(DDM) – The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his office in Abuja, where he presented him with a specially customised Super Eagles jersey.
The visit, which took place at the Presidential Villa, was captured in a video shared on Instagram by Sunday Moses, the official photographer to the President. The footage, posted on February 19, 2026, showed Gusau formally handing over the green-and-white jersey to President Tinubu in what observers described as a symbolic show of appreciation and solidarity.
According to sources present at the brief ceremony, the presentation of the Super Eagles jersey was meant to acknowledge the Federal Government’s continued support for sports development, particularly football, which remains Nigeria’s most followed sport. The customised jersey reportedly bore distinctive markings, reflecting its commemorative nature.
During the meeting, both men exchanged pleasantries and a warm handshake before posing for photographs. The atmosphere was described as cordial, underscoring the working relationship between the Federal Government and the country’s football governing body.
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national football team, have long served as a unifying symbol for millions of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora. Over the years, successive administrations have pledged support for sports as a tool for youth engagement, economic development, and national branding.
Analysts note that such gestures, though largely ceremonial, reflect broader efforts to strengthen collaboration between government institutions and sports authorities. The NFF has in recent years intensified campaigns aimed at improving grassroots football, enhancing league structures, and upgrading sports infrastructure nationwide.
The presentation also highlights ongoing discussions around investment in training facilities, talent discovery programmes, and international competitions. Football remains a key driver of Nigeria’s global image, with the Super Eagles consistently drawing international attention during continental and global tournaments.
Observers say sustained government backing is crucial to addressing funding challenges, infrastructure deficits, and administrative reforms within the sector. The visit by the NFF President is therefore seen as part of continued engagement with the Presidency to secure policy and financial support for football and other sporting activities.
As Nigeria prepares for upcoming international competitions, stakeholders have reiterated the importance of unity and institutional collaboration in achieving sporting excellence. The jersey presentation serves as a symbolic reminder of the shared commitment to advancing Nigerian football on both the continental and global stage.
(DDM) – A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party.
The ruling was delivered on February 16 by Justice M. G. Umar in a suit filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori and others against INEC. The case, marked Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori & Ors. v. INEC, stemmed from an originating summons dated December 29, 2025, challenging the electoral body’s refusal to register the association.
According to a certified true copy of the judgment obtained by journalists, the court held that the plaintiffs had complied fully with the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions governing the registration of political parties in Nigeria. Specifically, the court found that the association satisfied the requirements of Sections 222 to 224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.
Justice Umar declared that the National Democratic Party, having met all stipulated legal conditions, is qualified to be registered as a political party. The court further ruled that INEC is under a legal obligation to grant the registration.
In addition, the judge set aside INEC’s earlier letter dated December 18, 2025, which rejected the group’s application. The court described the letter as null and void, stating that it lacked legal effect.
The judgment also included a mandatory order compelling INEC to immediately proceed with the registration of the NDP. The order was issued in Abuja, signed by the presiding judge, and sealed by the court registrar, Daisy Esa.
The development comes at a time when several political associations are seeking formal recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In recent months, INEC has screened multiple groups that expressed interest in becoming political parties. However, only a limited number have been approved so far, as the commission insists on strict compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.
INEC has consistently maintained that adherence to legal provisions is necessary to prevent the proliferation of inactive or non-compliant parties and to ensure that only serious and well-structured associations are granted registration.
Reacting to the ruling, the NDP’s interim National Chairman, Ada Frederick, described the judgment as a victory for constitutionalism and participatory democracy. She said the court’s decision affirmed the party’s longstanding position that it had fulfilled all legal requirements for registration.
Frederick also assured members and supporters that the party would move swiftly to strengthen its structures nationwide in accordance with constitutional provisions. She urged INEC to comply promptly with the court’s directive, emphasizing that the ruling reinforces the principles of fairness and due process within Nigeria’s democratic system.
(DDM) – A senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Sunday Ohakwu, has alleged that there are ongoing plans to arrest former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is widely regarded as one of the party’s leading presidential aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ohakwu made the claim while addressing journalists, stating that the alleged move is part of a broader strategy to weaken the ADC and undermine its readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential contest.
According to him, the party has “strong indications” that the plot is being coordinated by unnamed top security officials within the current administration. He alleged that several meetings had been held in recent weeks, during which a small committee was reportedly set up to identify what he described as “waterproof grounds” that could justify the arrest, detention, and prosecution of the former Rivers State governor.
Ohakwu claimed that anti-graft and security agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), could allegedly be used to carry out the planned action.
He further alleged that investigative teams are currently reviewing state records, financial accounts, and property documents linked to Amaechi in Rivers State, Lagos State, and Abuja in a bid to assemble what he termed a “full-proof, watertight case.” He added that Amaechi’s tenure as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari is also being scrutinised as part of the purported investigation.
The ADC chieftain maintained that the alleged efforts are politically motivated and designed to distract the opposition from consolidating its structures ahead of the 2027 elections. He insisted that any attempt to intimidate Amaechi or derail the party’s presidential ambition would not succeed.
“As part of their aggressive efforts to find reasons and evidence to nail him for prosecution in the courts, various teams are currently looking at records and accounts in different states,” Ohakwu alleged, warning that such moves could heighten political tension in the country.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency, the APC, or the security agencies mentioned in connection with the allegations. Neither has Amaechi publicly commented on the claims.
The development comes amid increasing political realignments and speculation over potential contenders for the 2027 presidential race. Political analysts note that as the election cycle approaches, heightened rhetoric and allegations among parties are likely to intensify.
Observers say the coming weeks may reveal whether the claims materialise into formal legal action or remain within the realm of political contestation, as Nigeria’s opposition parties continue to position themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
(DDM) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally presented Dr. Mo Moses as its chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Party stakeholders disclosed that prominent political figures, including His Excellency Peter Obi and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, are backing Dr. Mo Moses in his bid to secure victory at the polls. According to party leaders, their support underscores the strategic importance of the FCT council elections in shaping grassroots governance and strengthening opposition politics in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during ongoing voter engagement activities across the FCT, party representatives said they have been interfacing with residents to highlight the significance of the election and to explain why ADC candidates represent a credible alternative. They stressed that local council elections play a crucial role in determining the quality of governance, service delivery, and community development at the grassroots level.
The ADC maintained that it has fielded candidates across all area councils in the FCT who possess the competence, capacity, and character required to deliver transparent and accountable leadership. According to the party, Dr. Mo Moses’ candidacy in AMAC reflects its commitment to presenting individuals with proven ability and a clear vision for improving infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities within the council.
Party officials also called on voters to turn out in large numbers on February 21, 2026, to participate actively in the democratic process. They emphasized that robust voter turnout would strengthen the legitimacy of the electoral outcome and deepen democratic engagement at the local level.
In its campaign message, the ADC urged residents to consider a change in leadership, arguing that the forthcoming election presents an opportunity to reassess governance priorities within the FCT councils. The party expressed confidence that its candidates are well-positioned to offer what it described as quality leadership anchored on accountability and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
Political observers note that the FCT council elections are expected to attract significant attention, particularly given the involvement and endorsements of national political figures. As campaigns intensify ahead of the vote, parties are ramping up grassroots mobilisation efforts in a bid to secure decisive victories across the councils.
The February 21 poll is widely viewed as an important test of political strength in the FCT, with parties seeking to consolidate influence at the local government level while positioning for broader national contests in the years ahead.
Notepad++ has rolled out a critical security update to fix vulnerabilities that were exploited by a China-linked threat actor to hijack its update mechanism and selectively push malware to targeted users.
The newly released version 8.9.2 introduces what project maintainer Don Ho describes as a “double lock” security model designed to make the software’s update process significantly more resilient against tampering.
The strengthened mechanism builds on earlier protections added in version 8.8.9, which verified the signed installer downloaded from GitHub. The latest update goes a step further by validating the cryptographic signature of the XML file returned by the official update server at notepad-plus-plus[.]org — effectively adding an extra layer of integrity checking to prevent malicious redirection.
Security Hardening Measures
In addition to the double verification model, the update introduces multiple security-focused improvements to WinGUp, the software’s auto-updater component:
Removal of libcurl.dll to eliminate DLL side-loading risks
Elimination of insecure cURL SSL options (CURLSSLOPT_ALLOW_BEAST and CURLSSLOPT_NO_REVOKE)
Restriction of plugin management execution to programs signed with the same certificate as WinGUp
The release also patches a high-severity vulnerability tracked as CVE-2026-25926 (CVSS score: 7.3). The flaw stems from an Unsafe Search Path issue (CWE-426) when launching Windows Explorer without specifying an absolute executable path.
According to Ho, the weakness could allow a malicious explorer.exe to execute if an attacker controls the working directory of the process. Under certain conditions, this could lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the running application.
Fallout From a Supply Chain Breach
The fix follows a previously disclosed incident in which attackers exploited a breach at the hosting provider level to manipulate Notepad++ update traffic beginning in June 2025. The compromise allowed certain users’ update requests to be redirected to malicious servers that distributed poisoned installers. The tampering was discovered in early December 2025.
Security researchers at Rapid7 and Kaspersky determined that the altered updates delivered a previously undocumented backdoor named Chrysalis. The broader supply chain attack is tracked as CVE-2025-15556 (CVSS score: 7.7) and has been attributed to the China-linked threat group Lotus Panda.
According to findings from Kaspersky and Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, the campaign targeted individuals and organizations across Vietnam, El Salvador, Australia, the Philippines, the United States, South America, and Europe. Affected sectors included cloud hosting, energy, finance, government, manufacturing, and software development.
What Users Should Do
Users are strongly advised to update immediately to version 8.9.2 and ensure installers are downloaded exclusively from the official Notepad++ domain to avoid potential tampering.
The incident underscores the growing risk posed by supply chain attacks, particularly when threat actors exploit trusted update channels to distribute targeted malware.
Close to one million user records have been compromised following a cybersecurity incident at Figure Technology Solutions, a blockchain-powered lending firm.
The Nasdaq-listed fintech company confirmed to TechCrunch that it experienced a data breach after an employee was targeted in a social engineering attack. According to the company, attackers were able to access a limited set of internal files as a result of the incident.
The cybercriminal group ShinyHunters has claimed responsibility for the breach. On its Tor-based leak site, the group published more than 2.4GB of archived files, allegedly containing data exfiltrated from Figure’s systems.
Data breach monitoring platform Have I Been Pwned analyzed the leaked material and identified approximately 967,000 unique user records tied to Figure.
The exposed information reportedly includes full names, dates of birth, email addresses, postal addresses, and phone numbers — details that could potentially be exploited in identity theft or phishing campaigns.
Figure Technology Solutions specializes in blockchain-based home equity lending and mortgage services. As a publicly traded company on Nasdaq, the breach raises fresh concerns about cybersecurity risks within the fintech sector.
ShinyHunters told TechCrunch that Figure is among several organizations affected by a broader wave of attacks linked to a recent Okta-related campaign. The campaign allegedly involved voice phishing tactics designed to compromise single sign-on (SSO) accounts, enabling attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate data.
Other companies reportedly impacted in the same campaign include Betterment, Crunchbase, and Panera Bread.
The full scope of the breach and whether affected users will receive additional notifications or remediation support remains to be seen.
Nigerian folk legend Beautiful Nubia has publicly accused gospel artistes Yinka Ayefele and BBO of lifting the melody from his 1997 classic Seven Lifes without permission or credit.
The veteran musician, whose real name is Segun Akinlolu, took to X to express his frustration, alleging that Ayefele’s 2012 song My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti) and BBO’s 2026 release Amin both borrowed heavily from the core melody of Seven Lifes. In his post, he questioned when Nigerian musicians, particularly within the gospel community, would begin to take copyright laws seriously.
According to Beautiful Nubia, the melodic similarities are too strong to be coincidental. He suggested that the pattern reflects a broader culture of creative borrowing without acknowledgment in the industry. His comments have since generated heated discussions among fans and music stakeholders, with many calling for a proper musical breakdown to determine the extent of the similarities.
As of the time of this report, neither Yinka Ayefele nor BBO has issued an official response to the allegations.
The controversy adds to ongoing conversations about intellectual property rights in Nigeria’s music industry. In recent years, disputes over songwriting credits, sampling, and melody similarities have become more common, particularly as Nigerian music continues to gain global recognition.
Observers have pointed to past cases such as the 2024 legal dispute involving Sinach and her internationally acclaimed song Way Maker, where producer Michael Oluwole, also known as Maye, claimed co-authorship. Sinach maintained that she was the sole writer of the globally successful track. That case further highlighted the complexities surrounding music ownership and documentation in the industry.
Legal experts often stress the importance of proper copyright registration, publishing splits, and written agreements to prevent such conflicts. In an era where digital streaming allows songs to travel instantly across borders, protecting intellectual property has become more critical than ever.
As the debate unfolds, many fans are waiting to see whether the parties involved will seek legal resolution, mediation, or a public clarification regarding the claims.
A Lagos-based businessman, Adesiyan Kayode Olayinka, was on Wednesday arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N230 million foreign exchange investment fraud involving the use of an artificial intelligence (AI)–cloned image of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Olayinka was docked on a six-count charge filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, fraudulent advertisement and stealing. The charges were brought under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2016, and the Criminal Code Act.
After the charges were read in open court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all six counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a definite trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Nigeria Correctional Service facility pending the conclusion of trial.
In response, defence counsel informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution and urged the court to hear it. The prosecutor raised no objection to the bail request but asked the court to set a clear trial date.
While moving the application, defence counsel told the court that the motion, dated February 17, 2026, was supported by a 16-paragraph affidavit sworn to by the defendant’s wife. He urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms.
In a brief ruling, Justice Aneke ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Ikoyi and adjourned the bail ruling to February 25, 2026.
According to the charge, the alleged offences were committed between July and October 2025 at No. 20 and No. 26 Sule Street, Mangoro, Ikeja, Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that Olayinka and others still at large conspired to obtain money by false pretence by using cloned images and advertisements of Peter Obi, presenting him as a beneficiary of a forex trading and investment platform known as Modmut International.
Specifically, the defendant was accused of obtaining a total of N230 million from one Mr. Fredrick Amaechi under the guise of a forex trading partnership with the purported firm. The funds were allegedly paid through bank accounts operated with FCMB, Sterling Bank, Ecobank and other financial institutions.
Prosecutors further alleged that the defendant used AI technology to clone Obi’s image on his Facebook page, portraying the former presidential candidate as a member or beneficiary of the forex platform in order to lure investors. He was also accused of converting the funds to personal use without carrying out any forex trading transactions as represented.
The offences are said to be punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2016, as well as Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Act.
With the bail ruling adjourned to February 25, 2026, the defendant will remain in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision.
At one of the most closely watched technology events in the country, a university from Greater Noida found itself at the center of a controversy after showcasing a Chinese-made robotic dog as part of its artificial intelligence display. Within hours, the incident snowballed online — and by the next morning, government action reportedly followed.
According to PTI, citing official sources, Galgotias University was instructed to dismantle its stall and vacate the exhibition space at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The five-day summit, inaugurated by Narendra Modi on February 16, has been promoted as a landmark AI gathering hosted in the Global South. The event reportedly brought together more than 20 Heads of State, around 60 ministers, and over 500 global AI leaders. Spread across nearly 70,000 square metres and 10 exhibition arenas, the summit was designed to highlight India’s technological ambitions in artificial intelligence.
What Sparked the Controversy
During a media interaction at the university’s booth, Professor Neha Singh introduced a robotic dog named “Orion,” stating that it had been developed by the institution’s Centre of Excellence. She also highlighted the university’s claimed ₹350 crore investment in AI and referred to a dedicated data science and AI academic block on campus.
Soon after the video surfaced, social media users identified the robot as the Unitree Go2 — a commercially available quadruped robot produced by Unitree Robotics. The device is sold in India for approximately ₹2–3 lakh.
The issue gained further traction after Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video from the university’s stall on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the robot as part of the summit exhibits. The post was later deleted as criticism intensified.
University’s Clarification
In response to the growing backlash, Galgotias University released a statement on X, clarifying that the robotic dog had been recently acquired from Unitree and was being used as a learning tool for students. The university emphasized that it had not manufactured the robot and had never officially claimed to have built it.
However, Community Notes on X added context beneath the university’s post, stating that a representative had indeed suggested on camera that the robot was developed by the institution’s Centre of Excellence.
Political Reactions and Current Status
The controversy soon entered the political arena. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the summit, calling it a “disorganised PR spectacle.” In a post on X, he alleged that instead of showcasing indigenous capabilities, the event highlighted foreign-made products.
Despite reports of a directive to vacate the premises, a university official, Professor Dr Aishwarya, told PTI that no formal order had been received. She stated that the institution was prepared to address the matter and clarify the situation.
As per the latest updates, the university’s stall remained in place at the summit venue, even as the debate continued online and in political circles.
At one of the most closely watched technology events in the country, a university from Greater Noida found itself at the center of a controversy after showcasing a Chinese-made robotic dog as part of its artificial intelligence display. Within hours, the incident snowballed online — and by the next morning, government action reportedly followed.
According to PTI, citing official sources, Galgotias University was instructed to dismantle its stall and vacate the exhibition space at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The five-day summit, inaugurated by Narendra Modi on February 16, has been promoted as a landmark AI gathering hosted in the Global South. The event reportedly brought together more than 20 Heads of State, around 60 ministers, and over 500 global AI leaders. Spread across nearly 70,000 square metres and 10 exhibition arenas, the summit was designed to highlight India’s technological ambitions in artificial intelligence.
What Sparked the Controversy
During a media interaction at the university’s booth, Professor Neha Singh introduced a robotic dog named “Orion,” stating that it had been developed by the institution’s Centre of Excellence. She also highlighted the university’s claimed ₹350 crore investment in AI and referred to a dedicated data science and AI academic block on campus.
Soon after the video surfaced, social media users identified the robot as the Unitree Go2 — a commercially available quadruped robot produced by Unitree Robotics. The device is sold in India for approximately ₹2–3 lakh.
The issue gained further traction after Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video from the university’s stall on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the robot as part of the summit exhibits. The post was later deleted as criticism intensified.
University’s Clarification
In response to the growing backlash, Galgotias University released a statement on X, clarifying that the robotic dog had been recently acquired from Unitree and was being used as a learning tool for students. The university emphasized that it had not manufactured the robot and had never officially claimed to have built it.
However, Community Notes on X added context beneath the university’s post, stating that a representative had indeed suggested on camera that the robot was developed by the institution’s Centre of Excellence.
Political Reactions and Current Status
The controversy soon entered the political arena. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the summit, calling it a “disorganised PR spectacle.” In a post on X, he alleged that instead of showcasing indigenous capabilities, the event highlighted foreign-made products.
Despite reports of a directive to vacate the premises, a university official, Professor Dr Aishwarya, told PTI that no formal order had been received. She stated that the institution was prepared to address the matter and clarify the situation.
As per the latest updates, the university’s stall remained in place at the summit venue, even as the debate continued online and in political circles.
Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, has passed away at 64.
He represented Rivers South-East senatorial district and was born on June 23, 1961.
Mpigi had a notable career, serving in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019 and later becoming a senator in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party.
He led a joint Senate committee investigating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region during the Ninth Assembly.
At the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued on the reported death.
President Bola Tinubu has defended his decision to sign the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, emphasizing that election credibility depends on proper management and human oversight rather than real-time electronic transmission of results.
Tinubu spoke shortly after signing the amendment at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.
“It’s not as important as the history aspects of this. What is crucial is the fact that you manage the process to the extent there will be no confusion, no disenfranchisement of Nigerians, and that we are all going to see democracy flourish,” he said.
He stressed that elections are ultimately managed and concluded by people, regardless of technological systems.
“No matter how good the system is, it’s managed by the people, promoted by the people, and the result is finalised by the people,” the President said.
While addressing debates over the transmission of election results, Tinubu said final results would not be determined by computers but by designated electoral officials.
He stated: “In fact, for final results, you are not going to be talking to the computer; you are going to be talking to human beings who will announce the final results.
“And when you look at the crux of various arguments, maybe Nigerians should question our broadband capability. How technically are we today? How technically will we be tomorrow to answer the call of either real-time or not?”
He reiterated that voting remains fundamentally manual, from ballot issuance to counting.
“And as long as you appear personally, as a manual voter in any polling booth, a ballot paper is given to you manually, you decide in a corner and thumbprint the person of your choice, you cast your votes, without hindrance and any interference, ballots are subsequently counted manually, sorted, and counted manually,” Tinubu added.
According to him, what is transmitted electronically is essentially the arithmetic record captured in Form EC8A after manual collation.
“It’s just the arithmetic accuracy that is to enter into Form EC8A. It’s the manual, essentially. The transmission of that manual result is what we’re looking at.
“And we need to avoid glitches — I’m glad you did — interference, unnecessary hacking in this age of computer inquisitiveness.
“Nigeria will be there. We will flourish. We will continue to nurture this democracy for the fulfillment of our dream for the prosperity and stability of our country,” the President added.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended the impeachment process targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Assembly confirmed on Thursday.
During a resumed plenary session in Port Harcourt, lawmakers moved a motion to halt the proceedings, which had been initiated earlier this year over allegations of gross misconduct.
These included the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex and the approval of expenditures without legislative authorization.
The suspension comes amid ongoing efforts by federal authorities to mediate the political dispute and prevent further escalation.
Details on whether the impeachment process will be resumed at a later date remain unclear.
The Assembly’s action follows a period of tension in the state, with lawmakers and stakeholders expressing concern over governance issues and legislative oversight.
President Tinubu’s intervention underscores the federal government’s role in stabilizing state-level political conflicts and maintaining continuity of governance.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
President Bola Tinubu has issued an Executive Order directing direct remittance of oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account.
The order is to safeguard and enhance revenues, curb wasteful spending and eliminate duplicative structures in the sector.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The President signed the order pursuant to Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
It is anchored on Section 44(3) of the Constitution, which vests ownership and control of mineral resources in the Federal Government.
Tinubu said the directive sought to restore constitutional revenue entitlements of the three tiers of government removed in 2021 by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He said the PIA created structural and legal channels through which substantial Federation revenues were lost through deductions, charges and fees.
Under the current PIA framework, NNPC Limited retains 30 per cent of the Federation’s oil revenues as a management fee on Profit Oil and Profit Gas.
He said the company also retained 20 per cent of its profits to cover working capital and future investments.
Tinubu said the additional 30 per cent management fee was unjustified, given the existing 20 per cent retention.
He said NNPC Ltd. also retained another 30 per cent of its profit oil and profit gas as the Frontier Exploration Fund under sections 9(4) and (5) of the PIA.
Tinubu said the fund risked accumulating idle cash balances and encouraging inefficient exploration spending.
He said the order also addressed the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) created under Section 52(7)(d) of the PIA.
The MDGIF is funded by gas flaring penalties, even though the PIA already established an Environmental Remediation Fund under Section 103.
He said the overlapping funds and deductions far exceeded global norms and effectively divert more than two-thirds of potential remittances.
Tinubu said the Executive Order would resolve duplicative deductions by addressing overlapping provisions across relevant laws and regulatory instruments.
According to him, the objective is to eliminate multiple layers of deductions that erode revenues meant for the Federation Account.
The President also raised concerns over the continued role of NNPC Limited as a concessionaire under Production Sharing Contract arrangements.
He said the framework created competitive distortions and undermined NNPC Ltd.’s transition into a fully commercial operator.
Tinubu said the order introduced immediate measures to curb leakages, enhance transparency and reposition NNPC Ltd. strictly as a commercial enterprise.
He said the reforms were urgent given their implications for national budgeting, debt sustainability and economic stability.
Tinubu said his administration would also undertake a comprehensive review of the PIA in consultation with stakeholders.
According to the order, NNPC Ltd. will no longer collect and manage the 30 per cent Frontier Exploration Fund.
It said the 30 per cent profit oil and gas currently earmarked for the fund must henceforth be transferred to the Federation Account.
The order also states that NNPC Limited will no longer be entitled to the 30 per cent management fee on profit oil and profit gas revenues.
All operators and contractors under production sharing contracts must, from Feb. 13, pay royalty oil, tax oil, profit oil, profit gas and other interests directly to the Federation Account.
Tinubu, however, suspended payments of gas flare penalties into the MDGIF.
Proceeds from all penalties imposed on operators for gas flaring must be paid into the Federation Account.
The order directs that all expenditure from the MDGIF must comply with extant public procurement laws, policies and regulations.
Tinubu approved the constitution of a joint project team to execute integrated petroleum operations.
The Commission will serve as an interface with licensees and lessees where upstream and midstream operations are fully combined.
The President also approved the establishment of an Implementation Committee to oversee the coordinated execution of the order.
Members include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Others are the Minister of Budget and National Planning and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil).
Also listed are the Chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service, a representative of the Ministry of Justice and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy.
The Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, will serve as the secretariat to the committee.
Illegal miners killing off life in Jos Wildlife Park
A gas explosion at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, Plateau State, has claimed the lives of at least 37 people, with 25 others injured and receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Although the Plateau State Government puts the casualty at 33, but the council chairperson said 37 people died in the explosion.
The incident, reportedly caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, occurred at a site owned by Solid Unit Nig. Ltd.
The unfortunate incident was confirmed by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, who expressed deep shock and sadness.
“The Plateau Government received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a tragic explosion at a mining site in Kampani Zurak, reportedly owned by Solid Unit Nig. Ltd.
“Preliminary information has it that 33 persons were said to have been inside the mining tunnel at the time of the explosion.
“Others who sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
“Government is deeply concerned about the development and is working closely with relevant security agencies, emergency responders and health authorities to ensure that the situation is brought under control,” she said
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the shutdown of the mine and launched an investigation into the incident.
The government is working with security agencies and emergency responders to manage the situation.
This incident highlights concerns about safety standards in Nigeria’s mining industry, particularly in artisanal and small-scale operations.
The Nigerian military has arrested several officers, including Major H. Yusuf, in connection with an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The coup saga, which has been ongoing since 2025, involves 40 suspects, including senior military officers, a police officer, and civilians.
Major Yusuf, according to Sahara Reporters, is being detained alongside other suspects in connection with what authorities have described as a coup plot.
Though, details surrounding the alleged conspiracy is shrouded in secrecy.
Yusuf, a member of the 57 Regular Course recently completed his Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.
The Defence Headquarters has noted that the officers will face a military Court Martial, stressing that the process is disciplinary and aimed at preserving internal discipline and cohesion within the armed forces.
Thames Valley Police have arrested Prince Andrew, Duke of York, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the force confirmed on Wednesday.
According to reports, the arrest coincides with searches being carried out at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk.
Police said the investigation involves an allegation that the former royal shared confidential material with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Officers were seen arriving at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk earlier this morning.
Prince Andrew, who turns 66 today, has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
Thames Valley Police stated that they are actively assessing the complaint and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for the prompt signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law.
Mr Wike, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Wednesday, described the development as “apt”.
The News Agency of Nigeri reports that Tinubu on Wednesday signed the Act into law, which was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The amendment comes amid intense public debate over the electronic transmission of election results in real time.
The harmonised report of the bill, including the contentious Section 60(3), was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly
Mr Wike described Tinubu’s assent as a demonstration of his commitment to deepening the democratic process by making elections more credible.
According to him, the development has ended the unnecessary protest over the electoral act.
“Democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process.
“I, therefore, congratulate Mr President and the National Assembly members for playing their roles in this dispensation to make democracy stronger.
“Particularly, I commend the President for not keeping Nigerians waiting for more than 24 hours before signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law,” he said.
The United Kingdom may deny entry to children born overseas to British parents unless they carry the proper documentation, the Home Office announced on Wednesday.
Under the new rule, effective February 25, 2026, dual-national children cannot use the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) granted to most visitors.
Instead, they must either present a valid British passport or obtain a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589.
A Home Office spokesperson said the policy applies to all British citizens with dual nationality, including infants, even if travelling with a parent holding a British passport.
“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024, with a communications campaign about the ETA running since 2023,” the spokesperson added.
Officials explained that the measure is part of broader efforts to modernise the UK’s digital border systems and to differentiate dual nationals from illegal visa overstayers.
The certificate of entitlement will now be valid permanently, requiring only a single application.
The Home Office stressed that carrying a British passport remains the preferred option.
Failure to present the correct documents could result in denied boarding or refusal at the UK border, although Border Force officers retain discretion to allow entry.
Nigeria and Germany have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, with a focus on security, energy, and infrastructure, the Presidency announced on Wednesday.
The commitment followed a telephone conversation between President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which both leaders also explored collaboration in creative arts and skill development.
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s need for support in power transmission under the Presidential Power Initiative.
Chancellor Merz pledged assistance through Siemens for technical support and Deutsche Bank for project financing.
Security concerns in the Sahel region were also discussed, with Tinubu requesting used helicopters to aid intelligence and reconnaissance operations.
“The Sahel corridor is challenging and needs our support. Intelligence reconnaissance is critical,” he said.
The leaders additionally reviewed the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Germany, which spans over 65 years.
Chancellor Merz noted Germany is awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador and suggested initiatives to promote African arts, including the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts.
The brief call, which began at 2:01 p.m. and lasted nine minutes, underscores both countries’ interest in deepening strategic and cultural cooperation.
Cubana Chief Priest has urged the South-East and Igbo people to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, arguing it could increase chances of producing an Igbo president in future.
He cited Tinubu’s influence and track record, referencing his role in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 victory and his own 2023 win.
Chief Priest made the appeal in a post on his official Instagram page while reacting to a viral video of Lawrence Agubuzu, the traditional ruler of the Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State.
In the video, the paramount ruler appealed to Tinubu to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
While responding to the video, Cubana Chief Priest called on the President to consider the monarch’s plea and commended the royal father for speaking up.
“Mr President, we will do all we can, but please hear our cry, @officialasiwajubat. The message is very clear. God bless Your Royal Highness for participating in Nigeria. If Your Highness did not participate in Abuja, how would Asiwaju have heard this message?” he wrote.
He further stated: “If they say they did not record this video to play for you, then call His Royal Highness out and tell him not to collect any money. Alignment is key. We cannot fight the government. Asiwaju should free MNK. His Royal Highness has placed it before Baba.”
Mr Okechukwu reiterated that Tinubu secured victory in the 2023 presidential election without significant support from the South-East, arguing that aligning with the President ahead of 2027 would place the region in a stronger bargaining position.
“Let us move along with Nigeria. In the last election, Tinubu won without the South-East; it is clear he will win again. So why not give him the votes so he can do what we ask of him in return? Hopefully, he will hand over power to an Igbo man.
“He made Buhari, a Hausa man, president. He made himself, a Yoruba man, president. What makes you think he will not make an Igbo man president if we clearly support him for one more term?” he added.
According to him, the Igbo people’s political interest would be better served through strategic alignment with Tinubu.
“The Igbo people’s best stake is with Asiwaju. Just think about it. The man has the best political structure in the country to win an election. Let us not waste our votes,” he stated.
A woman identified as Aleti Crystal has triggered widespread reactions online after making a controversial statement about what she described as a personal “business” of physically confronting men accused of abusing women and minors.
In a viral post, Crystal claimed she targets men who allegedly beat pregnant women, assault underaged girls, or commit rape. She further stated that she plans to begin working with law enforcement and set a personal goal of confronting 1,000 alleged offenders before 2027.
Her comments have sparked intense debate across social media platforms. While some users applauded her passion for defending vulnerable women and children, others expressed concern about the dangers of vigilantism and taking the law into one’s own hands.
Legal experts consistently warn that physical retaliation, even when motivated by anger over serious crimes, can lead to criminal charges. Assault, regardless of the reason, remains a punishable offense under Nigerian law. Many commentators emphasized that allegations of abuse must be handled through proper legal channels to ensure justice is served fairly and safely.
Advocacy groups working to combat gender-based violence have also weighed in on similar situations in the past, stressing that while public frustration is understandable, collaboration with trained law enforcement officers, social services, and the judicial system is the safest and most effective way to protect victims.
The issue highlights growing public outrage over cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Nigeria. Activists continue to call for stronger enforcement of existing laws, faster prosecution of offenders, and better protection systems for survivors.
As conversations continue online, the situation underscores a larger tension between emotional reactions to injustice and the importance of due process. Authorities have not yet released any official statement regarding Crystal’s claims.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation.
He was transferred to ICPC headquarters in Abuja after spending 48 hours at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was granted bail.
The ICPC confirmed El-Rufai’s detention, stating he’s being held “in connection with investigations” but didn’t disclose details.
The move follows a three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against El-Rufai for allegedly intercepting National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s phone communications, violating cybercrime laws.
El-Rufai had alleged ICPC, acting on Ribadu’s orders, directed DSS to arrest him.
He faces separate allegations of financial misconduct, including diverting N423 billion and money laundering, which he denies.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a significant increase in voter registrations, with over 1.2 million Nigerians successfully completing the process in the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as of February 13, 2026.
Specifically, 1,228,648 eligible voters had fully registered by Week Six of Phase II, up from 884,737 at the end of Week Five.
Also, the commission said 673,124 applicants initiated their registration online, while 555,524 completed the process physically at designated registration centres nationwide.
State-by-state data shows that Jigawa State recorded the highest number of new registrants with 98,698 voters, accounting for 8.03 per cent of the total.
It is followed by Lagos State (86,307), Sokoto State (77,004), and Kano State (71,990).
On gender distribution, INEC reported that 696,891 registrants (57 per cent) are female, while 531,757 (43 per cent) are male.
Youths aged 18 to 34 make up the majority, with 848,066 registrations, representing 69.02 per cent of the total figure.
The commission also noted that 19,414 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have registered nationwide during the exercise
Despite ongoing debates over the electronic transmission of election results, Nigeria’s major telecommunications operators have dismissed claims that the country lacks the infrastructure to support real-time result transmission for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, telcos including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and T2 Mobile, under the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said objections by some National Assembly members are based on “half-truths” rather than current industry data.
Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON chairman, highlighted that over 70 percent of Nigeria is covered by 3G and 4G networks, with 5G reaching about 11 percent of the country.
Even areas with 2G coverage, he said, are technically capable of transmitting polling unit results electronically.
While acknowledging security and operational challenges in a few insurgency-affected states, Adebayo emphasized that such issues should be addressed collaboratively rather than used to justify a nationwide ban on e-transmission.
President Tinubu, however, emphasized that elections are ultimately managed by people, not computers.
“Final results will be determined by electoral officials, not machines,” he said, stressing that human oversight and proper management are key to credible elections.
The House of Representatives defended the inclusion of a manual transmission option in the law as a safeguard against unforeseen technical failures.
Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese said the provision ensures that elections are not stalled or invalidated in areas where technology may fail.
Similarly, lawmaker Gboyega Nasir Isiaka explained that the adjustment reflects operational realities, such as inconsistent network coverage and security concerns in parts of the country.
Meanwhile, former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini raised security concerns over manual transmission, warning that presiding officers could face threats at polling units if electronic results are declared unavailable.
Civic advocate and former Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili reaffirmed confidence in e-transmission, calling it a critical tool for transparency and reducing electoral malpractice.
She said proper deployment would make it nearly impossible to manipulate results.
Former Senator Shehu Sani also weighed in, cautioning that e-transmission alone cannot guarantee credible elections.
He stressed that structural and ethical challenges in the electoral system must be addressed, while supporting the inclusion of manual collation as a practical backup.
The debate comes amid preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 elections, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for both technological innovation and practical safeguards to protect the integrity of the voting process.
Titles in Igbo cosmology are never ornamental. They are condensed philosophies. They are biographies written in metaphor. “Ọgbụnechendo” is not a flourish appended to royalty; it is an ethical blueprint. Ọgbụ – the great oak. Not shrub, not vine, not seasonal grass, but oak: thick-rooted, time-tested, wide-armed. An oak does not wander; it endures. It does not whisper in passing winds; it stands and receives them.
To call a monarch Ọgbụnechendo is to imagine him as arboreal sovereignty – trunk firm, bark weathered, branches exuberant with foliage that casts shadow for his subjects. Shade in tropical semiotics is not mere comfort; it is survival. It is refuge from blistering sun, a gathering place for dispute resolution, storytelling, reconciliation. The village square is often under a tree. Justice, in many indigenous settings, is deliberated beneath leaves. Thus, when Eze Ọgbụnechendo speaks truth to power, he is not straying from his title; he is inhabiting it.
An oak that refuses to provide shade has betrayed its nature. A monarch who refuses to shield his people from the heat of injustice has abdicated more than speech – he has abdicated meaning. The oak’s canopy is not decorative; it is protective. And protection, in a democratic republic, includes protection from political neglect, asymmetrical justice, and the slow violence of un-kept promises.
In February 2023, when he reminded political visitors that decades of loyalty had yielded unemployment and insecurity, he was widening his canopy. The sun of disillusionment had grown harsh; his people stood exposed. To speak was to extend shadow. The oak did not uproot itself; it did not march into the capital. It remained where it had always stood; yet, it allowed its branches to stretch outward, intercepting the glare of power with words.
Shade, however, is not softness. The oak’s bark is coarse. Its roots split rock. There is a tensile strength in arboreal patience. Oaks grow slowly, but when matured, they are difficult to uproot. So too with moral authority. It accumulates over seasons of consistency. When Eze Ọgbụnechendo invokes communal memory, when he speaks as royal father rather than partisan actor, he draws from deep roots. His speech carries weight not because it is loud, but because it is anchored.
In February 2026, when he moved from irony to directive – “Bring this man out” – the oak was no longer merely shading; it was creaking under strain. A tree that shelters many must sometimes groan in storm. The intensification of his illocutionary force mirrors the oak’s response to escalating weather. The trunk does not flee the wind; it absorbs and resists. To remain silent in that moment would have been to allow the storm to strip leaves from those gathered beneath.
The metaphor deepens further. Under an oak, hierarchy softens. The wealthy and the poor share shade. In invoking national unity while exposing regional asymmetry, Eze Ọgbụnechendo insists that the canopy of Nigeria must not privilege one cluster of branches over another. If one region basks in honor while another bakes in detention and grief, then the national tree is lopsided. Its foliage is uneven. Its shadow falls selectively.
To call attention to this imbalance is not to hack at the trunk of the nation; it is to prune for symmetry. Pruning is often mistaken for hostility. It is, in truth, an act of care. By confronting asymmetry, the monarch performs horticulture on the body politic. He trims excess rhetoric, cuts away diseased complacency, and invites healthier growth.
There is also solitude in oakhood. The tallest tree attracts lightning. A monarch who speaks candidly in elite-controlled spaces invites scrutiny, even reprisal. Yet the oak does not shrink to avoid the sky. It rises because rising is its nature. Eze Ọgbụnechendo’s moral intermediary role carries similar exposure. To address a President directly, to question dominant narratives in ceremonial arenas, is to risk becoming a target of political weather. But shade requires height. Without elevation, there is no canopy.
As royal father, his speech embodies paternal pragmatics. A father’s rebuke is neither anarchic nor sycophantic. It is corrective. It presumes belonging. When he criticizes a party long supported by his people, he does so as one chastising a familiar son, not denouncing a stranger. When he urges executive action in 2026, he speaks not as insurgent but as elder. The oak does not exile those beneath it; it calls them to account within shared space.
Moreover, exuberant foliage suggests multiplicity. Leaves are many; trunk is one. His speeches reflect this duality. The “we” of 2023 – voicing collective grievance – resembles the countless leaves that rustle with communal breath. The singular “I” of 2026 – “I don’t feel very happy” – signals the trunk’s personal resonance. Both registers are necessary. Without leaves, the oak cannot photosynthesize collective will; without trunk, the leaves scatter.
The oak also marks time. It remembers seasons. Its rings record drought and abundance alike. When Eze Ọgbụnechendo invokes historical lineage – the founding of a political party, the long arc of regional experience – he speaks as tree-ring historian. He reminds power that communities remember. The oak’s memory resists political amnesia. It says: we have stood here before; we have seen cycles; we measure promises against years, not weeks.
Truth can be bitter; yet, suppressed truth ferments and foments gangrenous boil that festers. The challenge for Nigeria is to allow truth to be spoken without allowing the federation to splinter under its weight. Speaking truth to power, then, becomes less an act of rebellion than an act of shade-giving fidelity. The oak does not despise the sun; it moderates it. Power is not inherently evil; it is potentially scorching. The monarch’s role is to ensure that governance warms without burning. His discourse functions as canopy calibration—ensuring that the state’s radiance does not become blaze.
In Nigeria’s hybrid governance landscape – where constitutional authority coexists with traditional legitimacy – the image of Ọgbụnechendo acquires renewed relevance. The oak bridges epochs. It predates the republic yet continues to grow within it. By rising to the occasion of speaking truth to power, Eze Ọgbụnechendo demonstrates that traditional authority need not be ornamental nostalgia. It can be living timber – structural, load-bearing, ethically resonant.
If the republic is a vast forest of competing interests, then figures like Ọgbụnechendo remind it of vertical accountability. Trees grow upward, but their strength lies downward. Roots unseen sustain branches admired. Moral critique, when voiced from rooted authority, stabilizes rather than destabilizes. It prevents rot from hollowing the trunk of state legitimacy.
In that delicate act of speaking – firm yet faithful – traditional authority reclaims its ancient role: not as servant of the state, nor as rival to it, but as conscience within it. And so, when he stands in gilded halls and allows his words to cast shadow, he is not stepping outside his title; he is stepping into it. The oak spreads because it must. It shades because it was named to do so. It withstands storm because fragility would betray its essence. Eze Ọgbụnechendo – great oak with exuberant foliage – does not shout down the forest. He stands within it, tall and deliberate, reminding both sun and soil that those who gather beneath him deserve not only shade, but justice.
