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Peter Obi Inspires Nigerians to Celebrate Love Through Action This Valentine’s Day

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Peter Obi, a former presidential contender, has called for Nigerians to channel their love into sacrifice, devotion, and a fresh dedication to the country this Valentine’s Day rather than just sending flowers and romantic messages.

Valentine’s Day, which is observed on February 14th every year, is typically connected to romance, presents, and extravagant actions. But according to Obi, the day’s spirit need to go farther. He believes that love—not in sentimentality, but in responsible action—is what Nigeria itself needs.

“Love is not only feeling; it is sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to what is right, honesty, compassion, respect, and devotion to the common good,” the former governor of Anambra State added in a message posted on his 𝕏 page on Saturday with the heading, “Nigeria Needs Our Love in Action.”

Obi specifically urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the occasion to consider their contribution in determining the future of their nation. Patriotism, in his opinion, ought to be more than just a catchphrase. It ought to show in everyday decisions and public behavior.

Like a living thing, a nation thrives when it is nourished with love and attention. Promoting fair elections, opposing vices like corruption, greed, divisiveness, and mediocrity, and supporting only people with ability, dedication, and character are all part of loving Nigeria, according to Obi.

He maintained that having the guts to voice concerns when they arise and the self-control to provide practical remedies are essential components of true patriotism. The former presidential candidate asserted that being silent in the face of misconduct is neglect rather than neutrality.

Along with supporting justice, competence, transparency, human and developmental values, and investments in healthcare and education, it also entails identifying flaws and suggesting fixes. He went on to say, “Where division breeds conflict, unity fosters progress; where corruption destroys opportunity, integrity restores it.”

Obi claimed that it would have a revolutionary effect if Nigerians could bring the spirit of Valentine’s Day into the public sphere in addition to their private relationships. Communities would be more cohesive, families stronger, and government more responsible.

“Let’s celebrate love that uplifts families, communities, and our country on this Valentine’s Day. He asserted that when love turns into action, a new Nigeria can emerge.

He wished everyone a happy Valentine’s Day as he wrapped up his speech.

Kwara Community Suffers as Boko Haram Parades 176 Abductees

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In a troubling video, suspected Boko Haram militants claim to have captured 176 kidnapped victims—including women, children, and a nursing mother—from the Woro hamlet in Kwara State’s Kaiama Local Government Area.

SaharaReporters was able to collect footage of the organization, which was officially known as Jama’atu Ahlissunnah Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, questioning the hostages.

In the video, a terrorist asked the hostages to identify the location of their kidnapping.

Speaking in Hausa, three ladies, one of whom was a nursing mother, reported that they had been kidnapped from the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area.

There are scores of women and children in the video standing in rows, clearly upset. Some of the kids were spotted without pants, and many of them were ill-groomed and in tattered clothing, which suggested cruel and dehumanizing circumstances.

During the victims’ procession, one of the terrorists charged that the Kwara State Government had minimized the extent of the kidnapping.

He asserted that 176 victims were presently in the custody of the authorities, while they maintained that between 20 and 30 people had been abducted.

As the terrorist claimed in the video, “The Kwara State government lied to Nigeria and to the entire world.”

Upon posting this story, the Kwara State Government had not to formally address the allegations included in the video.

According to reports, suspected terrorists carried out a concerted attack on the Woro community on February 4, 2026, which resulted in a fatality.

The Emir’s family members were among the dozens of individuals slain in the incident, according to the locals.

A school principal, a headmistress, the Chief Imam of the town, two wives of the Emir of Woro, numerous of his children, and pupils who had just gotten home from school were among those who were allegedly slaughtered.

There are concerns that Woro’s Emir, Alhaji Saliu Bio Umar, may have been kidnapped or murdered because he is still unaccounted for. In addition to burning his palace, the attackers allegedly took his official car and used it to carry some of the kidnapped victims.

In the aftermath, neighbors bemoaned the extent of the destruction as videos showed burned structures and bodies on the ground.

A Sadiku-led Boko Haram group that is thought to have operational connections throughout the Sahel is allegedly associated with the assaults, according to sources.

Tensions had been rising for months before the attack, locals said. The militants allegedly tried to force locals to follow their radical beliefs and attend their sermons.

The Emir allegedly warned security services about the group’s activities and refused their requests.

It was claimed that the widespread reprisal against the community was brought on by this supposed disobedience.

Governor Fubara Forwards Commissioner Nominees to Rivers Lawmakers

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As part of new efforts to stabilize the state’s government, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is said to have sent a list of commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for review and approval.

Days after Fubara disbanded the State Executive Council and relieved all Special Advisers of their responsibilities, a source close to the governor told Business Day that the list was sent to the House on Friday.

The move is commonly interpreted as a component of the recent ceasefire between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, mediated by President Bola Tinubu.

The list, according to the source, was presented to the Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, whose leadership was acknowledged by the Supreme Court after the state was rocked by a political crisis.

In the days ahead, the lawmakers are anticipated to start the screening and confirmation process.

According to the source, some nominees might be from Wike’s political camp in the interest of reconciliation.

Following the lengthy political impasse with the Assembly, Fubara was working with just eight commissioners prior to the cabinet’s dissolution.

In keeping with President Tinubu’s larger efforts to promote reconciliation, there are also hints that the governor might name a new chief of staff.

In order to allow lawmakers to move from their temporary quarters, Fubara is also anticipated to commission the recently built House of Assembly Complex as part of the peace process.

“The governor has already forwarded the names of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly,” the source claims. It is now up to the speaker to invite them to the screening. Some names might originate from Nyesom Wike’s camp, the Federal Capital Territory’s minister, in the interest of reconciliation. Reappointments are another possibility for commissioners who did well.

“Lawmakers will soon relocate from their temporary quarters to the new facility when the governor’s house complex is put into service.”

The complex’s commissioning is seen as both a symbolic and pragmatic step in strengthening the ceasefire between the governor and the Assembly, which is led by Amaewhule.

Neither the Rivers State House of Assembly nor Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor’s chief press secretary, had formally acknowledged the submission of the nominee list as of the time this report was filed.

But after the Assembly starts the screening process, the list is anticipated to be released to the public.

Ms.

Bandits Kill Six in Tungan-Makeri, Set Police Station Ablaze in Konkoso

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In the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, armed bandits are accused of killing six people in Tungan-Makeri and burning down a police station in the neighboring Konkoso areas.

According to reports, the assault on Tungan Makeri started at around 8:00 p.m. on Friday when more than 200 armed men broke into the community, fired intermittently, and set fire to multiple homes.

According to locals, the attackers worked for hours, killing six individuals and displacing several others.

Along the assailants’ path, an eyewitness from Zagatina hamlet reported seeing dozens of motorcycles transporting the armed guys.

As they went by my village, I counted about forty-one motorcycles, each carrying two or three people, some of whom were women and children.

The resident stated, “They went through the back of my house, so I immediately hid myself in the bush when I saw them coming.”

The robbers were claimed to have moved into Konkoso on Wednesday morning after the attack on Tungan Makeri, where they allegedly conducted their operations without any obvious security.

Tension in the area increased when a municipal police station was set on fire during the incursion.

Concerns concerning the assailants’ increasing audacity were heightened when locals identified Tungan-Makeri and Konkoso as the two main towns in Borgu LGA.

After the initial attack, there were also reports of an Air Force plane being seen in the vicinity of Tungan Makeri, which some locals believe compelled the bandits to leave the area.

As of the time this article was filed, attempts to get official confirmation from the Niger State Police Command had failed.

Residents of Borgu LGA are requesting immediate reinforcement in order to stop future attacks, as the incident has once again sparked worries about security in certain areas.

China to Remove Tariffs on 53 African Countries Starting May 1 – Xi Jinping

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In a step that could change the nature of trade between Beijing and the continent, China will start removing import duties on nearly all African nations on May 1.

Chinese state media report that President Xi Jinping confirmed on Saturday that 53 African countries with which China has diplomatic ties will be exempt from taxes.

With its recognition of Taiwan rather than Beijing, Eswatini is the sole exception. The self-governing island is considered part of China’s territory, and the country has stated time and again that it does not rule out using force to subjugate it.

33 African imports were already subject to a zero-tariff program implemented by Beijing. However, Chinese authorities said last year that all African diplomatic partners will be included in the agreement. The declaration on Saturday reaffirms that the more comprehensive policy will now go into force at the start of May.

China continues to be Africa’s biggest commercial partner and has made significant investments throughout the continent through its flagship Belt and Road Initiative, funding energy projects, ports, railroads, and highways.

The tariff decision coincides with a reevaluation of international trade connections by numerous African states.

Following last year’s global tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, which caused changes in the dynamics of trade, a number of nations have been looking for other markets.

Xi revealed the schedule as African leaders gathered in Addis Ababa for the annual African Union meeting, saying the zero-tariff agreement “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development.”

NDLEA Foils Drug Trafficking Attempt on Zaria–Kano Road, Seizes 64 Bags of Cannabis

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested the driver and begun an investigation into the criminal network after discovering 64 bags of cannabis sativa hidden inside a cement-filled trailer along the Zaria–Kano road.

After what the agency claimed as intelligence-led surveillance and close observation, officials from the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command, which is affiliated with the Kiru Area Command, executed the seizure on February 2, 2026.

The trailer had left Obajana in Kogi State and was on its way to Mubi in Adamawa State when it was stopped, according to a press statement released on February 13, 2026 by Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the Command’s Public Relations Officer.

It was discovered that the vehicle was hiding the illegal shipment inside the legal container, which was cement that was purportedly made by Dangote Cement.

D.Y. Lawal, commander of the Kano Strategic Command, stated that the operation demonstrated the agency’s dedication to dismantling drug trafficking organizations.

“Our officers’ hard work and careful intelligence work led to this seizure,” Lawal stated. The drugs were thought to have been meant for distribution in Kano prior to the start of Ramadan and were hidden inside genuine goods. We refuse to let drug traffickers jeopardize our communities’ security and spiritual well-being.

The trailer’s driver has been taken into jail by NDLEA while additional investigation is conducted.

Lawal also stated that the Kano Command would step up enforcement activities throughout the state in accordance with orders from Mohamed Buba Marwa, the agency’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“As directed by our Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), CON, OFR, we will maintain intelligence-driven operations throughout the state, strengthen checkpoints, and increase patrols,” he stated. The network responsible for this shipment is still being investigated, and every effort is being made to find and capture all of the participants and enablers. Those found to be at fault will face the harshest legal penalties possible.

By disseminating timely information, the agency also urged the public to support its efforts.

“To protect citizens and maintain the peace and sanctity of communal and religious observances, continued community cooperation is essential,” the statement continued.

Electoral Commissioner Yomere Confirms PDP, LP, ADC Absence in Rivers Bye-Election

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The impending bye-elections for Khana Constituency 2 and Ahoada East Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly will go on, according to Professor Gabriel Yomere, the State’s resident electoral commissioner.

He said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not field any candidates in the February 21 Rivers bye poll.

During a press briefing, Yomere affirmed this.

Regarding election preparations, he stated that a mix of internal and procedural issues among the parties is to blame for the absence of these influential figures.

Over two years have passed since the two Assembly seats were vacant.

Following Dinebari Loolo’s death in September 2023, the seat for Khana Constituency 2 fell empty, while Edison Ehie’s resignation in December 2023 to take on the position of Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor left Ahoada East Constituency 2 vacant.

Voters in the impacted constituencies are finally getting the chance to choose their MPs as twelve candidates from seven smaller political parties are now competing for the open seats.

In order to guarantee a smooth election, Professor Yomere told the populace that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had completed all logistical preparations.

In order to emphasize the commission’s dedication to legitimacy, he further emphasized that all Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) are permanent INEC employees rather than Corps members.

I’m more determined to remove Tinubu from office in 2027 — El-Rufai

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Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, has urged opposition leaders to be unified and committed to overthrowing President Bola Tinubu in the general elections scheduled for 2027.

When El-Rufai was visited by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a purported effort by security personnel to detain him at an airport, he made the statement.

El-Rufai claimed that the event had made him more determined to oppose the current government.

“What happened today has made me more determined,” he said. Until we oust this government from office in March 2027, we must continue working nonstop.

He said the incident at the airport was regrettable, needless, and potentially illegal.

He said he was detained without a formal invitation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) using Department of State Services (DSS) agents.

El-Rufai clarified that he has previously been asked to be questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He claimed, nonetheless, that during the time he was abroad. He stated that his attorney had told the commission that he would come back and show up at their office on Monday at 10 a.m.

He maintained that prior to the incident at the airport, he had never received a letter or message from the ICPC.

“I would have honored a letter of invitation, which was all I asked for,” he stated.

The former governor further claimed that Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, gave the ICPC orders. He said that security agencies were being utilized by the government for political ends.

He said a government that is afraid of losing reelection is using security agencies as partisan political tools.

He cautioned that such measures might erode the rule of law and democratic institutions.

Although he insisted that proper process must be followed, El-Rufai stated that he is prepared to accept any legitimate invitation from anti-corruption organizations.

Why Tinubu’s govt is afraid about my return – El-Rufai

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Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, has hinted that his return to Nigeria is unpopular with the ruling class.

At the same time, he said that the political battle to overthrow the existing government had only just begun.

During an interview with BBC Hausa that was aired on Friday, he made the assertion.

“You know, I was one of the few people who publicly told her that we would oppose and overthrow that regime when it came in. I didn’t say anything.

The issue would have been resolved long ago if they had something against me that they say they have against others. Even so, if you choose to accuse me, be sure to provide evidence. “I’m waiting; I’ll go if someone invites me,” he declared.

El-Rufai went on to say that he disagreed with the current administration since their goals were different.

Regarding his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, the former governor stated that he does not have a personal conflict with the president.

Security Operatives Move After Pete Edochie’s Family Places Reward on TikToker Over Death Hoax

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Anyone with information that will help apprehend the TikToker who posted about their father’s death has been offered a reward by the family of famous Nollywood actor Pete Edochie.

The most recent development was said to have occurred when Pete Edochie’s family and management refuted a widely circulated allegation that he had passed away.

In a viral video posted to his Instagram page, Leo Edochie, the movie star’s first son, called the news of his father’s passing a lie straight out of hell.

However, Leo revealed in a Facebook post on Thursday night that he had called the Department of State Services (DSS) to request the arrest of the TikToker who made the announcement of his father’s passing.

While the DSS is pursuing the TikToker, he said, anyone with pertinent information should get in touch with the family.

“This young man posted a video on TikTok that our father is dead,” Leo said beside a picture of the TikToker. @ONE_BOR 001 is his handle.

“Anyone with information that results in his arrest will receive a substantial cash reward.” DSS is pursuing him; I’ve been in touch with them.

“You’ll receive your reward in cash as soon as he is arrested; DM me with the details.”