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Akwa Ibom Royal Council Bestows ‘Otuekong’ Chieftaincy Title on Tinubu

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The Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers has bestowed upon President Bola Tinubu the esteemed traditional title of “Otuekong,” Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom.

Nteyin Solomon Etuk, the president general of Okuibom Ibibio III, bestowed the title upon him on Friday at the State House in Abuja.
Governor Umo Eno headed a delegation of 104 people that attended the ceremony. The delegation included parliamentarians, religious leaders, previous ministers, members from women’s and youth organizations, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his wife Ekaette.

“I accept all the honors and the conferment,” President Tinubu remarked, expressing his thanks for the recognition. One of you is me. Looking back, I remember working as an auditor for Mobil while I was living in Eket. With a state that has advanced quickly in growth, we are all friends and family.

The President emphasized that leaders must put the country’s prosperity ahead of their party connections if Nigeria is to advance.

“I recently signed the 2025 budget,” he remarked, acknowledging Akwa Ibom’s progress. I’m glad that optimism is growing and economic uncertainty is diminishing. I appreciate your unwavering support. To build the country, we must cooperate. A good society is reflected in all of you.

In addition, Tinubu praised Governor Eno for his unselfish leadership and commitment to the populace, calling him a visionary whose administration ought to be an example.

“I have heard the governor’s worries regarding a state visit and the deep-sea port. Your governor is excellent; he loves his people and is afraid of God. I have been keeping up with changes and watch the state’s Arise program.

Read Also:PDP Attacks Ganduje, Matawalle: ‘North Rejects Them, They’ve Sold Their Souls To The Devil’

In response, Senate President Akpabio assured Tinubu that Akwa Ibom would always back his government and commended Eno for promoting harmony and togetherness in the state.

Governor Eno reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with the federal government on significant projects, such as the Ibom Deep Sea Port and ecological problems, while outlining the accomplishments of his administration.

Additionally, he thanked Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, and President Tinubu for their assistance when his wife passed away.

PDP Attacks Ganduje, Matawalle: ‘North Rejects Them, They’ve Sold Their Souls To The Devil’

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Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense, and Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have come under fire from Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for their assertions that Northerners will re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
In an interview with Vanguard, Abdullahi reportedly said that neither Matawalle nor Ganduje are qualified to speak for the North.
The PDP chieftain asserts that Ganduje is merely an opportunist attempting to defend his place in the APC and claims that he does not enjoy the respect of northerners, including those in his native state of Kano.

Northerners have suffered greatly under the APC’s rule, Abdullahi said, and they would not make the same error of choosing a party that has subjected them to unheard-of levels of poverty and adversity.

Instead of making unfounded accusations that Northerners will back Tinubu in 2027, he encouraged Ganduje and Mnaijatawalle to concentrate on defending their places in government.

“The Minister of State for Defense and the APC National Chairman are not in a position to speak for the North,” he stated.

In the first place, northerners do not appreciate Ganduje. Not even in his hometown of Kano. He is merely an opportunist attempting to defend his APC membership.

Ganduje has never gained enough regional or national recognition to be considered a representative of the North’s 19 states.

You will see that his assertions are untrue and deceptive if you take into account the opinions of the majority of Northerners.

“There is no such thing as the North endorsing Tinubu or the APC. Under him, the nation has been mishandled, and the North is most affected.

“The North accounted for 5.6 million of the purported 8 million votes that Tinubu received in the 2023 election. He barely received little more than 2 million votes from the entire South, which includes the South-West, South-South, and South-East.

Read Also: LASEMA Fights Fire at Medical Centre, Stops Further Spread

Now, the people who suffer the most are those in the North who supported him. Where, then, does he anticipate receiving the necessary number of votes to win in 2027?

LASEMA Fights Fire at Medical Centre, Stops Further Spread

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At the Ago Medical Center, which is situated off Ago Palace Way in Okota, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has effectively contained a fire.
In a statement released on Saturday, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, acknowledged the occurrence.
He said that when the agency received distress calls via its 767/112 Emergency Toll-Free Lines at 18:29 on Friday, it immediately activated the state’s emergency response plan.

Read Also: ‘What a Joke’ – Atiku’s Aide Criticizes Akpabio’s Wife Over Natasha’s Allegations

“When LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team arrived at 18:50 hours, they found that parts of a multi-story hospital building were being completely destroyed by fire,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
According to preliminary findings, a power surge caused the fire, and when the energy was restored, a spark was produced. Thankfully, there were no reported casualties or injuries.

Emergency personnel, including the LASEMA Response Team Fire Unit and other agencies, put forth a lot of effort to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to neighboring buildings, he added.

Responders are fighting to put out the fire, which is still burning fiercely. Operations for response and recovery are underway,” Oke-Osanyintolu continued.

The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos Neighbourhood and Security Corps, LASEMA Response Team, and LASEMA Fire Unit were among the emergency personnel on the scene.

‘What a Joke’ – Atiku’s Aide Criticizes Akpabio’s Wife Over Natasha’s Allegations

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The wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Unoma, has come under fire from Phrank Shaibu, the Special Adviser on Public Communication to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, for defending her husband against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti’s claims of sexual harassment.
According to reports, the Senate’s decision to rearrange the MPs’ seating arrangements on the Upper Legislative chamber floor set off the drama.
After the reorganization, Natasha and Akpabio got into a fight, during which the former said she had no fear of the Senate President.
The legislator said that Akpabio had made sexual approaches on her in an interview on Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025. She also said that her motion was turned down because she would not bow to the Senate president.

According to Natasha, her predicament is comparable to a student failing an exam because she wouldn’t have sex with her lecturer.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Friday, Unoma responded to the accusation by saying Natasha was defaming her husband and “creating content for personal gains.”

Read Also: Tinubu Urges Unity and Devotion as Muslims Commence Ramadan

She added that Akpabio and Natasha’s husband are close friends and called the accusation degrading.

The Senate President’s wife characterized her husband as a cheerful and disciplined individual who is frequently misunderstood.

Shaibu responded in a post on 𝕏, calling Unoma’s claim that Natasha’s husband would have gotten in touch with her on the matter a joke.

“So, madam, do you really think that High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the esteemed Alema of Warri Kingdom, ought to have personally contacted her to bemoan the fact that the “Uncommon Transformer” had naughty intentions toward his wife?” he had written.

“Is the account of @@NatashaAkpoti fraudulent because he didn’t call to tell your husband wanted to f*ck his wife? What a farce.

Tinubu Urges Unity and Devotion as Muslims Commence Ramadan

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President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, strengthen their commitment to Allah, and perform deeds of kindness for the less fortunate as Muslims over the nation begin the holy month of Ramadan.
Tinubu emphasized the month’s spiritual significance and exhorted people to use it for introspection, self-control, and a fresh dedication to promoting harmony and advancement in their local communities.
During Ramadan, people should engage in introspection, reaffirm their loyalty to Allah, and perform deeds of kindness and charity for others. It is a time for self-control, compassion for the underprivileged, and spiritual renewal.
Let’s make the most of this time to deepen our relationships with Allah and each other, promoting harmony and peace in our neighborhoods,” Tinubu said.
Throughout the holy month, the president hoped that his words and deeds would demonstrate a shared commitment to peace, solidarity, and national advancement.

According to reports, Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, formally proclaimed the start of Ramadan and asked Muslims to offer prayers for the stability and advancement of Nigeria.

Read Also: Rivers Crisis: Wike’s Ally Says ‘Fubara Must Govern by Constitutional Rules’

The crescent moon was spotted on the evening of February 28, which marked the end of Shaban and the start of Ramadan 1446, according to the Sultan, who spoke from his palace.

“The council confirmed the beginning of the fasting period by verifying and accepting reports of moon sightings from various regions,” he said.

The Sultan stressed the value of helping the underprivileged so that they, too, may fully enjoy the holy month and urged Muslims to engage in charitable deeds.

Rivers Crisis: Wike’s Ally Says ‘Fubara Must Govern by Constitutional Rules’

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According to Chidi Lloyd, a close acquaintance of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the former chairman of Rivers State’s Emohua Local Government Area, Governor Siminalayi Fubara must govern within the bounds of the constitution.
A duly constituted House of Assembly must be in place before the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may disburse cash to the Rivers State government, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday.
Along with all elected members, Martin Amaewhule was also ordered by the court to return to his legislative duties.
Wike expressed joy after the decision, calling it a win for the rule of law. He maintained that only three legislators should be authorized to form the state assembly and enact laws that apply to the entire state.

He said that what he dubbed impunity in Rivers State has ended as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Five separate appeals pertaining to the ongoing conflict in the state legislature were addressed in the ruling.

Lloyd stressed on Channels Television that Wike was not directly involved in the legal disputes, but he asked that Governor Fubara follow the constitution.

“The FCT minister is not involved in any of these matters. However, you mentioned good governance and that we ought to let Fubara rule, so no,” Lloyd said.

“Fubara must rule in accordance with the constitution’s requirements. He mentioned instances in which other branches of government will not permit the other branches to function, and one of the judges reminded him today that you cannot make laws for yourself and then disregard them.

Read Also: Tinubu Urges Super Bowl Winner Morotoluwa Ojomo to Empower Nigerian Youth

“Therefore, the Rivers State legislature ought to take a breath.”

Additionally, Lloyd charged that the governor was trying to weaken the legislature.

“With all due respect, the governor boldly moved into the Assembly people’s residence with the intention of dismantling it, but we’re not looking right away. In any case… We are now leaning toward peace. “Those who frequently disregard court orders should be aware that this is the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” he continued.

Tinubu Urges Super Bowl Winner Morotoluwa Ojomo to Empower Nigerian Youth

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American football player Morotoluwa Ojomo, who was born in Nigeria and recently won an NFL championship, has been urged by President Bola Tinubu to coach young people in Nigeria.
Remember how Morotoluwa Ojomo, an American football player who was born in Nigeria, joyously raised the Nigerian flag after assisting his team, the Philadelphia Eagles, in winning the 2025 Super Bowl in the US?
During a cordial encounter at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu praised Ojomo’s perseverance and commitment, stressing not only his sporting achievements but also the possible influence he may have on Nigeria’s youth.
The president informed Ojomo that his administration was eager to work with diaspora talents in a cooperative effort to enhance human capital development, especially in the field of sports, saying, “With the kind of focus that you have, you can mentor many youths here and develop them.”

Playing defensive tackle, Ojomo just celebrated winning Super Bowl LIX for the first time with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Read Also: CSO Writes AGF, Seeks Probe Of DPPF Over “Frivolus” Charges Against Businessman, Lawyer

On February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs by a commanding 40–22, showcasing their supremacy in this exciting championship matchup.

Throughout the game, Ojomo’s on-field contributions were essential to the Eagles’ defensive plan. The Chiefs’ offensive threats were greatly neutralized by his two crucial tackles, including one crucial tackle for a loss, which helped the team win handily.

CSO Writes AGF, Seeks Probe Of DPPF Over “Frivolus” Charges Against Businessman, Lawyer

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A civil society group, Federation for Truth and Justice has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to investigate the activities of the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Mohammed Abubakar Babadoko.

The group, in a letter dated February 25, 2025 is asking the AGF to use his office to probe the relationship between the DPPF and one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL

According to the letter, signed by the leader of the group, Comrade Henry Owolabi, the activities of the DPPF regarding the case of a businessman, Cecil Osakwe and his Counsel, Mr Victor Giwa calls for probe.

He said in the letter, “Our attention has been brought to many alleged illegal, and suspicious activities been perpetrated by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mohamned Abubakar in the Ministry of Justice.

“It has come to our attention that Mr Abubakar, whom hereafter we shall refer to him as DPP is believed to be abusing his office by using his office to intimidate, persecute and threaten perceived opponents of his cronies, in this case one, Asabe Waziri, a staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCLTD).

“Sir, the DPP has with a clear intention to intimidate Asabe Waziri ‘s opponents, framed and filed two charge sheets against one Cecil Osakwe and one Charge sheet against Cecil Osakwe and his Counsel, Victor GIWA, for standing up to opposed DPP’s illegal action against his client.

“The charges are Charge No: CR/244/2022 at the FCT High Court, Charge N0: FHC/ABJ/CR/331/2022 at the Federal High Court and the latest is Charge N0: CR/222/2023 in the FCT High Court, Abuja.

“Curiously, sir, these charges against Cecil Osakwe, a businessman and his Counsel where framed by the DPP, with the intention of weaponizing the charges against Cecil Osakwe and force him to conceded to Asabe Waziri’s reliefs which she could not get in civil courts.

Sir, the subject of the disputes between Asabe Waziri and Cecil Osakwe is the proposed purchase of 2 blocks of flats from Cecil’s Osakwe property -Abeh Signature Apartment in Maitama, Abuja.
Asabe has proposed to purchased the two flats at a purchase price of two hundred and sixty million naira (260,000,000) and made a fifty million deposit, after which was given possession.”

He said shortly after taking possession, there were issues which led to management of the property to terminate the sales agreement.

“The management of the Property decided to terminate the contract with Asabe and refund her deposit. Asabe Waziri insisted on remaining in the property and vowed to deal with Cecil Osakwe.

“The matter was submitted to the FCT High Court before his Lordship Hon Justice Othman Musa, who terminated the transaction and ordered that Asabe Waziri be refunded her deposit including her agency and legal fees and vacate the premises.

“Inspite of the Court Order, Asabe Waziri refused to vacate the premises and subsequently Court Order was enforced against her.

“Surprisingly, the DPP framed and filed the first charge against Cecil Osakwe, accusing him of collecting money from Asabe under false pretense on a property Asabe Waziri stayed for over two years before she was vacated.

“DPP has continued to use the charges against Cecil Osakwe to negotiate Asabe re-entry to the premises even after Cecil Osakwe lodged an appeal against the Court of Appeal decision, setting aside the trial’s court judgement.

“Honourable Minister sir, it based on the allegations of abuse of office, official corruption and bribery that we make the following demands:”That you cause the withdrawal of the Charge no /222/2023 against Cecil Osake and his Council Victor Giwa in the High Court of the FCT for been obtained through money inducement by Asabe Waziri through one Matthew Una of the DPP.

“That you investigate the attempted bribery in dollars by DPP through his agent Matthew Una of an FCT High Court Judge who refused that bribe to arraign Cecil Osakwe”.

APC Rivers Rejects Reports of 27 Lawmakers Defecting, Blames Fubara for Crisis

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Rivers State chapter has denied that the 27 troubled lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Speaking during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, APC state chairman Tony Okocha stated that the lawmakers had never officially joined the party, despite widespread speculation.
According to reports, Okocha stated that the December 2023 event at the Port Harcourt Polo Club, which many mistakenly thought was a reception for the defecting lawmakers, was actually a celebration of the APC’s state executive council inauguration.

Okocha denied receiving Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and his companions into the APC, claiming they attended the Polo Club function as friends.
“There was no intention to organize a reception for what we were not holding,” Okocha told me.

“We were inaugurated in Abuja and decided to host a reception and thanksgiving for our members. “It was not to receive the 27 lawmakers,” he stated.

He continued, “We were misconstrued as having received the 27 lawmakers into the APC. That is incorrect. We invited individual members of the Assembly. I developed a relationship with them over time. We tried to persuade them to join the celebration. I was intentional in inviting them to join us. We would have been overjoyed if we had succeeded.”

Governor Fubara is accused of flouting court orders.
Okocha also accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of repeatedly breaking the rule of law, stating that he refused to follow court orders.

He highlighted Justice James Omotosho’s Federal High Court decision, which granted 15 reliefs to Amaewhule and his company but that the governor allegedly ignored.

“We are disgusted by the Governor’s disdain for the rule of law. Justice James Omotosho issued 15 reliefs in his decision, but the governor has failed to follow them, he claimed.

Okocha criticized the governor’s presentation of the 2024 state budget, claiming that Fubara lacked legal authority to present it to a ‘three-man Assembly.’

“You can’t manage the state without an annual budget. But the governor is doing it.

Read Also: Bayelsa University Student Drowns in River Over Betting Incident

“You can’t offer a budget to a three-man Assembly. The Appeal Court referred to it as a ‘forum,'” Okocha stated, alluding to the state legislature crisis.

He asked both sides to respect the Supreme Court’s decision when it is finally made.

“We wish that both parties in the case should be courageous enough to heed the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment when the time comes,” claimed Okocha.

Bayelsa University Student Drowns in River Over Betting Incident

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At the Federal University, Otuoke, which is situated in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, a second-year student studying chemical engineering is said to have drowned in the Ikoli Creek River in Yenagoa.
The student drowned on Sunday after wagering with other people that he could swim across the Ikoli River, according to reports that were collected.
News reporters were able to verify the tragic incident after local divers removed the student’s body from the ocean, even though the student’s name has not yet been confirmed.

When the person was trying to swim across the river, locals told Daily Trust that he went under the water and did not emerge. A 200-level student of Chemical Engineering bet with his classmates to swim across the river on Sunday morning.

Each of them contributed N300 to the cause. He dipped while swimming and was not discovered right away until Monday night, when his lifeless body was found, according to a source.

News reporters were given confirmation of the unfortunate incident on Tuesday by Mercy Ekott, the university’s public relations officer.

However, because she lacked the authority to speak about it, she was unable to provide any other details.

“Yes, it is true,” she answered, “but I am not authorized to speak on the subject, so I cannot provide further details.”

Although the command has not yet received information regarding the incident, DSP Musa Muhammad, the police spokesperson for Bayelsa State, assured reporters that he would speak with the Divisional Police Officer in Ogbia to obtain further information and get back to them.