Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has alleged that the Federal Government is disbursing N500 billion in intervention funds to APC governors, claiming Zamfara hasn’t benefited.

Lawal, a PDP member, stated this during a Radio DW Hausa interview, saying Zamfara receives only statutory allocations without extra support.

He maintained his administration is executing development projects despite lacking federal intervention funds.

“The Federal Government has never disbursed any intervention fund to Zamfara State unlike other states. I have it on good authority that some states have received over N500 billion from the Federal Government, but my state has not received a single kobo. I believe it is because I am not in the same party as them. I am in an opposition party,” Mr Lawal said.

“Since I became governor in 2023, if not for the allocation we are entitled to, the Federal Government has not given us any additional intervention. But that has not stopped us from doing our best to execute projects for the betterment of our people,” he added.

Despite what he described as a lack of additional federal support, Lawal said his administration had continued to implement development projects across Zamfara.

“I have never borrowed any loan to run our state, not even one cent. Every month, N1.2 billion is deducted before the money is sent to us,” he said.

Meanwhile, amid ongoing internal challenges within the PDP, Mr Lawal ruled out defecting to another political party.

“As a Muslim, I believe only God gives power, no one else. I can’t betray my party just because we have internal issues within it. I will do my best to see the end of this issue we are facing.

“I can’t make that decision alone. I have to consult with my supporters before I can make such a decision. But if PDP is fixed, then there will be no reason for me to move to any party,” the governor added.

The crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, with Wednesday, February 18, 2026, confirmed as the first day of the holy month.

The moon was spotted in Hawtat Sudair and Tumair, Al-Majma’ah Governorate, with favorable weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria are expected to wait for a declaration on the commencement of Ramadan in the country from the Sultan of Sokoto and Amirul Mumineen, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month of the year.

It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed.

There’s been a major shake-up at DAAR Communications, with Chairman Raymond Dokpesi Jr and former Group Managing Director Tony Akiotu at odds over management changes.

Dokpesi Jr defended the restructuring, saying it was necessary for the company’s growth and stability after his father’s passing.

While speaking in Abuja, the chairman described the departure of long-serving executives as a tough but necessary move aimed at ensuring stability and future growth.

He said the transition process was carefully handled to minimise tension and sustain investor and stakeholder confidence.

According to him, the company faced significant challenges after his father’s death, including declining investor confidence and a drop in share value.

He added that he had to juggle family obligations with urgent corporate matters, and was surprised to learn that the company secretary had convened an emergency board meeting without his knowledge — a development he said raised concerns about corporate governance.

Dokpesi Jr acknowledged that the exiting executives were owed salary arrears and other entitlements, which the organisation had to settle.

However, he noted that the arrears had accumulated into billions of naira during their 15-year tenure.

“I will continue to apologise to Mr Tony Akiotu and the affected management staff for any hurt feelings resulting from the actions taken. But I have no regrets — I believe it was the right decision, and the results we are seeing today validate that choice,” he said.

He further explained that the restructuring enabled the company to prioritise outstanding salary obligations and improve operational efficiency.

Most of the organisation’s business units, he noted, are now financially independent, with others expected to attain full autonomy before year-end.

But in response, Akiotu criticised Dokpesi Jr’s remarks, describing them as unfair and misleading.

He argued that it was wrong for a chairman who presided overboard meetings and approved management memos to later accuse the same leadership team of mismanaging the company.

“All major operational and financial decisions taken during my tenure were subject to board approval and oversight,” Akiotu maintained.

He also highlighted the achievements recorded under the former management, noting that the company grew into a national and international media brand, with radio and television operations across Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Akiotu added that while executive retirements may be permissible under company regulations, the public characterisation of their tenure overlooked the sacrifices made in building one of Nigeria’s pioneering broadcast institutions.

“If Raymond Dokpesi Jr believes we played no part in the growth of the company, we leave it to Nigerians and history to make that judgment,” he said.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday reversed aspects of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed in December, amending Section 60(3) to allow both electronic and manual transmission of election results.

Under the earlier provision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was required to electronically transmit polling unit results to its Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in real time alongside physical collation.

The revised clause now states that the presiding officer shall electronically transmit results from each polling unit to the IREV portal only after Form EC8A has been duly signed and stamped by the presiding officer and countersigned by candidates or polling agents where available.

It further provides that where electronic transmission fails due to communication challenges, the signed Form EC8A will serve as the primary document for collation and declaration of results.

Following the adoption of the amendment, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout from the chamber in protest.

The lawmakers, led by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, later addressed journalists at the House of Representatives Media Centre, rejecting the new provision and describing it as anti-people.

The development signals renewed debate over electoral transparency and the role of technology in Nigeria’s voting process.

The Senate of Nigeria on Tuesday passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 following a tense clause-by-clause consideration, particularly over Clause 60, which governs the transmission of election results.

The session initially stalled as lawmakers began scrutinising each provision of the bill in the Committee of the Whole.

Tensions flared when Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe raised a point of order on Clause 60(3), challenging the provision that allows Form EC8A to serve as the official source in the event of electronic transmission failure.

Opposition senators demanded a formal division to vote on the contentious caveat.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the voting, directing those in support of the proviso to stand, followed by those opposed. Out of 70 senators present, 55 voted in favour of retaining the clause allowing manual transmission as a fallback, while 15 opposed.

The debate also touched on concerns regarding the scheduling of the 2027 general elections.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele noted that the 360-day notice requirement for elections, as outlined in Clause 28, could force the presidential and National Assembly elections to fall during Ramadan, potentially affecting voter turnout and logistical arrangements.

Discrepancies in several clauses, including Clauses 6, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93, and 143, were also highlighted as affecting cross-referencing and legislative consistency.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin advised that revisiting provisions previously ruled upon would be out of order, but Senate Leader Bamidele clarified that the motion to rescind the earlier amendment had effectively reset the bill for fresh deliberation.

The bill’s passage comes amid a series of legislative disputes with the House of Representatives, which recently adopted a version allowing both electronic and manual transmission of polling unit results.

The Senate’s approval signals a move toward harmonising the bill ahead of the 2027 elections while addressing technical and procedural concerns raised by lawmakers and stakeholders.

The session concluded with the Senate affirming the amendment and setting the stage for final reconciliation with the House version of the Electoral Act.

House of Representatives plenary descended into turmoil on Tuesday as lawmakers protested what they described as a procedural breach during consideration of amendments to the Electoral Act.

The uproar began when Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, moved to consider the amendment bill without specifying the provisions under review or conducting a clause-by-clause examination, a standard practice in parliamentary procedure.

Several legislators interrupted the proceedings, insisting that each clause of the bill must be scrutinised and voted on individually to ensure proper legislative oversight.

Aggrieved members rose from their seats chanting “clause by clause,” demanding adherence to parliamentary norms.

The disruption forced a temporary halt to the session as tensions escalated, with lawmakers challenging the manner in which the debate was being conducted.

The confrontation lasted for several minutes, reflecting the high stakes and lingering divisions over the role of real-time electronic transmission and other provisions in the Electoral Act.

Observers noted that the incident highlights ongoing friction between the opposition and the ruling party over transparency and procedural integrity in the legislative process, particularly regarding amendments intended to modernise Nigeria’s voting system.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed a N10 million fine on commercial banks that use unaccredited cheque printers or personalisers.

This sanction is part of the apex bank’s revised penalties for violating the Nigeria Cheque Standard (NCS) and the Nigeria Cheque Printers’ Accreditation Scheme (NICPAS).

Banks found using unaccredited printers will face a N10 million fine and immediate withdrawal of affected cheques. Repeat offenders will be fined N20 million and have their cheques withdrawn.

The CBN aimed to strengthen efficiency and safety within the Nigeria Clearing System and reflect current banking sector developments.

All banks and accredited cheque printers/personalizers are urged to comply with the revised guidelines.

Opposition members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday criticised efforts to amend Clause 60 of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, describing the move as a setback for electoral transparency.

The disputed clause, previously approved by the House, provides for real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to a central viewing platform managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Pressure mounted earlier in the week, prompting the Committee on Electoral Matters to propose rescinding the earlier provision. Opposition lawmakers insisted that the House retain the original version mandating real-time transmission.

During plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu sided with lawmakers of the ruling party who argued that the House should adopt the Senate’s version of the amendment.

Tensions rose in the chamber as opposition legislators protested, chanting slogans accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining electoral reforms.

The National Assembly has constituted conference committees from both chambers to harmonise differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

While the House version previously approved real-time electronic transmission of results, the Senate version allows manual transmission where real-time upload is not possible.

The dispute underscores ongoing divisions over the role of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process and broader concerns about transparency and credibility in future elections.

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has called on the United States government to return Nigeria to her indigenous ethnic nationalities.

MASSOB made the call in a statement issued by it’s leader, Comrade Uche Madu, which a copy was made available to Diaspora Digital Media.

It also acknowledged the intervention of President Trump’s administration and other United States congressmen in bringing attention to the systematic ethnic genocide against Christian-dominated communities in Nigeria by organized Fulani terrorist groups.

While commending Trump for the efforts of his administration and the US Congressmen who have raised their voices against the heinous acts of violence and persecution faced by Christians in Nigeria, MASSOB expressed readiness to engage with leaders of the United States and the broader international community toward achieving a permanent and lasting solution to Nigeria’s long-standing and intractable challenges through peaceful and lawful mechanisms, including the application of the United Nations principle of self-determination for indigenous peoples.

The statement reads: “The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) wishes to acknowledge the intervention of President Trump’s administration and other United States congressmen in bringing attention to the systematic ethnic genocide against Christian-dominated communities in Nigeria by organized Fulani terrorist groups.

“MASSOB is deeply grateful for the efforts of President Trump’s administration and the US Congressmen who have raised their voices against the heinous acts of violence and persecution faced by our people in Nigeria. The international community’s recognition of the ongoing atrocities committed by these terrorists is a significant step towards ensuring justice and protection for the innocent victims.

“We applaud the commitment of President Trump and the US Congressmen in addressing the plight of our people and calling for an end to the senseless violence that has plagued our communities. Their unwavering support and advocacy for the protection of our human rights and the preservation of our heritage is a testament to the values of freedom and justice that we hold dear.

“MASSOB stands in solidarity with the efforts of President Trump’s administration and the US Congressmen in seeking justice for the victims of ethnic genocide in Nigeria. We call on the international community to continue to pressure the Nigerian government to take concrete actions to end the violence and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.

“MASSOB also look forward to deeper engagements with leaders of the United States and the broader international community toward achieving a permanent and lasting solution to Nigeria’s long-standing and intractable challenges through peaceful and lawful mechanisms, including the application of the United Nations principle of self-determination for indigenous peoples.
Historical precedents, such as the internationally supervised processes that produced lasting political settlements in the former Yugoslavia, demonstrate that carefully guided self-determination frameworks for Biafra can provide sustainable pathways to peace, stability, and coexistence.

“The support and advocacy of President Trump’s administration and the US Congressmen give us hope that justice will prevail and that the victims of ethnic genocide in Nigeria will finally receive the protection and justice they deserve.

“MASSOB urged the United States of America to return Nigeria to her indigenous ethnic nationalities before the British colonist amalgamated and yoked groups of ethnic strangers in this contraption called Nigeria.”

By Agency Report

The Federal Government has donated N5 billion to the victims of the devastating inferno that razed parts of Singer Market in Kano on Saturday, bringing immediate relief to hundreds of the affected traders.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed the donation during a sympathy visit to the market on Monday.

The visit followed last week’s fire outbreak, which destroyed goods and properties worth billions of Naira, leaving many traders in distress.

Describing the incident as a national tragedy, Shettima said the inferno was not only a loss to Kano State but to the entire federation.

The vice-president, who was accompanied by the Governors of Jigawa, Kebbi and Imo, offered prayers for the victims and prayed to the Almighty Allah to prevent the recurrence of such obnoxious disasters in the future.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Singer Market Traders Association, Junaid Zakari, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for what he described as a timely and generous gesture.

He pledged that the funds would be used judiciously to support the affected members and help restore business activities in the historic market.

NAN

Armed police officers on Tuesday dispersed protesters with tear gas at the entrance of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, disrupting a rally organised to demand mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

The demonstrators, who gathered under the banner #OccupyNASS, were calling for real-time electronic upload of polling unit results to the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve transparency and credibility in future elections.

The protest attracted civil society groups, activists, and citizens advocating electoral reforms.

Among prominent figures present were former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, and former presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo.

Witnesses said the protesters were addressing supporters and urging sustained advocacy when security operatives, reportedly led by the National Assembly Divional Police Officer, moved in to disperse the gathering.

Tear gas canisters were fired into the crowd, causing panic as demonstrators fled coughing and gasping for breath. Several protesters reportedly sustained injuries in the ensuing chaos.

Despite the initial dispersal, protesters regrouped near the Assembly gate in defiance of police action.

Reinforcements, including multiple police vehicles carrying armed personnel, later arrived and fired additional rounds of tear gas to break up the crowd.

The demonstrators chanted slogans including “We no go gree, Akpabio pass the bill” and “Our vote must count,” while carrying placards reading “Don’t alter the bill, pass it” and “Rigging election is a coup.”

Their demands were directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the leadership of the National Assembly, whom they accused of stalling reforms critical to electoral transparency.

Protesters insisted they would continue to push for amendments to the Electoral Act that would mandate immediate electronic transmission of results, arguing the reform is essential to preventing electoral manipulation and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had not issued an official statement on the incident.

The Anambra State Government has sealed several shops at the Building Materials Market in Ogidi and the Electrical Parts Market in Obosi for two weeks after traders failed to open for business on Monday.

The enforcement action followed a monitoring visit by the Special Adviser to the governor on markets, Chief Evarist Uba, who inspected the markets as part of efforts to ensure compliance with the directive mandating full business activities on Mondays.

Uba said the closures were necessary to restore normal economic activities and reinforce Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s order ending the Monday shutdown that has disrupted commerce across the state.

He commended traders who complied with the directive, noting that a significant number of shops at the Obosi Electrical Parts Market opened for business, marking a departure from the weekly lockdowns that have hindered economic activity.

According to him, the monitoring exercise was aimed at assessing compliance levels and encouraging traders to support efforts to revive commercial activities in the state.

The affected markets are major commercial hubs, and the state government says the enforcement measure is intended to deter future non-compliance and sustain economic stability.