The Nation Newspaper

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  • UPDATED: PDP crisis: INEC wades in, summons warring parties to meeting

    UPDATED: PDP crisis: INEC wades in, summons warring parties to meeting

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday waded into the crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with a view to addressing the growing concern of Nigerians.

    The Commission summoned the two warring factions of the Party (PDP) for a meeting at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The meeting presided over by the Chairman of the Commission is being attended by the leadership on of the two warring factions

    The Tanimu Turaki-led faction has the Chairman and members of his working committee, as well as secretariat staff and former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

    The faction backed by the FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike, as Acting National Chairman of the faction, Abdulrahman Mohammed, accompanied by members of his National Caretaker Committee, including the secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.

    Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the intervention became necessary following a series of conflicting correspondence received from the party.

    He said, “This meeting has become necessary because we have received several correspondence from various sides requesting one thing or the other. We are aware that INEC is charged statutorily under the Electoral Act and under the Constitution to monitor the activities of political parties.”

    He said the intervention was also informed by preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, as well as the governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states slated for June and July 2026, respectively.

    He said, “As a build-up to these elections, we have issued our own schedule of activities to all the political parties. And we are on course to ensure that we have a very smooth election at the area council of FCT and at Ekiti and Osun states.

    “We have received conflicting correspondence from the PDP, and we felt that rubbing minds together would be a good opportunity for us to forge the way forward concerning the elections.

    “I am happy that this morning, we have the very top officials that are present here so that we can discuss as a family and see how the issues can be resolved and we move forward,” he said.

    Prof Amupitan said the commission’s actions were guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its internal regulations, assuring the factions of its neutrality.

    “We are mindful of the need for us to maintain the sanctity of the Constitution of Nigeria. Actually, INEC sits on a tripod, comprising three legal regimes: the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the regulations that have been made. So, we are determined to ensure that we follow the provisions of the various laws, the Constitution, and the regulations that we have made.

    “So without much ado, I want to welcome all of you, and I request that we should have very, very frank discussions to ensure that we can achieve the objective of this meeting,” he said

  • NPA empowers 250 Osun traders, distributes grants to boost businesses

    NPA empowers 250 Osun traders, distributes grants to boost businesses

    The Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) on Friday distributed grants, freezers, and generating sets to 250 Osun State traders in a bid to boost their businesses and the local economy.

    The gesture, which the NPA facilitated in collaboration with Ileri-Oluwa Empowerment Group, was held at the Osogbo local government area of Osun State, as beneficiaries were drawn from four local government areas, including Osogbo, Orolu, Olorunda, and Irepodun.

    Speaking at the event, the executive director of marine and operations at NPA, Olalekan Badmus, noted that the initiative was aimed at promoting financial independence among the beneficiaries.

    Badmus, who was represented by Dare Adeyemi, disclosed that NPA provided gas-powered generators and 160-litre chest freezers to over 250 youths who were selected based on a thorough needs assessment.

    “Today’s event is not just another gathering; it represents a continuation of the NPA’s commitment to community support through our Corporate Social Responsibility programmes over the past three years.

    “At the NPA, we believe that development must extend beyond the ports and positively impact lives across the nation. This commitment drives our decision to support communities, especially those in need of opportunities,” he added.

    Former Commissioner in the state, Sola Oladepo, lauded NPA’s Managing Director, Engr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stating that the empowerment initiative facilitated by Engr. Badmus would significantly boost socio-economic activities in the federal constituency, particularly in the state capital.

  • PANDEF hails Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in oil, gas sector

    PANDEF hails Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in oil, gas sector

    • …applauds latest appointments of Eyesan, Mohammed

    Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Friday hailed President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector.

    The group also hailed the president’s decision to appoint Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as CEO of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of the Nigeria Mid-Stream and Downstream Regulatory Authority.

    PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali, said with the ongoing reforms and latest appointments, “Mr. President is set to take the Nigerian oil and gas sector on a quantum leap into the future.”

    He therefore urged the president to make the reforms a holistic one so as to ensure that the sector plays its paramount role in the country’s economic development.

    He said, “We, the people of the Niger Delta, are greatly impressed with these changes, and hope that the holistic reforms will be sustained. This is the only way to ensure that the oil and gas industry continues to play the paramount role that it has been doing for the common economic interest of all Nigerians and places Nigeria as a dominant player in the global energy architecture.”

    Igali also listed other expectations from the region to include expanding the environmental cleanup beyond the Ogoni to other oil-producing communities.

    The group also urged the government to promote the building of modular refineries in the Niger Delta.

    He said, “Furthermore, we look forward to sustained efforts of the Federal Government in putting in place a robust programme for the environmental remediation of the Niger Delta. The Federal Government must go beyond the Ogoni Clean-up to ensure that there is a budgetary provision on an annual basis to clean up the damaged environments of the Niger Delta in a sustained manner.

    “These changes present another opportunity to call on the Federal Government to put in place a robust programme to promote the building of modular refineries in the Niger Delta.”

    Igali also reminded the government of its commitment to set up a Modular Refinery Development Fund, similar to the Solid Minerals Development Fund.

    “This must be urgently looked into and encouraged as a way of carrying more host communities along in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), creating more economic activities in the Niger Delta and ensuring that the sector has greater stability for the overall good of the country,” Igali said.

    While hailing the President for the recent appointments in the oil and gas sector, especially that of Eyesan, PANDEF also used the opportunity to seek more appointments for qualified individuals from the region.

    “PANDEF again take this opportunity to express the hope that, as Mr. President will continue to follow through with these reforms in the sector, with more sons and daughters of the Niger Delta from where the country has the highest number of experienced professionals in the sector, would be brought into other top positions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the industry at large.”

    On the latest appointments t of Eyesan and Mohammed into two downstream regulatory agencies, the group said it was pleasant news to them and indeed the entire Niger Delta with great appreciation and expectation.

    Igali said, “We particularly applaud the appointment of one of Nigeria’s most competent professionals in the oil and gas sector, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, as CEO of Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), saying that “indeed, this particular appointment could be described as putting a square peg in a square hole, and we thank His Excellency, President Bola Anmed Tinubu, GCER, for this.

    PANDEF said the new appointee, Mrs. Eyesan, is a seasoned economist who has left her mark in the Nigerian petroleum industry, having previously served as Executive Vice President (Upstream) in NNPC.

     In all her professional life, she has always left a mark of diligence, excellence, and impact, wherever she served. She showcases a panache, making all Nigerians, and indeed, our womenfolk, exceptionally proud of her service to the country.

    PANDEF equality applauded the appointment of Nigerian, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority.

    Igali also assured the federal government of the group’s commitment to mobilise the people behind the government to ensure an enabling environment in the region.

    “Finally, as the apex body representing host communities, PANDEF reaffirms its commitment to working closely with Federal and State governments in mobilising our people to ensure that the right enabling environment exists for this important sector to continue to play its deserved role.”

  • DSP shoots self while under probe over alleged arms supply to bandits

    DSP shoots self while under probe over alleged arms supply to bandits

    A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Isah Abdullahi, also known as Kunkuri, attached to MOPOL 12 in Minna, has shot himself dead in the armoury he supervised.

    The suicide followed allegations linking Abdullahi to the supply of firearms and ammunition to bandits and criminals in Niger state.

    Sources say the matter came to light during a routine audit of MOPOL 12’s armoury by Abuja-based detectives, which revealed 13 missing AK-47 rifles and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition.

    Investigation led to the arrest of Inspector John Moses, attached to the Niger State Government House, who allegedly confessed that Abdullahi supplied him with weapons to be delivered to bandits in Erena, Shiroro Local Government Area.

    Further inquiries named a middleman connected to criminal networks in the state.

    During a physical audit at the armoury, Abdullahi reportedly took a pistol and shot himself in the head, killing himself instantly.

    Niger State Police Commissioner, Adamu Elleman, confirmed the incident, stating, “He (Abdullahi) smartly brought out a pistol and shot himself when empty ammunition boxes were discovered.”

    Read Also: PSC declines promotion of 176 ASPs, elevates 952 to DSP

    The Niger state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said that officers present during the audit have been arrested for negligence, while four other police personnel linked to Abdullahi are under investigation.

    A special team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) now guards the armoury, and an autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death.

    Abdullahi reportedly owned multiple properties and vehicles, raising questions about the extent of his alleged involvement in illegal arms dealings.

    Wasiu said that the investigation into the case remains ongoing.

  • Lift Africa Foundation pushes for stronger gender protection systems in Kano

    Lift Africa Foundation pushes for stronger gender protection systems in Kano

    Kano State is facing renewed pressure to strengthen its gender protection and justice systems following sustained advocacy led by Lift Africa Foundation, a civil society organisation headed by human rights lawyer Aisha Hamman.

    The renewed focus comes amid growing concern over Kano’s legal and institutional gaps in responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    Nigeria enacted the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015, establishing a comprehensive legal framework against rape, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, and other forms of abuse. Ten years later, Kano remains the only state yet to fully domesticate the law.

    Hamman, who has led advocacy on gender justice and survivor protection in the state for over six years, said the absence of a fully domesticated VAPP law continues to weaken protection systems and expose women and girls to preventable harm.

    Beyond legal gaps, Kano’s survivor support infrastructure remains severely overstretched. With an estimated population of over 16 million people, the state currently has only one Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) serving all 44 local government areas.

    Speaking on the strain facing survivor services, Malam Abba Abdullahi, head of the WARAKA Sexual Assault Referral Centre, said the centre is operating under significant pressure.

    “We are overwhelmed and working with very limited resources. The volume of cases continues to rise, but the capacity to respond has not expanded,” he said.

    Advocates argue that the combination of limited legal protections and overstretched survivor services has contributed to under-reporting, delayed justice, and increased vulnerability across communities. Kano is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s gender-based violence hotspots, despite having fewer institutional resources than states with comparable population sizes.

    Over the past six years, Lift Africa Foundation, under Hamman’s leadership, has driven justice-sector interventions and community protection initiatives across Kano and Northern Nigeria. These efforts have contributed to 32 convictions for sexual and gender-based violence-related offences in Kano State and 86 convictions across the region, despite existing legal constraints.

    The organisation has also played a central role in advocacy that led to the harmonisation of key Violence Against Persons Prohibition provisions into the Kano State Penal Code Amendment Bill (2021), which is currently awaiting passage at the State House of Assembly.

    In addition, Lift Africa Foundation has supported survivor referral pathways, strengthened engagement around Sexual Assault Referral Centres, and facilitated the reintegration of over 3,000 out-of-school children into formal education — a factor experts link to reduced vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

    These issues formed the focus of the Kano Gender Justice Summit, convened by Lift Africa Foundation, which brought together state institutions, religious and traditional leaders, security agencies, and community actors to examine systemic gaps and push for coordinated reforms.

    A key outcome of the summit was the unveiling of the Kano Community Declaration for Protection & Justice, a multi-stakeholder accountability document developed through consultations led by Hamman.

    The Declaration outlines specific commitments for institutions across justice, security, health, education, and community structures to strengthen prevention, survivor support, and accountability.

    According to Hamman, the Declaration is intended to shift the state’s response from fragmented interventions to a coordinated protection system.

    “Survivors do not need sympathy — they need systems that work. This is about accountability, coordination, and political will,” she said.

  • Tinubu mourns MicCom founder, Michael Ponnle

    Tinubu mourns MicCom founder, Michael Ponnle

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Michael Abiodun Ponnle, founder of MicCom Engineering Nigeria Limited and a renowned businessman, industrialist, and philanthropist.

    Chief Ponnle, an accomplished engineer, died at the age of 86.

    Until his passing, he was the Chairman of the popular MicCom Wires and Cable Company and proprietor of the MicCom Golf and Resort in Ada, Osun State.

    In a condolence message issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late Ponnle as a visionary professional whose contributions to the engineering sector and Nigeria’s economic development were significant and enduring.

    He noted that the industrialist distinguished himself through dedication, innovation, and integrity, building MicCom Engineering Nigeria Limited into a reputable indigenous engineering and industrial firm.

    “Engineer Ponnle provided employment opportunities to many young people. He contributed meaningfully to national development as he also helped to uplift his immediate community,” the President said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: FEC approves ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget proposal

    Tinubu also highlighted Chief Ponnle’s lasting impact on the tourism industry, particularly through the establishment of the MicCom Golf and Resort in his hometown of Ada, Osun State.

    He further acknowledged the late businessman’s investments in the state’s educational sector, describing them as part of his broader commitment to human capital development.

    The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Ponnle family, the management and staff of MicCom Engineering Nigeria Limited, as well as the friends and professional associates of the deceased.

    He prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family and for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late elder statesman.

  • Buying Range Rover Sport was my biggest financial mistake – Zicsaloma

    Buying Range Rover Sport was my biggest financial mistake – Zicsaloma

    Skitmaker Zicsaloma has revealed that buying a luxury Range Rover Sport was his biggest financial mistake.

    Speaking in an interview, Zicsaloma said he spent over N30 million on the vehicle, but mechanical issues forced him to spend N10 million on repairs within months.

    According to him, the car troubles persisted, leading him to sell it for N11 million, resulting in a significant loss.

    He said, “I think it’s buying a Range Rover Sport. That was one of my worst financial mistakes.

    “When I bought that car, I bought it for over 30 million. I sold it for 11 million in 3 or 4 months. And I spent about 10 million naira fixing the car in those three months. So it’s just like I threw 30 million and got back 1 million, with a lot of stress.”

  • APC Forum applauds, welcomes Muftwang’s defection

    APC Forum applauds, welcomes Muftwang’s defection

    The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has been applauded for being a listening leader with the interest of his citizens at heart following his joining the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mutfwang’s defection was officially confirmed on Thursday night by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

    Reacting to the development on Friday, the North Central APC Forum, in a statement on Friday by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, described the governor’s move as historic and strategic, assuring him of full support from the party across the zone.

    The Forum disclosed that Mutfwang had directed all his aides to move with him to the APC.

    “We, the North Central APC Forum, are happy to announce the successful culmination of our agitation and campaign for Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to join the APC. We thank Governor Mutfwang for heeding our call, which was prompted by our commitment to the interests of Plateau State and the entire North Central,” the statement said.

    The Forum noted that it had, since April 2024, consistently campaigned for Mutfwang to join the APC, citing his performance in office and the need for a stable political platform.

    “Our campaign for Mutfwang to join the APC was informed by his good works and achievements in office, and because we believe he has the capacity to even do more if he is in a stable political platform such as the one provided by the APC,” the Forum said.

    It added that joining the APC would enable the governor to work more closely with President Bola Tinubu to deliver dividends of democracy to the people of Plateau State.

    The Forum also highlighted the political significance of the defection, noting that the North Central has now become the only geopolitical zone with APC governors in all six states.

    “With this development, the North Central is now the only zone with six APC governors, as all six states in the region are now APC. This is a historic development which has actualized our vision of delivering the entire North Central to our great party,” the statement read.

    The Forum pledged continued support for Mutfwang and called on party stakeholders to rally round him, stating, “We are certain that this strategic move by Governor Mutfwang will benefit the entire North Central, not only the people of Plateau State.

    “We assure Governor Mutfwang of our full support and call on all stakeholders to rally round him as he contributes to moving the party forward,” it said.

    The Forum also restated its pledge to deliver six million votes from the North Central for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, an increase from its earlier four million vote target.

    “Our pledge to deliver six million votes for Mr President is on course, especially now that all the States in the zone are with APC. Mr President can rest assured concerning the votes of the North Central when it is time for his re-election in 2027,” the Forum said.

    The group thanked President Tinubu for providing what it described as the leadership that made Mutfwang’s defection possible.

    It recalled that it had formally invited the Plateau governor to join the APC shortly after the Supreme Court affirmed his election in 2024, and had continued to press the matter despite resistance from some APC leaders in Plateau State.

    The Forum dismissed opposition to Mutfwang’s defection as selfish, insisting that the move was in the best interest of the party and the region.

  • UNILAG VC praises Mabel Nwanegbu at commissioning of sanitary facility

    UNILAG VC praises Mabel Nwanegbu at commissioning of sanitary facility

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has commended Midas Interiors Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Mabel Nwanegbu, for their contribution to campus infrastructure through the delivery of a newly upgraded male sanitary facility at the Department of Chemical Engineering.

    The modern facility, designed and executed by Midas Interiors Limited, replaces an outdated structure and introduces improved hygiene standards, contemporary fittings, and enhanced functionality for students and staff within the department.

    Speaking at the commissioning, Professor Ogunsola stressed that the quality of learning environments plays a vital role in shaping students’ values, behaviour, and academic excellence.

    She noted that institutions committed to producing well-rounded graduates must also invest in spaces that reflect dignity, discipline, and excellence, while expressing appreciation for the commitment shown by Midas Interiors Limited under the leadership of Mabel Nwanegbu.

    In her remarks, Mabel Nwanegbu, CEO of Midas Interiors Limited, described the project as a purposeful intervention aimed at supporting education and student wellbeing. She explained that UNILAG’s recognition as Nigeria’s top-ranked university by the Times Higher Education World University Ranking inspired the company to contribute meaningfully to the institution’s development.

    She also expressed interest in future collaborations that would further enhance the university’s infrastructure.

    With over a decade of experience in interior design, construction, and bespoke space transformation, Midas Interiors Limited has delivered projects across corporate, residential, hospitality, and institutional sectors, earning a reputation for blending functionality with modern aesthetics.

    Professor Ogunsola added that the university remains open to partnerships that promote improved learning environments and sustainable development, in line with UNILAG’s vision of excellence in teaching, research, and service to humanity.

    Students and staff of the Chemical Engineering Department have welcomed the upgraded facility, describing it as a significant improvement that enhances hygiene, comfort, and morale on campus.

    The project adds to the growing portfolio of Midas Interiors Limited, reinforcing the role of thoughtful design in supporting education and community development.

  • BREAKING: FEC approves ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget proposal

    BREAKING: FEC approves ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget proposal

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Friday approved the 2026 Appropriation Bill, clearing the way for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to present the budget proposal to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    President Tinubu convened an emergency meeting of the Council at the State House, Abuja, to consider a single-item memorandum on the 2026 budget estimates ahead of their formal presentation to the National Assembly.

    Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr Tanimu Yakubu, said the approved 2026 budget has an aggregate expenditure of ₦58.47 trillion, representing a six percent increase over the 2025 budget estimate.

    According to Yakubu, the total expenditure framework includes projected spending by government-owned enterprises (GOEs) amounting to ₦4.98 trillion, as well as ₦1.37 trillion earmarked for grants and donor-funded projects.

    Read Also: Heightened security at NASS as Tinubu presents 2026 budget today

    Statutory transfers are estimated at ₦4.1 trillion, while debt service obligations are projected at ₦15.52 trillion, including ₦3.39 trillion set aside for the sinking fund to retire maturing local debts owed to contractors and other creditors.

    Personnel costs, including pensions, are projected at ₦10.75 trillion, representing a seven per cent increase over the 2025 provision.

    This figure includes ₦1.02 trillion allocated to government-owned enterprises. Overhead costs are estimated at ₦2.22 trillion.

    The budget proposes a capital expenditure of ₦25.68 trillion, which is 1.8 per cent lower than the 2025 capital provision.

    Yakubu explained that the marginal reduction reflects a more conservative approach to capital planning, with emphasis on completing ongoing projects and ensuring value for money.

    He said capital allocation priorities include ₦11.3 trillion for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), ₦2.05 trillion for multilateral and bilateral loan-funded projects, and ₦1.8 trillion representing the capital component of the development levy.

    Yakubu noted that the 2026 budget was designed to strike a balance between macroeconomic stabilisation and development imperatives within the medium-term fiscal framework.

    He said the underlying assumptions were conservative and realistic, particularly with respect to oil price, exchange rate, and dividends from government-owned enterprises.

    On the revenue outlook, the Budget Office boss said projected revenues are expected to decline year-on-year, but stressed that non-oil revenues now account for about two-thirds of total government receipts, confirming a structural shift away from oil dependence.

    He identified corporate income tax, value-added tax, customs duties, and independent revenues as the main fiscal anchors.

    He added that growth in expenditure is being driven largely by debt servicing, wages, and pensions rather than discretionary expansion, while the projected fiscal deficit reflects structural pressures rather than policy loosening.

    According to Yakubu, financing of the deficit will rely primarily on domestic borrowing, complemented by concessional loans from multilateral development institutions.

    Details shortly…