Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, the Minister for Special Duties,
said on Saturday that it was illogical to link the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents to the Federal Government.
Turaki said this while speaking at the PDP Presidential Rally held in Maiduguri.
He described individuals peddling such romour as “most unpatriotic.’’
“It is an open secret that government does not have a hand in the current insecurity facing us.
“Although, some people have been spreading falsehood linking government with the problem,” Turaki said.
“The people of Borno are well known for their intelligence. I am sure that they know very well that government cannot have a hand in this mess,” he said.
FCT
Australia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria has appealed
to political parties and their candidates to refrain from violent acts and inflammatory speeches ahead of the February general elections.
Mr Jonathan Richardson, gave the advice on the occasion of the celebration of Australia Day in Abuja.
Our correspondent reports that the Australia celebrates its National Day on January 26 every year to commemorate the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788.
Richardson said that Australia was, however, confident that the poll would be peaceful.
He welcomed the Abuja Peace Accord of January 14, and appealed to all the stakeholders to abide by the non-violence pact.
He said, “Australia wishes Nigeria every success in holding free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State said that
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would emerge victorious at all levels in the state in the February general elections.
Dankwambo, who spoke to newsmen in Yola shortly after presiding over a stakeholders’ meeting, said the meeting had resolved all issues within the party in the state.
“I am here on a mission of the PDP to meet some of the stakeholders in Adamawa on how we will move the party forward.
“We met and discussed on how we can carry everyone in the party along to face the February general elections.
“I see Adamawa as one of our strong base and by the grace of God victory is certain,” Dankwambo said.
Also speaking, Prof. Jibril Aminu, a PDP Board of Trustee member, urged those who felt aggrieved and had already left the party to return, saying everyone would be carried along.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has urged traditional
rulers to caution their subjects against harassment of any leader in the name of politics. Lamido gave the advice when he stopped over to pay homage to Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Adamu, during the ongoing campaign tour in the area. He said that the recent attacks on leaders were bad for the country’s democracy and tasked monarchs to educate their subjects on what leadership was all about and how people should honour and respect those in power.
“I am not happy with the ugly development where our youths are used to boo leaders during political campaigns. It is a bad precedent that everyone must rise against.
“As Nigerians, we have been living peacefully, people from the North have been living and doing business in the South and those from the South have been living and peacefully doing business in the North, therefore, we have to avoid doing anything that will endanger their lives.’’
Kaduna
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
said it would use 35, 000 ad hoc staff in Kaduna State for the forthcoming general elections.
The commission’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Alhaji Yusuf Hadejia, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna recently.
According to him, the ad hoc staff will include National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, students of tertiary institutions and facilitators from universities.
He said training had already commenced for staff as the commission was getting set to conduct hitch-free and acceptable polls.
Yusuf added that materials for the elections had started arriving, noting that “we have commenced the collection of non sensitive materials from Abuja, and we are organising series of workshops ahead of the elections.’’
Kwara
No fewer than four shops were saved from being de
stroyed by fire in Ilorin following the quick intervention of the men of the Kwara Fire Service.
Our correspondent reports that the incidence occurred opposite Yusjib Industrial Medi-care Hospital in Offa Garage area of Ilorin recently.
The Fire fighters, who got to the scene of the inferno early enough, were able to put out the fire in good time before it could escalate.
Some sympathisers told newsmen that the fire was triggered by an unknown person, who was burning debris in the yard behind the shops.
He explained that his men were informed of the fire incident and quickly rushed to the scene.
Lagos
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Re
view of Nigeria’s National Defence Policy, said the outcome of its work would enhance the efficiency of the armed forces.
AVM Mohammed Umaru (Rtd), gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Lagos
Umaru said, following the committee’s two-day stakeholders’ interactive session in Lagos, the outcome of its work had so far been fruitful.
“From all indications we expect to have a result-oriented review that would ensure the efficiency of the armed forces.
“In Lagos for instance, the sessions dwelt on issues bordering on the people and the efficiency of the armed forces,” he said.
Nasarawa
The Andoma of Doma in Nasarawa, Alhaji Aliyu Onawo,
has cautioned politicians to desist from campaign of calumny ahead of the February polls.
Onawo gave the advice in Doma when the Nasarawa State governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Innocent Lagi, visited his palace to seek royal blessings.
The traditional ruler noted that the ongoing campaigns by the politicians dwelt more on personality rather than on issues and this could heat up the polity as well as instigate violence.
He urged the politicians to eschew bitterness and violence in the overall interest of the country, saying that they should focus on issue-based campaigns for the election.
Plateau
Senator Gyang Pwajok, the PDP governorship candi
date in Plateau State, has decried the ‘utter neglect’ of the tourism sector, and promised “massive investment’’ toward reviving it, if elected governor.
“The tourism sector is the pride of Plateau. It should actually our main source of revenue but that has not been possible because the sector has been neglected over the years.
“There are more than 250 tourist attraction sites and my plan is to develop these sites to international standard, so as to attract local tourists and open up Plateau to investors,’’ he told newsmen in Jos.
According to him, the potential in the sector is vast and has the capacity to rake in revenue and create employment for many because the multiplier effects of a robust tourism sector cannot be quantified.
“Plateau people also have all manners of annual cultural festivals; we shall work toward packaging these festivals to attract more visitors,’’ he said.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has distrib
uted 10,000 bags of rice and N10 million to the needy in 85 districts spread across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The chairman of the State’s Zakkat and Endowment Committee, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki made this known in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto recently.
Maidoki, who supervised the distribution of the commodity, said that the governor had also provided N 10 million to be given to all the beneficiaries.
“Each person will get a bag of rice and N 1,000 to transport it.
“The gesture is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the beneficiaries,’’ he explained.
Nation
Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist
Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.
Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.
Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.
The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.
On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.
The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.
Nation
Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH
Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Nation
OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe
The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.
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