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Electoral Act: Atiku, Peter Obi, Amaechi, and other ADC leaders speak to Nigerians

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Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday held a press conference at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja in Maitama, Abuja.

The opposition parties’ briefing commenced at about 2:00 p.m. at the Lagos/Osun Halls of the hotel, drawing prominent political figures from across the country.

 

The high-level meeting is focused on what party leaders described as pressing concerns regarding the amended Electoral Act recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

 

Among those in attendance are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; and ADC National Chairman David Mark.

 

Further details are expected as the press conference continues.

Police arrest six ‘Pastors’ over fake miracle scam

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Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested six individuals accused of posing as pastors to defraud members of the public through alleged fake miracles.

The suspects—Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola—were apprehended in Idanre, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, where they were said to be carrying out their activities.

Police Public Relations Officer Abayomi Jimoh said the arrests were made by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers (CSOs) following a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.

According to Jimoh, the suspects allegedly exploited the faith, emotions, and vulnerabilities of their victims as part of their scheme. He explained that the group reportedly promised divine intervention for financial problems, health issues, and other personal challenges in order to obtain money under false pretenses.

“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 facade of legitimacy,” he said.

 

The police spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing to determine the number of victims, assess the financial scale of the alleged fraud, and track down other possible accomplices who may still be at large.

Electoral Act: Abati, Rufai Oseni Clash on Live TV over Amendment

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Leading anchors on Arise News, Reuben Abati and Rufai Oseni, engaged in a heated on-air debate Thursday over the newly amended Electoral Act.

The controversy follows the recent passage of the Electoral Amendment Act by the National Assembly, which provides for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results while retaining manual collation as a backup.

 

President Bola Tinubu assented to the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 less than 24 hours after it was approved by lawmakers, a move that has generated mixed reactions across the country.

 

During the live broadcast, Oseni criticized the development, arguing that the National Assembly had failed in its representative role.

 

“They passed the law to make it mandatory for electronic transmission. Once you have two arms that are supposed to be separated and the Senate President is said to be loyal to the President, then it’s a problem for Nigeria because we can’t get effective representation,” he said.

 

Oseni further alleged that the Senate was acting in the interest of the executive arm rather than the electorate.

 

“With due respect, the Senate doesn’t represent us. They’re there to represent the interest of the president. That’s why they are doing everything in his interest. Let’s call a spade a spade. This is a democracy for Christ’s sake, not an authoritarian or military government,” he added.

 

However, Abati countered the argument, defending party loyalty within democratic systems.

 

“Even in the United States, you go with your party. In the US, which is not a parliamentary system, there is that faithfulness among party members. The opposition, the minority, can still have a say,” he stated.

 

He questioned what critics expected from the Senate leadership.

 

“What do you expect Senate President Akpabio to do? Go against his own party or against the president of the ruling party to which he belongs?” Abati asked.

 

The exchange reflects broader national debates over the implications of the amended Electoral Act and the balance of power between Nigeria’s executive and legislative arms of government.

Rema reveals two important rituals he does before performance

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 31: Rema attends the boohooMAN X Rema exclusive launch party on May 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for boohooMAN )

Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has opened up about his pre-performance routine, admitting that he drinks, smokes, and prays before stepping on stage.

Speaking in an interview with Dazed on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week, where he walked the runway for Diesel, the singer shared insights into how he prepares mentally and physically for his shows.

 

According to him, his ritual includes taking “a little tequila, a little cigarette,” saying a prayer, and checking in with his team to ensure everything is set for a seamless performance.

 

“A little tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team, and make sure everything is on cue,” he said when asked about his pre-show habits.

 

The artist noted that performing on stage is far more demanding than walking the runway, explaining that live performances require intense breath control and sustained energy to keep the audience engaged.

 

“Performing has a lot to do with your breathwork, and you have to keep the crowd going,” he added.

 

On his current musical influences, Rema disclosed that he has been listening to a lot of Sudanese cultural live music.

 

He also described smoking cigarettes as his “biggest vice.”

2027: Lobby Pope Leo to visit Nigeria- Abati begs Bishops

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Former aide presidential aide and Veteran journalist, Reuben Abati has urged the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to seek a papal visit, stressing that the country requires spiritual support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abati made the call on Thursday during his remarks on The Morning Show on Arise Television.

 

Reacting to recent comments by the Catholic Bishops, who asked President Bola Tinubu to tackle rising insecurity and violence across the country, Abati said the Church should go a step further by lobbying for a visit from Pope Leo XIV.

 

He noted that the Pope is billed to visit four African nations in April—Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea—in what will be his first papal trip to the continent.

 

Abati wondered whether Nigeria could still be included in the African tour, emphasizing the need for prayers as the nation prepares for another election cycle.

 

“First, you quoted the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria saying to President Tinubu, You have to do something about security; check the carnage that is going on.

 

“Why that is relevant, I would like to charge the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to pay attention to the fact that Pope Leo XIV will be visiting four African countries in April. The first papal visit by Pope Leo.

 

“He will be going to Algeria, the birthplace of Saint Augustine of Hippo. He’ll be going to Cameroon, Angola, and also Equatorial Guinea.

 

“Nigeria needs prayers at this time, as we are looking at general elections in 2027. Is there something that can still be done to lobby for the Pope to come and pray for us in this place where we need prayers? You cannot have more than enough prayers.”

Burna Boy converted to Islam from Christian- Associate Rahman Jago

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Rahman Jago, a socialite and close associate of Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy, has confirmed that the music star has embraced Islam.

Speculation about Burna Boy’s religious faith intensified weeks ago after the singer, who was raised in a Christian home, revealed during a podcast interview that he had embraced Islam “at some point” in his search for truth. However, he did not provide further details at the time, leaving fans debating his current religious stance.

The conversation resurfaced after Rahman Jago shared a video on his X handle showing Burna Boy praising Allah alongside a group of men in what appeared to be a bar. He captioned the post, “Allahu Akbar.”

The video was later reposted by Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Ahmad remarked that the singer looked happy and prayed that Allah would make his journey in Islam easy.

Responding to a curious fan in the comment section who asked whether Burna Boy had truly converted, Ahmad said some of the singer’s close associates had indicated that he had embraced Islam, although the artist himself had yet to make an official statement.

Rahman Jago later weighed in directly, confirming the development.

“He converted. He is now a Muslim,” Jago wrote.

Rivers: Fubara announces fresh appointments after peace with Wike

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced his first set of cabinet appointments following the latest intervention by Bola Tinubu in Rivers State’s political crisis.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor named Dr. Dagogo S.A. Wokoma as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Barrister Sunny Ewule as Chief of Staff.

 

The statement noted that the appointments take immediate effect.

 

Dr. Wokoma, who was earlier removed alongside other cabinet members this month, has now been reinstated as SSG.

 

According to the statement, both appointees will be formally sworn in at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt.

UCL: Nigerian Osimhen strikes winner as Galatasaray eliminate Juventus

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Nigerian Victor Osimhen was the hero on Wednesday night as Galatasaray eliminated Juventus from the UEFA Champions League.

The Turkish champions arrived in Turin holding a commanding 5-2 advantage from the first leg but were made to work hard in the return fixture.

 

Juventus dominated proceedings early on and took the lead in the 37th minute after Manuel Locatelli converted from the penalty spot. The hosts extended their advantage in the 70th minute through Federico Gatti, setting up a tense finish.

 

Weston McKennie later rose highest to head home and force the contest into extra time, with Juventus pushing to overturn the aggregate deficit.

 

However, Galatasaray regained control before the end of the first half of extra time when Osimhen latched onto a pass and calmly finished to restore his side’s aggregate lead.

 

Barış Alper Yılmaz then sealed qualification for the round of 16 with a clinical breakaway goal, confirming Galatasaray’s progression at the expense of the Italian giants.

Nigeria secures fresh $100m from EBRD, €22m EU grant for 90,000 km nationwide fibre optic

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Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, has announced fresh international funding commitments for Project BRIDGE, including a $100 million investment from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a €22 million grant from the European Union.

Tijani disclosed the development on Wednesday via his X handle, confirming that the EBRD Board has formally approved the $100 million investment in Project BRIDGE.

 

“As we conclude the final leg of our Project BRIDGE Investment Tour in Europe this week, following several extremely positive engagements, I am pleased to confirm the formal approval by the Board of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to proceed with a $100 million investment in Project BRIDGE,” he wrote.

 

The minister noted that the new commitment is in addition to the already approved $500 million financing from the World Bank Group for the project.

 

He also revealed that Nigeria signed the European Union Digital Economy Package worth €45 million earlier in the week. According to him, the package includes a €22 million grant for Project BRIDGE, €18 million for Digital Public Services, and €5 million to support the 3MTT Nigeria Programme.

 

“These approvals are deeply reassuring as we reflect on the hard work and the air miles, across six countries in two weeks, to secure the partnerships required to deploy 90,000 km of fiber across Nigeria, delivering meaningful connectivity to all Nigerians,” Tijani stated.

 

Project BRIDGE is designed to expand Nigeria’s fiber optic infrastructure, with a target of deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber nationwide to enhance broadband access and digital connectivity.

Tinubu ignores outcry by traders extends ban on raw shea nut exports in Nigeria

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President Tinbu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ignored outcry by traders and approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, pushing it from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency said the extension reflects the administration’s resolve to boost industrialisation, deepen domestic value addition, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

According to the statement, the continued restriction is aimed at expanding Nigeria’s processing capacity, improving livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and strengthening exports driven by value-added products.

 

To ensure effective implementation, the President authorised the two ministers in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, alongside the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit, to harmonise efforts under a unified, evidence-based national framework. The framework is expected to align industrial, trade, and investment priorities across the shea value chain.

 

Tinubu also approved the adoption of an export framework developed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange and ordered the withdrawal of all waivers previously granted for the direct export of raw shea nuts.

 

He directed that any surplus raw shea nuts must be exported strictly through the NCX framework and in line with approved guidelines.

 

In addition, the president instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to grant access to a dedicated NESS Support Window. This will enable the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to pilot a Livelihood Finance Mechanism designed to enhance production and processing capacity.

 

Shea nuts, harvested from the shea tree widely found in Nigeria’s savanna belt, are processed into shea butter, which is valued for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. The butter is widely used in cosmetics for skin and hair care, as well as in cooking oil production.

 

The federal government noted that processed shea butter commands between 10 and 20 times the price of raw nuts, reinforcing its push for local processing. It reaffirmed its commitment to policies that promote inclusive growth, support local manufacturing, and position Nigeria competitively within global agricultural value chains.

This comes despite numerous calls by traders on the federal government to halt the ban on shea nut exports following its inimical impact on investors.

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