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Breaking: Osun Local Council Polls Will Hold Saturday as Planned – Governor Adeleke

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Breaking: Osun Local Council Polls Will Hold Saturday as Planned – Governor Adeleke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) are at odds, but Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that Osun State’s local government elections will go ahead as planned on Saturday.

Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, announced the appointment in a statement on Friday.

Following the Court of Appeal’s recent decision to reinstate APC-backed local government officials who had been fired by the state government, the statement was made. Conflicts over control of the local councils between the two main parties were exacerbated by the court’s ruling.

Governor Adeleke was warned earlier Thursday by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), not to hold the election. He maintained that the dismissed local government officials’ terms remained in effect until October 2025 because the Court of Appeal reinstated them. Fagbemi said it would be against the Constitution to organize another election.

“Despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling mentioned above, which effectively indicates that the elected officials’ terms of office have regained their currency and will naturally expire in October 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new Local Government election be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025,” he said. Any such election that is held would be a flagrant violation of the Constitution, which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold, in addition to being void because the elected officials’ terms of office, which were recently restored by the Court of Appeal’s ruling, will still be in effect until October 2025. Once more, the recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld and strengthened local government autonomy also makes it more imperative for Governor Adeleke to make sure that the transition from one elected official to another occurs peacefully and smoothly within the three-year period specified by law.

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) should be advised by Governor Adeleke to put off holding any local government elections at this time.

At a meeting with a group of civil society organizations in Osogbo, however, Governor Adeleke assured the populace that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) was ready for the elections.

“You are all welcome in Osun State. In anticipation of tomorrow’s elections, our people are ready. They long to be able to choose who will serve as chairmen and council members.

“OSIEC has also performed an excellent preparatory job, based on the reports I have access to.” A number of political parties are taking part, and I think there will be an even playing field for everyone to see how well-liked they are by the general public,” the release cited the governor as telling the visiting activists.

Read Also: Bello Turji Imposes ₦25m Levy On Sokoto Villages – Lawmaker Alleges

“All parties, including national and local stakeholders, should follow democratic norms,” I advise. Regarding myself and my people, we support the rule of law rather than illega self-help.

“The election will take place, and the result will be a rapid development at the local level.” Please, our people, keep the peace. Governor Adeleke continued, “Osun is a genuinely peaceful state.”

Bello Turji Imposes ₦25m Levy On Sokoto Villages – Lawmaker Alleges

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Bello Turji Imposes ₦25m Levy On Sokoto Villages – Lawmaker Alleges

Lawmaker Aminu Boza of Sokoto State has expressed concern over the actions of infamous bandit Bello Turji, claiming that he has levied a ₦25 million tax on villages in the Sabon Birni and Isa regions.
Boza, who is the state House of Assembly representative for Sabon Birni Local Government, said this over the phone with The Punch on Friday and cautioned that Turji’s power in the area is only going to increase.
“Bello Turji is presently in Sokoto’s Isa and Sabon Birni axis. “In certain communities, he has even imposed a levy of ₦25 million per village,” Boza said.

In order to stop the criminals’ operations and bring peace back to the impacted communities, he urged security services to act immediately.

Sokoto Arrests Major Arms Trafficker
A further development is the effective capture of a suspected arms dealer by local security personnel who are suspected of providing firearms to terrorist organizations in Sokoto.

Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, texted reporters Friday morning to confirm the arrest.

Hamza Samaila Surudubu, a 35-year-old alleged ammunition courier, has been taken into custody by the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps (SSCGC), Isa Division, according to his statement.

Today, February 20, 2025, the culprit was taken into custody on Shinkafi Road. The SSCGC Isa Division and Civilian JTF apprehended the suspect.

Hamza Samaila was on his way to transfer weapons and ammunition to Turji, Boka, and Halilu Buzu, according to preliminary inquiry findings.

Read Also: Portable Reveals What’s Next Following ₦2 Million Bail Release

“Security agencies were tasked with looking into this further.”

Residents have been reassured by authorities that continued security measures will be stepped up to stop criminal activity in the area.

Portable Reveals What’s Next Following ₦2 Million Bail Release

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Portable Reveals What’s Next Following ₦2 Million Bail Release

Differing opinions Portable, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, is a Nigerian singer who has promised never to be engaged in violence again.
It was alleged that the “Zazu zeh” singer made a decision to change his ways after an Ogun State Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, granted him ₦2 million bail on Thursday.
In Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, Ogun State, the singer was charged by the Ogun State Police command with assaulting three officials who were conducting an enforcement exercise: TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi from the Ogun Planning and Development Permit Authority, or OGPDPA.

A not guilty plea to five counts of conspiracy, assault, possession of a cutlass, carrying a gun to cause injury, and disruptive conduct resulted in his release on bond.
Following his release from custody, Portable made a vow to quit causing trouble and concentrate on earning money in a video posted to his Instagram page.

The musician claimed that he owes ₦2 million and is looking for funds to meet his bond requirements.

“Thank God, my fans, for everything,” he stated. You have it all if you have God. I have to have money. Trouble is not what I’m after anymore. Right now, my main goal is to make money. I have a bail obligation of N2 million. I want more cash. I need money.

“IBB Acknowledged His Wrongs but Didn’t Ask for Forgiveness” – Cleric

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“IBB Acknowledged His Wrongs but Didn’t Ask for Forgiveness” – Cleric

According to Adewale Giwa, Senior Pastor of The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, General Ibrahim Babangida, a former Head of State, made late confessions.

Babangida has admitted his transgressions against the Nigerian people and the late Moshood Abiola, the victor of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, but he has not asked for forgiveness, according to Giwa.
In Akure, Ondo State, the cleric made this statement on an Adaba FM show.

Babangida’s confession, he added, comes at a time when Abiola, who would have benefited most from the truth, is no longer able to regain his mandate.

Read Also: Dangote Highlights Low Government Contribution to GDP at 15%

Giwa stated, “IBB never sought Nigerians for forgiveness; he only admitted his sin. Regretfully, the majority of our political leaders don’t consider the legacy they leave behind.
They only consider how to further or fulfill their interests, forgetting that you brought nothing into the world and that you will depart with nothing. “The Lord will request that you present a record of your stewardship on the Day of Judgment,” Giwa stated.

God detests oppression and injustice, the cleric continued, adding that history will judge everyone—including Nigerian leaders—accordingly.

A country that, in his words, forgets its past has no future, he added.
“IBB’s confession comes too late. “I wonder what kept him from publicly acknowledging that MKO did, in fact, win the 1993 election—after 31 years,” he continued.

Dangote Highlights Low Government Contribution to GDP at 15%

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Dangote Highlights Low Government Contribution to GDP at 15%

According to Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the Dangote Group, the Nigerian government has a mere 15% share in the country’s GDP.
At the opening of General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs, “A Journey in Service,” the billionaire revealed the information.
He revealed that the private sector makes a substantial contribution to the GDP of the nation. According to Dangote, who emphasized the value of the private sector, Nigeria boasts a bigger private sector than all of Africa.
By doing away with the need for import licenses, Babangida was credited with helping to pioneer the rise of the private sector in Nigeria, which he characterized as a driving force behind the sector’s development in the nation.

According to the most recent Forbes rankings, Dangote is the 86th richest person in the world.

Forbes revealed on Monday that the business tycoon’s net worth had risen to $23.9 billion, an astounding 85.27% gain, or an extra $11 billion, over his February 18, 2023, valuation of $12.9 billion.

Dangote’s 92.3% ownership of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals is largely responsible for his financial success, according to Forbes.

In January 2024, the 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) facility started refining crude oil into jet fuel, naphtha, and diesel. Nine months later, it expanded its activities to include the manufacturing of gasoline.

About 24 million barrels of Nigerian crude oil were delivered to the refinery in October and November 2024 to maintain and increase output.

Furthermore, according to reports dated January 28, 2025, the facility is expected to receive up to 12 million barrels of crude oil from the United States.

Read Also: New ATM Withdrawal Fees: CBN Reveals Reason for Hike

The refinery stated that it might achieve full operational capacity in the upcoming 30 days on February 10, 2025.

New ATM Withdrawal Fees: CBN Reveals Reason for Hike

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New ATM Withdrawal Fees: CBN Reveals Reason for Hike

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has defended its decision to raise fees for cash withdrawals from other banks’ automated teller machines (ATMs) by claiming that the action is intended to encourage banks to enhance cash availability at their ATMs.
Following its meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Tuesday, the apex bank reportedly declared that it would maintain key economic indicators by keeping the MPR at 27.5%.
After the meeting, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso spoke to reporters and defended the hike in ATM withdrawal fees, which are currently N100 for every N20,000 taken out of an ATM at another bank.

“The goal of the policy is to incentivize banks to increase the amount of cash available at ATMs and to expand their network of ATMs,” he explained.
In order to guarantee consistent access to cash at their ATMs and enable trouble-free money withdrawals, banks must be encouraged to do so. Even though things have improved, everything still needs to go smoothly and flawlessly,” he stated.

Cardoso insisted that the new fee would improve financial efficiency and eliminate predatory cash withdrawal services, dismissing worries that it would discourage consumers from using cash.

Read Also: NFF Takes Action: Bans Two NPFL Referees, Issues 2025 Federation Cup Deadline

“You won’t be charged if you take out money from the ATM at your own bank. To prevent fees, you can apply for a card with the bank whose ATM you regularly use. He continued, “This policy will promote a wider spread of ATMs and facilitate easier access to money.”

The CBN anticipates that the action will deter unlicensed cash handlers from overcharging customers for cash withdrawals, hence increasing the effectiveness of Nigeria’s banking system.

NFF Takes Action: Bans Two NPFL Referees, Issues 2025 Federation Cup Deadline

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NFF Takes Action: Bans Two NPFL Referees, Issues 2025 Federation Cup Deadline

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) referees Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh have been suspended by the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Referee Development Committee.
In response to an event that occurred during the matchday 24 match between Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United in Ilorin, the Technical Instructor (football) of the NFF and Referees Assessor, Ameenu Mohammed, signed a statement on Thursday announcing this decision.
According to the Laws of the Game, a major penalty situation that obviously qualified as a foul—specifically, holding or pulling—was disregarded by both referees.
“We recognize the influence of your choices on the result of the game and the integrity of the game on Sunday, February 15, 2025,” the NFF statement said. Ignoring an occurrence with an obvious penalty compromises officiating standards.

Furthermore, it was brought to light that the Assistant Referee’s inability to help during this pivotal moment underscored the necessity of officiating in concert in order to maintain the game’s standards.

Given these worries, Olatunji and Jimoh will be placed on indefinite leave with immediate effect. Restoring the league’s integrity and promoting officiating improvements are the goals of this move.

Another change is that the NFF has given the Federal Capital Territory and all 36 states the requirement to play the 2025 President Federation Cup finals on either Saturday, February 22, or Sunday, February 23, 2025.

The Director of Competitions, Ruth David, made this announcement in a statement. By warning that noncompliance will result in a fine of one million naira, the NFF highlights the significance of this regulation.

The announcement explained that “unless the NFF grants exceptions, final matches are to occur solely on the 22nd/23rd.”

Read Also: Security Forces Take Down 82 Terrorists, Rescue 93 Hostages in One Week

Important dates for the national play-off and later stages of the competition have also been set. On March 5, the national play-off will take place, and a week later, the national draw will follow. In 2025, the 64, 32, and 16 rounds are set on March 19, April 2, and April 16, respectively. The quarterfinals will meet on May 3 and 4, and the semifinals on May 17 and 18.

By improving competition organization and guaranteeing a seamless event, these planned schedules hope to improve Nigerian football fans’ experiences.

Security Forces Take Down 82 Terrorists, Rescue 93 Hostages in One Week

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Security Forces Take Down 82 Terrorists, Rescue 93 Hostages in One Week

In the last week, Nigerian security forces carrying out internal operations have killed 82 terrorists, captured 198 criminals, and freed 93 people who had been abducted.

Along with 2,040 rounds of ammo, the troops also confiscated 86 high-caliber weapons from various operations zones.
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defense Media Operations, revealed these developments in a statement on Friday.

41 terrorists, including 10 men, 12 women, and 19 children, turned themselves in to Operation Hadin Kai forces, he added.

Over ₦500 million worth of illicitly obtained petroleum products, including crude oil, were seized by security forces in the Niger Delta.

The confiscated goods comprised 600 liters of kerosene, 117,320 liters of unlawfully refined diesel, and 366,530 liters of stolen crude oil, Kangye said.

There were also 38 crude oil cooking furnaces, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, three speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums, and 32 illegal refining sites that forces found and destroyed,” he said. 22 oil thieves were apprehended by the troops, and they also found 152 different types of weapons and ammunition, five magazines, and other goods.

Read Also: Akpabio Warned by Kogi Politician: “Stop Bullying Senator Natasha”

In describing the weapons found, the defense official named three pump-action shotguns, 19 Dane guns, 18 locally manufactured firearms, and 46 AK-47 rifles.

In addition, security personnel seized 51 cartridges, 600 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 128 rounds of 7.62mm NATO rounds, and 1,165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Akpabio Warned by Kogi Politician: “Stop Bullying Senator Natasha”

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Akpabio Warned by Kogi Politician: “Stop Bullying Senator Natasha”

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti during a recent Senate plenary session has been sharply criticized by Kogi State SDP Gubernatorial Candidate Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, who calls it “legislative autocracy and rascality.”

On Thursday, February 20, Ajaka released a statement criticizing Akpabio’s leadership style and charging him with exhibiting undemocratic tendencies that compromise the Senate’s credibility.
According to him, the widely shared video of the incident is embarrassing and confirms the idea that the Senate, led by Akpabio, lacks independence and respect for constitutional norms.

Read Also: Bandits Kidnap Top Govt Official in Niger, Security Forces in Pursuit as They Flee to Kaduna

Nigerians long for a Senate that is answerable to them and attentive to their concerns. Democracy is seriously threatened when elected officials are deprived of their ability to speak for their constituents by oppressive and callous actions, Ajaka said.
Considering his extensive political background as a former governor, minister, and Senate President, he added, Akpabio ought to be able to lead parliamentarians regardless of their gender, political affiliation, or background.

“His persistent bullying of Senator Natasha is disheartening, and this has to end,” Ajaka continued.
He warned that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the Senate upholding justice, fairness, and respect for all members, and urged the body to act quickly to replace Akpabio with a more capable and inclusive leader.

In closing, Ajaka urged the Senate to stop fighting battles that undermine democratic principles and instead concentrate on enhancing the welfare of its constituents.

Bandits Kidnap Top Govt Official in Niger, Security Forces in Pursuit as They Flee to Kaduna

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Bandits Kidnap Top Govt Official in Niger, Security Forces in Pursuit as They Flee to Kaduna

The Munya Local Government Area Council Secretary, Daina Usman, and four other people were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits in Sarkin Pawa, Niger State, late at night.

The attackers stealthily entered Usman’s home, which is close to the riverbed in Sarkin Pawa—an area that is often targeted by criminal elements—around 10:00 p.m. on February 20, according to intelligence sources.
Among the victims are Council Secretary Daina Usman, his wife Deborah Daina, Sati Daina, Gambo Shagari, and Sorro (also called Snu).

Read Also: Borno PDP Secretary Faces Suspension by Ward Executives

The abductors promptly took the captives and fled toward Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area, a well-known escape route for local crime organizations, according to sources who spoke to Zagazola.
When local vigilantes called for help, security officers quickly assembled a combined task force that included military forces from Sarkin Pawa, the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Niger State Police Tactical Teams, and local vigilante groups to hunt down the abductors.

In order to find the attackers and guarantee the victims’ safe return, the security forces have subsequently initiated a concerted search and rescue effort.

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