State Government SSG.

 

At the official swearing-in of Dr Dagogo Wokoma ,and Barr.Sunny Ewule, as SSG and CoS respectively, Governor Fubara warned them against any involvement in political and nocturnal meetings with a firm threat to dispense with the services of any of his appointee who goes contrary to his directive.

 

The Source reports that the two appointments, announced early Thursday morning, signaled the beginning of the re-building process post-settlement of the long drawn crisis of confidence between Governor Fubara and the camp of his political godfather, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike.

 

Governor Fubara insisted that the essence of having the two  technocrats on board is to assist him in the re-building process and not to further  create  problems by way of unnecessary involvement in political activities and other unwholesome practices.

 

“This appointment is not for any political empowerment that you are appointed to start raising, or believing that you have a platform to abuse, insult, or create problems. It is an appointment to help this administration succeed.

 

“The most important thing to this administration now is to see that the good works that we started, and the ones we met on ground are concluded in a way that will bring progress and development to our State.

 

“You are working under me. You are my personal aides. It is not a position that as you are leaving here now, you start holding political meetings, and calling.people without my permission.

 

” Let me sound a warning here clearly. Your job is to make sure that  administrative activities, image making are well coordinated by way of liaising with everyone on official engagement here is handled satisfactorily.

 

“However, if you involve yourself in nocturnal meetings, and political gatherings, I will not hesitate to sack you.

 

“What is more important to me today is peace, progress and prosperity of Rivers state. It is important, and I am not going to compromise it for anything.

 

“I believe that those that have worked closely with me are very much aware that I don’t say what I won’t do.  May be before now, a few things had gone wrong because of my not being observant, and I let anything to go.

 

“But this time, I am not going to let things to go just like that. I am watching everyone, and any step that will bring any form of embarrassment to this Government or to my person, I assure you will be met with commensurate sanctions”, Fubara stated.

 

He also sounded a note of warning to some retired Permanent Secretaries who have refused to vacate their seats months  after being duly retired from service.

 

The Governor assured that he will dispatch a team to  decisively handle the situation by next week.

Terrorism Financing: EFCC Petitions Against Judge In The Trial Of  Bauchi Finance Commissioner

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Yakubu Adamu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, February 26, forced a Federal High Court Abuja Division, presided over by Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar, to hands-off a case and adjourn it indefinitely.

 

Justice Umar was handling the case on the alleged  terrorism financing to the tune of $9.7 million. preferred  against the Bauchi State Finance Commissioner Yakubu Adamu , Miyetti Allah Leader Bello Bodejo,and two others ,by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.

 

This development followed a petition by the EFCC lodged with the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Honourable Justice John Tsoho, against Justice Umar by the anti-graft Commission.

 

The EFCC in the petition sought  the disqualification of Justice Umar from  further handling  the alleged terrorism financing case involving the Bauchi State officials on the grounds that it longer reposed confidence in his ability to guarantee fairness and justice the  handling of the matter.

 

The Source reports that Justice Umar had, on January 21, 2026, granted bail to the Bauchi Finance Commissioner and three of his co-defendants including Badejo to the tune of N100 million each after they were initially denied bail on January 5,2026 by vacation Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite.

 

The granting of bail to the defendants, however, came amidst strident opposition from the EFCC which had  contended that the defendants posed a great risk to public safety and national interest.

 

The EFCC,  in its petition to the Chief Judge noted that its trust and confidence in Justice Uma became shaky immediately after he granted bail to the defendants despite the weight and gravity of the allegations against them, as well as the strength of the counter-affidavit against their bail application.

 

The anti-graft Commission expressed serious regret that Justice Umar’s action came after a previous Judge (Justice Emeka Nwite) had denied the accused bail.

 

The EFCC in the petition  asked the Chief Judge to either reassign the matter to another Judge or in the alternative, have Justice Umar recuse himself.

 

During the resumed hearing on the case on Thursday, Justice Umar announced his decision to temporarily step down  pending the final decision of the Chief Judge on the EFCC’s petition.

 

His decision to also adjourn proceedings sine die was amidst spirited efforts by the defence counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, to persuade him to go ahead with the business of the day.

 

Justice Umar, however, maintained that it will be in the best interest of justice for him to step aside temporarily.

 

The Source further reports that the EFCC had, on December 31, 2025, arraigned the defendants on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, unlawful conversation of public funds, and terrorism financing  involving over  $9.7 million.

Attack On Obi, Oyegun Others:  You Are Your Own Nemesis, APC Replies ADC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Peter Obi escaped assasination
Peter Obi, attacked in Edo State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, distanced itself from the attack on the Edo State, Headquarters of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, and some of its chieftains including Peter Obi.

This is as the Party called for an unfettered investigation to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the said attack.

The Source reports that the emerging opposition Coalition platform, ADC, had in a statement from its spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, domiciled the blame for the attack on Obi, and others by some armed hoodlums  at the Benin residence of former Governor of Edo state Chief John Oyegun on Tuesday ,at the door steps of both the APC and Edo state Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.

According to the ADC, the attack mirrored a troubling pattern of opposition harassment by the ruling APC across the country .

The ADC alleged that Governor Okpebholo’s series of incendiary and inflammatory rhetorics and threats preceded the attack on its Edo state Secretariat and Oyegun’s residence.

According to the ADC, the APC and the Federal Government have increasingly become terrorists organizations , with the opposition party it’s primary target.

“This was (attack on Obi and others) 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”, ADC alleged .

But reacting, the APC in a statement on Thursday from its National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka , while denying  any involvement,blamed the unfortunate incident on  internal contradictions and crises within the ADC itself.

“The African Democratic Congress, ADC, is undoubtedly its own nemesis.  It needs no external help to achieve its political demise .The party is doing a good job crippling itself even before it has come to stand on its feet.

“The ADC and its leaders are insufferable jesters. They weaponized dark humour as a strategy to deceive ,distract and disrupt in desperation for public sympathy”, Morka stated.

The APC, according to the national spokesperson, is too busy celebrating its sweet victory in the recently conducted FCT Council polls and by-elections in Kano and Rivers states to get involved in the unfortunate attack on the ADC and its leaders.

This is as Morka described as “senseless and unfounded” ADC’s resort to blame game without any verifiable evidence and or investigation being carried out.

According to the APC, the tendency for the opposition party to shift blame from what appears to be a result of its internal challenges, smacks of complete lack of focus and total disregard for the rule of law.

Morka further described as reckless and unjustifiable  ADC’s characterization of APC as a “terrorist organization”.

” By its baseless conclusion ,the party ( ADC) has declared itself to be the accuser , investigator , prosecutor and judge in its own case ..

” This characterization only reveals the ADC ,and its leaders as a confused bunch , desperate to whip up sentiments ,and curry public sympathy at all cost.

” Its flippant accusation clearly shows that the ADC is out of touch with prevailing realities of the country’s war on terror ,and insensitive to patriotic sacri.of our troops in the frontlines in defence of our lives and liberty” Morka added.

While condemning the Edo state attack ,the APC however called on security agencies and all other relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident , beginning with a scrutiny of the ADC itself.

“They Killed My Father, Critically Matcheted My Mother, Abducted My Two Sisters”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Community Leader Killed in Edo

By Adesina Soyooye

A heart broken Edo young man has told the heartbreaking story of how gunmen stormed their family home, killed his father, injured his mother, critically, and abducted his two sisters.

“I received a call that my father has been shot. When I returned home, I met my mother in a critical condition, and my two sisters had been taken away”, narrated Lucky Ogboi of the tragedy which befell his family.

This tragedy unfolded Monday night in Idua, Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, when gunmen invaded the home of Chief Jimah Jacob Ogboi, high-ranking Palace Chief in Iduah Kingdom, shot and killed him, macheted his wife very critically, and abducted two of his daughters.

The assailants, sources said, invaded the house and shot the chief at close range. They, also attacked his wife   with machetes and other dangerous weapons, and left her seriously injured.

According to Lucky, he had, luckily just stepped out to buy an item when the attack occurred.

His words: “I received a call that my father had been shot. When I returned home, I met my mother in a critical condition, and my two sisters had been taken away.”

The incident has prompted an emergency meeting of elders to discuss how  to secure the release of the killed Chief’s daughters and dig out the underlying cause(s) of the attack.

HRH Alhaji Amedu Momoh, the Traditional Ruler, has appealed to the Edo State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and strengthen security in the area.

He said:

“About four armed men went to the house of one of our chiefs. They shot him and abducted two of his daughters. The Nigerian Police and other security agencies have been here since the incident occurred.

“We need assistance in tackling security issues. The government should come to our aid. There had been relative calm in our land, but it appears the attackers have regrouped.”

The Edo State Police Command, CSP Eno Ikoedem, who has since confirmed the incident said investigations have started.

She said that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was in Ekpoma, Edo Central, with other senior officers to see to the security situation.

“I can confirm the incident. The Commissioner of Police and other top officers are currently in the area to forestall further attacks. The police have launched an investigation into the killing and abduction,” the PPRO said.

Terrorism Financing: Trial Of Bauchi Commissioner Adjourned Indefinitely

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Yakubu Adamu

By Akinwale Kasali

The alleged terrorism-financing case against the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, was on Thursday, adjourned Indefinitely by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The Judge  ordered the adjournment, stating that the  prosecution, led by M.O. Adebayo, had written to the Chief Judge expressing discomfort with the handling of the matter and requesting that the case be transferred.

He added that the Chief Judge had yet to respond to the letter.

Defence Counsel, Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, expressed shock at the development, arguing that any communication to the Chief Judge or presiding judge ought to have been copied to the defence for input.

He described the development as “unfair”, adding that the right of the defence had been taken away by the failure of the prosecution to copy it on the letter.

The Senior Advocate, also, urged the court to release the passport of the first defendant to enable him travel, stating that Adamu was part of a high-powered delegation overseeing Hajj preparations in the State.

In response, Justice Umar noted that the issue was administrative rather than judicial, adding that he was not expected to continue hearing the matter in view of the letter to the Chief Judge. He subsequently urged counsel to take a date.

Uche told the court that he would also write to the Chief Judge to protest the prosecution’s failure to notify the defence, arguing that such moves “will not do the administration of justice any good.”

While the prosecution asked that the matter be adjourned sine die pending reassignment to another Judge, the defence objected, contending that without a definite date the case would “die”.

Justice Umar, however, adjourned the matter sine die pending the decision of the Chief Judge.

Adamu and three others are facing a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and money laundering in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025 filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The prosecution alleged that between January and May 2024, the defendants conspired to channel millions of dollars in Bauchi State Government funds to individuals allegedly linked to terrorist elements.

The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendants were initially arraigned on December 31, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat asa  vacation judge, and pleaded not guilty.

Adamu was subsequently granted bail in January 2026 in the sum of N500m with two sureties in like sum.

Ondo Police Command Arrests Six Suspects Over Fake Miracles

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fake Miracles Pastor in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Six suspected fake men of God specializing in dishing out fake miracles to members of the public are now in police net in Ondo state.

They were picked up at the various points where they fake miracles at Idanre local government area.

Giving details of their arrest, Ondo state Police Command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh stated that the suspects had exploited unsuspecting members of the public with unspecified sums of money.

In a statement, the spokesman confirmed the arrest of six suspects over an alleged fake miracle scam in Idanre.

“On 16th February, 2026, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams, in collaboration with the Community Safety Officers (CSOs), carried out a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation following credible information about the activities of a suspected fraud syndicate operating within Idanre and its environs.

“The operation led to the arrest of six suspects alleged to have organized and executed fraudulent schemes targeted at unsuspecting members of the public.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions as a strategy to gain the confidence and trust of their victims.

“They allegedly exploited the faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of individuals by promising divine solutions to financial difficulties, health challenges, and other personal problems, only to defraud them through various forms of obtaining by false pretence and related scams.

“The suspects include; 1. Fadahunsi ‘m’ 2. Kolade ‘m’ 3. Tijani ‘m’ 4. Iyanuoluwa ‘m’ 5. Arijesulola ‘m’ 6. Ademola ‘m’.

“During interrogation, it was gathered that the suspects operated in a coordinated manner, assigning specific roles to members of the group to create a convincing and structured façade of legitimacy.

“Further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the total number of victims, determine the financial magnitude of the fraud, and identify other collaborators who may still be at large.

“All suspects are currently in Police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan Alleges Frustration At The Senate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Thursday, revealed how she was prevented from attending an international event on women in the United States.

She, also, expressed anger and frustration over her alleged sidelining from activities at the Senate.

Expressing her bitterness on.the floor of the Senate during the budget Defence of the Committee on Women Affairs, Natasha accused the Committee Chairman, Ireti Kingibe, of sidelining her from certain Committee activities.

She questioned the lack of unity and coordination among female Senators regarding a significant global women’s event, highlighting her alienation from the process.

The Lawmaker noted the limited female representation in the Senate, raising a concern regarding an invitation to attend the UN’s Commission on the State of Women, (CSW), event in New York.

According to the senator, she was informed of the invitation and was told to provide her passport for processing.

She said despite responding within three hours, she was later told by the Ministry of Women Affairs that she could no longer attend due to a late response.

“I was only informed about the event yesterday at 1:00 pm, and I immediately responded with my passport. Despite my prompt response, I was subsequently told that I responded too late and would not be attending.

“I should not be treated differently from other women, especially concerning an event focused on the betterment of women,” Natasha said.

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