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‘I’m Not Called to Be a Pastor’ – Wike Urges Gov Umo Eno to Pray for His Continued Suppor

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Because God did not call him to be a pastor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, or FCT, has asked Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno to keep praying for him.

Wike promised to continue helping the governor fulfill his responsibilities even as Eno prayed for him.

He made the remark yesterday while the Ikot-Esu-Otomo-Azumini road in Akwa Ibom State was being put into service.

Insisting that forgiveness is a sign of strength rather than weakness, the minister advised the governor to embrace this mentality.

“Keep up the good work; forgiveness is a strength, not a weakness,” Wike remarked. Talk to those who have supported you in the past; it doesn’t mean you’re weak; rather, it means you’ve made the decision to advance Akwa Ibom, and for that, I will continue to be there for you.

But to everyone you relate to, keep showing them respect because you are a man of God and humility, and let those of us In all honesty, I am unsure of my ability to serve as a pastor.

It takes a man of integrity to keep praying for me since God has given it to you, but I will be there for you no matter what.

God has told you to pray, so do so as I continue to be there for you. You do for me, I do for you, and you fall for me, according to my political philosophy.

Akwa Ibom: Pro-PDP Group Challenges Eno on Claim of Owning All Political Structures

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The assertions made by Governor Umo Eno that he controls all Akwa Ibom State political structures have been criticized by the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice.

Recently, Eno, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“At a time when Akwa Ibom people earnestly expect responsive and impactful leadership, the governor has chosen to dissipate energy on needless political grandstanding rather than addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges facing citizens,” it said in a statement signed by the group’s chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish.

“The Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, publicly transferred the whole political apparatus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State to Governor Umo Eno.

Therefore, it is necessary to ask what other structure the governor is fighting for and against. His lack of conviction, clarity, and direction in his political path is only highlighted by such careless posturing.

The fact that Governor Eno defected to the APC was a severe blunder; it was dismal, unsustainable, and motivated more by convenience than by principle. His current difficulties reveal the reality of a man surrounded by odd pals who don’t truly trust his leadership or share his goals. The APC is not and cannot be his natural political home, and that much is still true.

“We implore Governor Umo Eno to change his ways and rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while opportunity still exists. Selfless service, vision, and an unrelenting dedication to the welfare of the people are what make up governance, not interminable political wrangling. Instead of being sidetracked by trivial rivalries and internal arguments, Akwa Ibom deserves a leader who is courageous, people-centered, and focused.

FCT Council Polls: INEC Removes Campaign Restrictions

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In order to prepare for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has instructed political parties to launch public campaigns.

In a statement, Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner of INEC and the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, clarified that the campaigns would conclude on February 19, 2026, prior to the council elections.

For media campaigns, outdoor advertising, and public rallies and meetings, he said, “parties and candidates must be given access to public facilities.”

The commission stated that the decision was consistent with Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which forbids using incumbency to favor or disfavor any candidate or party.

February 21, 2026, is the date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the FCT elections.

Ex-French President Convicted, Handed Prison Sentence

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A court in Paris has given former French President Nicolas Sarkozy a five-year prison sentence.
According to reports, the court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy on Thursday during his investigation into allegations that the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi contributed to the funding of his successful presidential campaign in 2007.

The court mandated that Sarkozy be taken into custody at a later time, and it gave prosecutors a month to let the former president know when he should be sent to prison. Sarkozy may appeal the decision, but this measure will stand.

CNN reports that in addition, the court convicted former ministers Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux, two of Sarkozy’s closest colleagues during his presidency, guilty of criminal association but cleared them of others.

Judges were not persuaded that the conservative leader was directly involved in the funding effort or that any Libyan funds were actually used in Sarkozy’s successful campaign, according to the Paris court ruling, which implied that the court thought the men had banded together to seek Libyan funding for his 2007 campaign.

After reading the lengthy ruling four hours, the top judge stated that Sarkozy had let his close allies to contact Libyan authorities “to obtain or try to obtain financial support in Libya for the purpose of securing campaign financing.” As she read the verdict, he stood up.

However, the court added that it was unable to say for sure whether Libyan funds ultimately funded Sarkozy’s campaign. According to the court, a corrupt scheme can still be illegal in France even if no money was exchanged or could not be confirmed.

Okanga’s Leadership Is Too Precious to Lose

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There are rare leaders like Chief Dr. Philip Agbese whose presence transforms communities, whose leadership uplifts the forgotten and whose actions speak louder than speeches. Okanga’s leadership is a gift that is too precious for us to lose.
Every moment he has stood with the people proves that his leadership is driven not by self-interest but by service. Okanga has shown us that politics can be people-centered, progress can reach the grassroots and every citizen deserves dignity. This is not something we can take for granted.
Losing such leadership would mean losing the steady hand that has guided us through challenges as well as the listening ear that hears the cries of the masses and the working hand that delivers solutions where others offer excuses. Okanga’s leadership is a lifeline for our communities and it must be preserved, protected and strengthened.
Now more than ever, continuity is not just an option but a duty. We must rise as one to defend the progress we have achieved and ensure that the journey we began under Okanga continues without interruption. The road ahead is long but with his vision, compassion and courage, we are sure of a brighter tomorrow.
Okanga’s leadership is too precious to lose and together, we must keep it alive.

Gov Buni Urges New Yobe Grand Khadi, Appointees to Uphold Honesty, Fairness, Justice

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Abba Alhaji Mammadi, the state’s new Grand Khadi, has been cautioned by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni to follow the principles of justice, fairness, and honesty for everyone without resorting to political, religious, or ethnocultural divisions.

Shortly after overseeing the swearing-in of the new Grand Khadi, Special Advisers, and Permanent Secretaries at the Banquet Hall at Government House in Damaturu, Buni issued the warning.

In order to support effective and efficient service delivery in the state, he recommended them to reinforce due process, be proactive, and introduce new ideas. He noted that their selections were made on the basis of merit, dedication, and loyalty.

He promised that the government will keep retraining and reorienting the Public Service to better respond to our present expectations for the prompt and efficient execution of our policies and programs in order to satisfy the desires and ambitions of our citizens.

Before being appointed Grand Khadi, 29-year veteran jurist Abba Alhaji Mammadi had meritoriously served in a number of State Judicial Service appointments.

Kulloma Umara Muhammad, Saleh Budde Sherrif, Hajiya Saratu Sabo, Mohammed Ibrahim Jalo, and Hon. Mohammed Bazam Maidoki were also sworn in as Special Advisers. Alh. Dauda Yahaya was appointed as a Permanent Member of the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Bamai Zanna, Bako Modu Kagu, Salamatu Yahaya Nangere, Abdu Shuaibu, Mai Dala Baleri Bularafa, and Musa Garba were the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries who took the oath of office and loyalty.

Dr. Yusuf Idriss Madaki, Ibrahim Ali, Mohammed Annur, Abbas Isah Bizi, Mohammed Kalli, and Abubakar Usman Kolere are among the others.

Key Takeaways from Nigeria’s Speech at UNGA

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With a bold agenda, Nigeria entered the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on behalf of the nation on Wednesday, listed demands ranging from economic opportunity to global governance.

Before the debate, Nigeria was said to have pushed for reforms to the global finance system, representation in the UN Security Council, and the debate over Palestinian statehood.

By emphasizing how important those reforms were to Africa’s future and the stability of the global order, the vice president campaigned for them.

It outlined the main conclusions from Shetimma’s speech.

SEAT DEMAND FOR THE UN COUNCIL

Shettima began his address by expressing disapproval of the UN’s “slow pace of progress.”

He clarified that the concerning indications had compelled countries to reject the impartiality of the multilateral organization and tasked the international organization with implementing change that would be effective.

Nigeria’s permanent representation at the UN Security Council is one of the developments, Shettima contended.

As a reliable partner in international peacekeeping and a stabilizing force in regional security, our demand for a permanent seat at the Security Council is a call for representation, justice, and change that will restore the legitimacy of the very organization that multilateralism depends on.

Terrorists hate us because we choose tolerance to oppression. He claimed that their goal was to use hateful words to split us apart and contaminate our humanity.

MINERAL MINING FAIRNESS

The vice president bemoaned the unethical mining practices that left African countries in poverty and scowled at them.

While acknowledging that foreign investments can help reverse deterioration, Shettima pointed out that African nations must also gain from the process.

When communities in Nigeria that have access to essential resources are able to reap the benefits of those resources, we know that our country is more stable. We have traveled this way in the Niger Delta’s oil-producing region,” he remarked.

He stated, “I think that when the nations that produce strategic minerals fairly benefit from those minerals — in terms of investment, partnership, local processing, and jobs,” the international order will be strengthened.

EXPLORING THE DIGITAL WORLD

Through the establishment of a “dedicated initiative” that would unite scholars, the corporate sector, governments, and communities, Shettima also argued for Africa’s engagement in technology breakthroughs to close the digital divide.

The influence of the last 20 years’ information and communication revolution is still being felt, he said, as we stand on the precipice of new and significant technological transformation.

“We are more aware of the opportunities that technology presents and the precautions that are necessary to promote development and reduce the risk of corrosion than we were. Some people are concerned about bogus news. We have a lot of that, and it might have terrible real-world effects on both wealthy and impoverished nations.

The Global Finance Court’s establishment

Measures to supervise the transformation of the global finance architecture were the second demand.

Many nations are weighing the costs of the new global order, according to Shettima, as a result of the world’s security situation becoming more challenging.

Nigerians are already accustomed to making tough decisions like whether to upgrade infrastructure or build defense platforms. tanks or schools?

He went on to say, “If we can access reforms to strengthen the international financial architecture, we can take that progress to the next level, a level that presents new opportunities for trade, investment, and profit.”

Climate change is not a problem in a vacuum.

When US President Donald Trump referred to climate change as the “greatest con job” of all time, Shettima took a different stance.

The vice-president requested that the UN address climate change in order to reconsider how best to employ its limited resources.

He stated that it is not a hypothetical matter concerning an uncertain destiny that will be resolved at a later date.

Palestine’s support and Israel’s condition

Palestine has been recognized as a state by Nigeria since 1988. At the UNGA, however, Shettima backed the resounding call for a two-state solution.

He denounced Israel’s war in Gaza, claiming that the tensions have left the region scarred.

The value of human life shouldn’t be confined to the hallways of never-ending discussion, in our opinion. For this reason, we believe unequivocally that a two-state solution is still the most respectable way to bring about enduring peace for the Palestinian people.

“The Palestinian people are not only bystanders in a society that is trying to find order. They are human beings with equal value who should have the same freedoms and dignity as the rest of us,” he said.

Lamido: Tinubu Remains My Friend, Our Rift Is Purely Political

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Despite having a personal relationship with President Bola Tinubu, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has stated that he will not support him in the 2027 elections.
Every Nigerian has the right to run for president, and there is nothing wrong with being honest with any of the candidates, Lamido said.

Politicians can meet to discuss the country’s situation regardless of their political differences, according to the former governor, who is also a well-known member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In order to save Nigeria and ensure its progress, he pledged that his personal relationship would not compromise his dedication to the opposition parties’ mission.

Lamido made the submission, it was understood, in a recent BBC interview.

Following his recent public encounter with President Tinubu at the wedding of former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s son in Kaduna, which caused a commotion in Nigerian political circles, he made this declaration.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, was also spotted last week in Lamido, where he maintained his acquaintance with Tinubu.

According to the former governor, he has a long-standing friendship with both men that extends beyond their current political affiliations.

“I was the Minister of Foreign Affairs while Atiku was the Vice President, and we founded the PDP together. When Nigerians gather to discuss the situation of their nation, what is wrong with that? “What?” Lamido inquired.

Lamido reaffirmed that his top goal is to bring Nigerians together to fight against Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. He was speaking about his recent public conversation and gist with President Tinubu, during which they were spotted exchanging pleasantries at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna last Friday.

“We haven’t seen each other in a long time, but we know each other very well,” he remarked. “Now he is the President of Nigeria.”

I said to him, “You look good.” Additionally, he asked me, “Is that how you have changed?” I adore you because you are reliable, Sule. After laughing, we departed.

He claimed that in order to position the party for success in next elections, the PDP is actively striving to resolve its internal problem.

It’s not just Atiku who has switched parties; we’re talking to a lot of folks who used to be united but are now split. As Nigerians, we all want to see our nation advance.

Without a question, we are actively involved, making sure that agreements are made when necessary, and keeping lines of communication open and consultative so that Nigeria can forward. Our actions are for the benefit of the public, not for ourselves.

“Not just me – every Nigerian has a right to the President, and there is nothing wrong with telling him the truth if he is perceived to be wrong,” the former governor stated.

FBI Offers $10,000 Reward for Nigerian Olumide Adediran Wanted in Bank Fraud Case

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Olumide Adebiyi Adediran is a Nigerian national who is wanted in the United States on a number of fraud-related offenses. The FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information that could result in his apprehension and conviction.

According to an FBI internet notice posted on Wednesday, Adediran is accused of bank fraud, identity-document fraud, and credit-card fraud related to occurrences that happened in Illinois as early as 2001.

A number of names are allegedly used by the 56-year-old, including Edward N. Anderson, Maxo Alexandre, Eric O. Williams, Olumide Adkins, and Kevin Olumide Adediran. He allegedly tried to cash fake checks and opened fraudulent bank and credit accounts using stolen U.S. citizen personal information, according to investigators.

Just prior to his scheduled trial in December 2001, Adediran reportedly fled the Central District of Illinois, according to authorities. A warrant was later issued on January 2, 2002, by a federal judge who cited **violation of the conditions of his parole.

According to the FBI statement, in part:

On suspicion of violating the terms of his release, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran is wanted. According to reports, Adediran tried to withdraw money from a fake cheque that had been deposited at a Champaign, Illinois, bank in August 2001.

He also allegedly opened bank and charge accounts using stolen U.S. citizen information. Adediran left the Central District of Illinois at the end of December 2001, just before his trial on federal charges of credit card fraud, identification document fraud, and bank fraud was scheduled to start.

“After Adediran was accused of violating the terms of his release, a federal arrest warrant was issued for him on January 2, 2002, in the United States District Court, Central District of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.”

Despite being on the FBI’s most-wanted list, investigators think the fugitive may have ties in South Florida.

Adediran’s height is 5′ 11″, his weight is approximately 200 pounds, and he has brown eyes and black hair.

“If you have information that leads to Olumide Adebiyi Adediran’s arrest and conviction, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000,” the bureau reaffirmed, encouraging anybody with pertinent information to get in touch with the closest FBI office, U.S. embassy, or consulate.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Landmark Pact to Lower Drug Costs in Low-Income Countries

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After a historic agreement, lenacapavir, an HIV preventive medication, will be more affordable in more than 100 low-income nations in the next two years.

In collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, Wits RHI, and other organizations, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) announced the arrangement on Wednesday.

Financial, technical, and regulatory support is given to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories so that, after regulatory approval, generic versions of lenacapavir that are affordable and of high quality can be delivered to low- and middle-income nations by 2027.

Lenacapavir was proven to offer nearly complete protection against HIV and to greatly lower the risk of infection in clinical trials.

The effectiveness was shown to be greater than that of the main pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) alternatives. PrEP therapies have been used for years to prevent HIV infections.

The medication, which is injected twice a year, is expected to be made available as early as this year. It costs $28,000 per person each year.

The announcement on Wednesday, however, promises to reduce that price to just $40, or around 0.1 percent of the original price.

“It is truly transformative to be able to protect someone for six months with a single injection, at the same cost as the currently available daily pills,” said Bill Clinton, board chair and co-founder of CHAI.

“This collaboration represents an incredible innovation and a significant change in the realm of HIV prevention.” And I am humbled that CHAI can do its part in addressing the epidemic and giving the world a real chance to put an end to it,” he remarked.

The revolutionary new HIV prevention alternative gives millions at risk more convenience, longer protection, and optimism, according to Temitope Ilori, director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).

Lenacapavir is becoming more inexpensive thanks to the historic deal, she noted.

According to Ilori, “this agreement ensures that through this breakthrough innovation, it doesn’t just stay with the privileged few, but rather spares innovation with equity, laying the foundation for broad, long-lasting impact those that need it most.”

“To hasten the process of eliminating HIV as a public health concern, the Nigerian government is committed to increasing access to efficient prevention and fortifying our healthcare systems.

“To do this, we will make use of robust and creative collaborations between the public and commercial sectors.

“Many of you are present in this room as we take this bold step with partners to ensure a healthier and more resilient future, and lenacapavir is undoubtedly a tool in that fight.”