• A lady narrated the story of how her parents refused to attend her wedding after her husband failed to pay required bride price
• She said her parents are from Africa where many cultures require the groom to pay a certain amount of money or material things as bride price
• According to the lady, it was her decision that her husband should not pay bride price, a decision which did not sit well with her parents

A lady said her parents refused to attend her wedding and only a few friends, coworkers and two of her siblings were there.

The lady shared a post on TikTok, mentioning why her father and mother chose to stay away from one of the most important days of her life.

The lady who recently got married said her parents did not attend her wedding because her husband did not pay the bride price. TikTok/@itsreallyorga.
Source: TikTok

In her post, the lady known as @itsreallyorga said her husband did not pay bride price as required by tradition.

Read also

Lady marries man despite discovering he slept with her bestie, dumps him after 2 months: “I won”

She noted that the decision not to pay bride price was hers, but this did not sit well with her parents.

Due to her refusal that her husband should not pay the bride price, her parents refused to attend the wedding.

She said:

“I just wish my parents were there for me. Especially having eight siblings and only three of them showing up on the biggest day of my life. I was emotionally hurt, but I tried my best to stay focused on my wedding. I cried a lot. I’ve learned that people only show up if they truly want to. A lot of people will congratulate you online, but won’t show up in person. Still, I genuinely appreciate every congratulations and all the support even from people I don’t know.”The lady held her wedding in the absence of her parents. Photo credit: TikTok/@itsreallyorga.
Source: TikTok

Watch the video below:

Reactions as lady says her parents were absent at their wedding

@torotoro944 said:

“As an African woman, if he didn’t pay for your bride price you’re clearly ain’t married.”

@PugloveUnite said:

“Your husband is your family now. Block whoever didn’t show up.”

Read also

Woman shares painful experience as she gives birth 11 days after husband’s death

@GraykellssOfficial said:

“And why didn’t you let him pay the bride price to your family? You know it’s just symbolic and doesn’t mean u are being sold right?”

@DIZOMID said:

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Mark 12:17). If you understand then that’s the Answer.”

@Boma Jane said:

“How much is your bride price sef? Was it too expensive for your husband or what? I need to understand why you would refuse your parents from collecting your bride price from your husband.”

@good girl said:

“I don’t support bride price either…my children don’t get to do it. But I did mine for my kids, parental blessings is a thing.”

Couple hold wedding without reception

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that social media users reacted to the wedding invitation of a Nigerian couple who want to get married on August 17.

The groom released his wedding invitation on Facebook, but a specific clause on it has caught the attention of many.

Some internet users wondered why the couple included such a clause on the wedding invitation and others hailed them.

Source: Legit.ng

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‎An old video has surfaced showing Pastor Chris Okafor rendering an elderly woman blind for 10 minutes during a church service.

‎Notably, Pastor Chris Okafor is in a heated controversy with Doris Ogala, a Nollywood actress, over a breach of promise to marry.

‎ According to Doris Ogala, they’ve been in a relationship since 2017 and has sued him for ₦1 billion in damages.

‎The actress also accused him of financial exploitation, sharing explicit videos without consent, and harassment.

‎Pastor Chris Okafor Renders Elderly Woman Blind For 10 Minutes

‎In the video, Chris Okafor told the elderly woman, “If I be a man of God,” and commanded her to lose her sight for 10 minutes.

As the elderly woman rubbed her eyes, appearing unable to see, the congregation burst into cheers and songs.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with netizens weighing in.

‎Reactions Trailing Below….

‎‎Jeff TV remarked, “Nothing confused Nigeria lady more than handsome broke guy who knows how to nack”.

‎Dorathy Ena noted, “Some of this pastors are making mockery of Christanity in Nigeria , if apostle Paul were to be alive, He could write a letter to Nigeria”.

‎Sunday Opaluwa stated“This people are really destroying Christianity in Nigeria”.

‎ami_buna said, “Imagine the people clapping and shouting de add to my anger”.

Watch video below……

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The Accord Party has said it is focused on winning the Osun State and Ekiti State governorship elections, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Area Council polls, as well as the 2027 general elections.

The party said it remains the most peaceful, stable, united, progressive and fastest-growing political party in Nigeria, without any faction.

According to the party, there are individuals it described as distractors—political jobbers with a singular aim of pursuing stomach infrastructure and cheap publicity.

Accord said it is focused on the forthcoming election in Osun State and would not dissipate energy responding to frivolities from political nomads roaming the democratic space.

The party’s National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, stated this at a world press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, which, according to him, was convened to address crucial party issues and to put the record straight on what he described as misleading propaganda by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, who was long expelled from the party for alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities—an expulsion he did not challenge.

The press briefing followed an interview granted by Imumolen on some national television stations in which he claimed to be the authentic National Chairman of the party.

“Accord is aware of the antics of these political jobbers whose stock-in-trade is to impersonate leaders of political parties, file spurious and frivolous suits in court in what the Supreme Court had long dismissed as forum shopping, in an attempt to cause confusion and disaffection in the party, hoping to be ‘settled’, which are alien to our great party as a credible platform and a key player in the democratic process,” he said.

According to him, “Since His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, joined Accord along with his political associates and supporters, our party has witnessed tremendous national acceptance as thousands of Nigerians join and identify with Accord across the country, a testament to Governor Adeleke’s political influence and national appeal.

“He has attracted numerous Nigerians to Accord, which has placed the party at the forefront of our democratic process. It is this amazing growth and popularity of the party nationwide that our expelled former presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen, wants to steal a march by arrogating to himself a party position he never had, was never appointed to nor elected into—a mirage that exists only in his fertile imagination.

“It is laughable and a joke taken too far, making a mockery of our nation’s hard-earned democracy. It is a hallucination of the worst order and an insult to the sensibilities of the good people of Osun State, after witnessing the emergence of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as the duly nominated candidate of Accord in the governorship primary monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and extensively covered by the media.

“Going forward, we shall not join issues with any expelled member desperately seeking relevance.

“Imumolen is no longer a member of Accord, effective 20 November 2024. He did not appeal his expulsion to date.

“As a responsible party, Accord will not join issues with expelled members and political jobbers. It is evident that Prof. Imumolen is a busybody.

“We are focused on winning Osun, Ekiti, the FCT Area Council polls, and preparing for the 2027 general election.”

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The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal crises and what he described as the systematic erosion of democratic values within his former party.

The defection, announced on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly, was met with resounding applause from senators across party lines. Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio read Senator Onyesoh’s defection letter to the chamber, marking a significant political realignment in Rivers State.

Senator Onyesoh, who chairs the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, in a statement signed by his Adviser on Publicity and Communications, Peter Oriri, explained that his decision was driven by a commitment to continue serving his constituents effectively. “We live to make life better for others. Our lives must impact others positively,” he told the Senate. “When such opportunities are obstructed, the only other thing to do is to look for another way to continue to do what you believe is right.”

“All rivers move deliberately to the Atlantic. When they meet obstacles, they go around them and continue their journey. I am deliberate about why I am here to bring the good things of democracy to my people.”

In his address, Senator Onyesoh expressed disappointment with the current state of the PDP, contrasting it sharply with the party’s earlier reputation. “The PDP used to be a wonderful party with vision and strong values, but impunity gradually eroded everything our founding fathers built,” he said.

He accused some party leaders of routinely changing internal rules to suit personal ambitions. “They disobey all internal party rules just to get tickets, and the party has been reduced to a mere vehicle for personal interest,” the senator stated.

He pledged full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing his defection as a strategic move to ensure continued delivery of democratic dividends to his constituents. “I have moved on so that I can continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to my people,” he declared.

The defection was warmly received by the Senate, with lawmakers expressing confidence that Senator Onyesoh’s legislative experience would strengthen the chamber’s work. Several senators described the move as timely and significant for the political landscape in Rivers State.

The senator was formally received into the APC at the National Assembly by a delegation of party leaders, including Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Bukar Dalori, National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibila Basiru, National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, and National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, among others.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally rejected the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), deepening the leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party.

INEC made it clear that it will not recognise the National Working Committee (NWC) being paraded by the Turaki faction, stressing that unresolved court cases and existing judicial decisions make such recognition impossible at this time.

In an official correspondence dated December 22, 2025, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC stated that it could not honour requests to acknowledge or upload the list of national officers said to have emerged from the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.

According to the commission, its decision is firmly rooted in the legal situation surrounding the party. INEC explained that there are subsisting court judgments as well as ongoing litigation linked to the PDP’s leadership dispute, which restrict its ability to act on any factional claims.

The electoral body emphasised that recognising any set of officers while the matter remains before the courts would amount to disregarding the rule of law.

It noted that until the judiciary conclusively resolves the disputes, INEC will maintain its current position.

The development is a major setback for the Turaki-led group, which has been pushing for official recognition following the controversial convention.

The rejection also raises fresh concerns about the PDP’s internal stability ahead of future electoral activities.

INEC’s stance signals that the commission will not be drawn into internal party conflicts, especially where legal processes are still ongoing.

However, party stakeholders are now left to seek clarity and resolution through the courts.

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The Nigerian stock market advanced by 895 points to close at 153,354.1 on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, reclaiming the 153,000 level.

Tracked by the All-Share Index, the gain represents a 0.59% increase from Monday’s close of 152,459.1.

The rally was supported by stronger trading activity, with volume rising to 677 million shares from 451 million shares recorded in the previous session.

Winners, losers and volume 

The All-Share Index saw market capitalisation rise to N97.7 trillion across 27,589 deals, up from N97.1 trillion recorded in the previous session.

On the gainers’ chart, ALEX (Aluminum Extrusion Industries) and AUSTINLAZ led the rally, advancing 9.96% and 9.81% respectively.

On the flip side, ROYALEX and CHAMPION topped the losers’ list, shedding 7.22% and 6.57% respectively.

In terms of trading volume, VFDGROUP and GTCO dominated market activity, recording the highest number of shares exchanged.

Market summary  

• Current ASI: 153,354.1
• Previous ASI: 152,459.1
• Day Change: +0.59%
• Year-to-Date Performance: +48.99%
• Volume Traded: 677 million shares
• Market Cap: N97.7 trillion.

Top 5 gainers   

• ALEX: Up 9.96% to N14.90
• AUSTINLAZ: Up 9.81% to N2.91
• CUSTODIAN: Up 9.69% to N38.50
• FIRSTHOLDCO: Up 9.35% to N50.30
• FTNCOCOA: Up 8.74% to N5.10

Top 5 losers  

• ROYALEX: Down 7.22% to N1.80
• CHAMPION: Down 6.57% to N15.65
• NASCON: Down 5.36% to N105.05
• SOVRENINS: Down 5.28% to N3.77
• JAPAULGOLD: Down 4.51% to N2.33

Trading volume 

VFDGROUP led the activity chart with 191.9 million shares, setting the pace for the session.

GTCO followed with 63.4 million shares, while ACCESSCORP ranked third with 49.7 million shares.

FIRSTHOLDCO and NSLTECH rounded out the top five, trading 45.8 million and 39.3 million shares, respectively.

Trading value 

By transaction value, GTCO dominated the session with trades worth N5.5 billion.

FIRSTHOLDCO followed at N2.2 billion, while VFDGROUP recorded N2.07 billion.

ARADEL posted trades valued at N1.3 billion, with ZENITHBANK completing the top five at N1.2 billion.

SWOOTs and FUGAZ 

Stocks worth over one trillion naira (SWOOTs) reflected a broadly bullish tone during the session.

• International Breweries rose 5.6%, BUA Foods gained 1.88%, Lafarge advanced 1.5%, and Stanbic IBTC added 0.84%.

On the flip side, Nigerian Breweries declined by 1.45%.

Among the FUGAZ names: 

• FirstHoldCo gained 9.35% and UBA rose 1.03%, while AccessCorp closed flat.

Zenith Bank slipped 0.79%, and GTCO edged lower by 0.11%.

Market outlook

The All-Share Index has reclaimed the 153,000 marks as bullish momentum returns to both large- and mid-cap stocks.

If buying interest remains sustained and broad-based, the market could extend its rally, with sights set on levels above 155,000 points.

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, describing his death as a great loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation and Nigeria at large.

Governor Oborevwori in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, said Senator Nwaoboshi was a proud son of Delta State and a courageous defender of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building would remain indelible.

The governor recalled the late senator’s impactful service at the National Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, noting that his voice and advocacy for the development of the Niger Delta and Delta State stood him out as a committed and passionate leader.

He said Senator Nwaoboshi’s political journey and rise to prominence were anchored on a rich political pedigree, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy, which also saw him serve meritoriously as a two-time Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

According to the governor, the late lawmaker devoted his life to the service of his people, the party and the nation, leaving behind a legacy of courage, loyalty and dedication to public service.

Governor Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress and all those whose lives he touched.

“I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.

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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a surge in passenger traffic on Tuesday following the commencement of a federal government approved 50 percent reduction in train fares for the Yuletide season.

Major stations along the Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge corridors, as well as key narrow gauge routes, witnessed heavy turnout, with several departures operating beyond capacity as travellers took advantage of the discounted fares to journey for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The festive rail service, implemented by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, is scheduled to run from Tuesday December 23 to Sunday January 4, 2026, offering passengers nationwide a half fare option during the peak travel period.

Officials attributed the strong response to growing public reliance on rail transport and the relief the discount provided to families and group travellers in the face of rising seasonal transport costs.

Passengers, who spoke with The Nation described the initiative as timely and economically relieving, noting that it eased the burden of festive travel and encouraged safer long distance movement.

Speaking on the commencement of the exercise, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, assured passengers of safe, efficient, and customer focused services throughout the festive season.

He said both standard gauge and narrow gauge services were fully operational, supported by enhanced security, safety, and customer service arrangements at stations and onboard trains to manage increased passenger volumes.

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By Juliet Umeh

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to suspend Twitter, now known as X, in Nigeria, insisting the move was necessitated by the platform’s “reckless” conduct and the threat it posed to national security.

Mohammed said the suspension was not intended to silence dissenting voices but to curb the spread of fake news, hate speech and disinformation capable of undermining national unity and stability.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television ahead of the launch of his book, Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, which chronicles major communication decisions taken during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, including the controversial 2021 Twitter ban.

According to him, the government’s engagement with social media platforms over misinformation predated the suspension, noting that concerns about the dangers of an unregulated digital space were raised as far back as 2017.

“I started the campaign against fake news and disinformation in 2017. I knew the dangerous dimension it was taking. An unregulated social media space was becoming a threat to society,” Mohammed said.

He explained that despite repeated warnings, Twitter had become a preferred platform for individuals and groups seeking to inflame tensions and threaten national cohesion.

“When we suspended Twitter, it was because it was becoming reckless. We warned them several times. Social media had reached a stage where it was becoming dangerous to everybody,” he said.

Mohammed dismissed claims that the ban was a reaction to the deletion of a tweet by former President Muhammadu Buhari or an attempt to suppress opposition voices, stressing that the decision followed prolonged engagements with the platform.

“The President asked me only one question: do I think a country should do so? And I said yes, based on our discussions and the risks we were seeing,” he said.

He added that Twitter was not registered to operate in Nigeria at the time of the suspension, noting that the subsequent agreement signed with the Federal Government validated the decision.

“Twitter was not registered in Nigeria to do business. The agreement they later signed with us, which is contained in this book, is evidence that we did the right thing,” Mohammed stated.

The former minister argued that unlike traditional media, which has editorial gatekeepers, social media platforms allow unchecked content capable of inciting violence and deepening divisions.

“You must not push freedom to the extent that you set one part of the country against the other. We saw how social media was used to direct attacks on institutions,” he said, referencing court proceedings during the trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mohammed noted that Twitter’s operations were restored only after it agreed to meet government conditions, including local registration and compliance with Nigerian laws.

According to him, the book offers an insider’s account of how narratives were shaped during the Buhari administration and why certain difficult communication decisions were taken.

“This is about documenting history from an insider’s viewpoint — how decisions were made, how misinformation overshadowed facts, and how media was used to shape national narratives,” he said.

The post Lai Mohammed defends Twitter ban, says platform became ‘reckless’ appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Wike Urged To Intervene As Abuja Estate Alleges Illegal Conversion Of Parks Into Residential Plots

Residents of Blue Fountain Estate, also known as EFAB Metropolis in Karsana district, Abuja, have appealed directly to Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to urgently intervene in a escalating crisis involving alleged illegal land conversions by the estate’s developer.

In a press statement, the Blue Fountain Estate Homeowners and Residents Association (BFEHORA) accused Blue Fountain Properties Ltd (BFPL), an affiliate of EFAB Properties Limited, of distorting the estate’s master plan by converting lands designated for essential public infrastructure into residential plots for private profit.

“We would like to alert the FCT Department of Development Control that BFPL has engaged in the illegal conversion of designated public infrastructure. Areas explicitly marketed and approved for recreational parks, hospitals, fire stations, and schools have been carved up and sold as residential plots. This distortion has left a community of approximately 2,000 housing units without essential and emergency services,” the association stated.

The residents warned that the absence of these facilities exposes the community to significant risks, including inadequate emergency response and limited recreational spaces in an estate spanning over 200 hectares along the Murtala Mohammed Expressway.

BFEHORA further alleged broader violations, including financial mismanagement of facility fees collected since 2016 and sponsorship of an unauthorized group to undermine the legitimate residents’ association. They demanded a forensic audit, restoration of proper governance, and transfer of facility management to homeowners.

The association has also called on the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Nigeria Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) to support the intervention.

Efforts to reach BFPL for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

The plea comes amid Minister Wike’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with Abuja’s Master Plan, including actions against unauthorized developments elsewhere in the FCT.

Residents said they hoped his administration will address what they described as a blatant breach threatening community safety and livability in one of Abuja’s emerging residential hubs.

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Motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are facing severe delays following two separate accidents on major bridges connecting Lagos with the southwestern hinterland.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued warnings urging drivers to exercise caution.

The first incident occurred on the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger, involving five vehicles. LASTMA reported that emergency responders were on site to secure the scene and manage traffic flow. The accident caused significant congestion, with traffic backing up to the Ojota Bridge.

A separate collision took place on Kara Bridge, inward Opic, involving eight vehicles. Tow trucks have been deployed to remove the disabled vehicles, while LASTMA officers directed traffic to alleviate gridlock. “Tow trucks are on the ground to move the vehicles off the road, and our officers are on the scene managing the traffic situation. Please drive with caution always,” the agency stated on social media.

Kara Bridge, which spans the Ogun River at the Lagos-Ogun boundary, has been the site of multiple accidents in recent years. In October, no fewer than six people, including a police inspector, died following a multi-vehicle collision on the Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident involved several trucks, including a fuel tanker.

Eyewitnesses revealed that one of the trucks veered off the road, crashed into the brick barricade of the bridge, and was subsequently severed, causing the head of the vehicle to plunge into the Ogun River.

LASTMA confirmed eight casualties in total but did not provide further details. A video shared by the agency showed the damaged trucks and lifeless bodies at the scene. LASTMA noted that a towing van sent to separate the vehicles was also damaged during the operation.

The incident caused a major traffic gridlock on the expressway, forcing some motorists to drive against traffic. Commercial drivers reportedly exploited the congestion to increase fares, charging between ₦2,000 and ₦2,500 for the Berger-Oshodi route instead of the usual ₦1,000 to ₦1,200.

The Kara Bridge collision comes less than 24 hours after another truck accident on the Otedola Bridge, underscoring ongoing safety challenges on Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.

Federal Road Safety Corps marshals were on hand to manage the situation and assist in the recovery of vehicles.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 21, 2026, for the conduct of bye-elections to fill two vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, assuring stakeholders of a free, fair and credible process.

The bye-elections will be held for Ahoada East II and Khana II State Constituencies, which have remained without representation in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

INEC announced the date following a formal notification by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, informing the Commission of the vacancies and requesting the conduct of bye-elections in line with constitutional and electoral provisions.

According to INEC, the Ahoada East II seat became vacant following the resignation of its former lawmaker, while the Khana II seat was declared vacant after the death of its representative.

In a statement, the Commission said it remained committed to upholding democratic principles by ensuring that eligible voters in the affected constituencies are given the opportunity to elect new representatives to speak on their behalf in the state legislature.

INEC noted that timely representation is essential for effective lawmaking, oversight and constituency advocacy, particularly in a politically and economically strategic state such as Rivers.

The Commission disclosed that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the nomination process, will hold between January 23 and January 27, 2026.

INEC urged political parties to conduct transparent and credible primaries and warned them to adhere strictly to their party constitutions and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Commission further announced that public campaigns by political parties and candidates will commence on February 8 and end on February 19, 2026.

It advised political actors to base their campaigns on issues and conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the law, while cautioning against hate speech, violence and the misuse of state resources.

INEC added that security agencies would work closely with electoral officials to ensure law and order throughout the campaign period and on election day.

Registered voters in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies are expected to go to the polls on February 21, 2026, to elect their new representatives to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

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Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has inaugurated two new commissioners, saying the move was part of his government’s renewed momentum in delivering good and impactful governance.

The new Commissioners are Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze and Dr. Charles Egumgbe. While Barr. Nnajieze, who was the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Governor before his appointment replaces Dr. Kingsley Udeh, current Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Egumgbe was designated as the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development carved out from the now split Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo will continue to head the Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

Speaking during the brief inauguration ceremony in the Executive Chambers, Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, Mbah declared that there would be no holiday for both the new and old appointees, stressing that there was so much work to be done in order to meet the people’s expectations now raised so high by the administration’s massive achievements in less than three years.

As part of the efforts to strengthen the system, Mbah said all contract payments would henceforth be cleared by the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to checkmate observed sharp practices by some unscrupulous contractors.

“All we do in the state and achieve in the state is determined by the effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Justice is like an engine room in the true sense of it. This is because we cannot proceed without getting your clearance. If we want to move on contract, investment, project, we must get clearance from the Ministry of Justice,” he stated.

He urged the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to brace up for the huge task ahead, especially given the sensitiveness and enormity of responsibilities vested in the Ministry.

“Imagine that we have to spend N1.3 trillion next year on capital projects. You can then begin to imagine the work load you and your team are exposed to. Basically, you are the quality assurance and the quality control of the government. We have started a policy where there will not be any payment to any contractor without clearance from the Attorney General’s office.

“So, you have to hit the ground running; no Christmas break for you or other appointees. We have to sustain the momentum,” he asserted.

On another note, Governor Mbah described the traditional institutions and rural areas as critical centres of administration and development, hence the need to create a ministry specifically dedicated to Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.

He directed the new Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Dr. Egumgbe, to work to strengthen the traditional institutions.

“We believe that our traditional instituitions are a crtitical part of what we do because the Igwes (traditional rulers) are the eyes and the ears of government in their various communties. This is why people that occupy those thrones are to be people of impeccable character and must be elected by the people.

“Therefore, it is my hope that you strengthen sanity and order in that subsector,” the governor charged him.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the new commissioners, Barr. Nnajieze said that they understood the weight of expectations on them, assuring that they would add impetus to his humongous vision and unprecedented transformation of Enugu State.

“We thank you very much for the privilege to be at the echelon of this vision. We will drive the vision with you and we will be with you every step of the way,” he assured.

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The Delta State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected members of a cult group and recovered several firearms and other dangerous items.

The suspects were arrested during an initiation ceremony at the Ekraka Community forest in Kokori on Saturday.

The operation carried out late-night during a tactical operation in Ethiope East local government area of the state followed credible intelligence that members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation.

Police, operatives of the Quick Response Squad, led by its commander, SP Collins Achem, were swiftly deployed to the area to prevent the gathering.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement.

“At about 11:00 p.m., the patrol team encountered the suspects, who reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun duel upon sighting them.

“The operatives responded decisively, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others escaped deeper into the forest.

“A search of the forest resulted in the recovery of two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun and a battle axe.

“Other items recovered included aprons bearing “NBM” insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.

“In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group were recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual roles, dismantle the cult network, and apprehend other fleeing members,” the statement read.

The Delta State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information to enhance security across the state.

He told parents, schools, community and faith leaders, as well as youths, to see the fight against cultism as a collective responsibility.

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Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has cautioned football lovers with heart complications or high blood pressure against watching the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Sani gave the warning ahead of the AFCON opening match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and their Tanzanian counterparts.

Posting on X, the former lawmaker wrote: “My prayers for Super Eagles victory over Tanzania.

“My advice to those of you with Heart complications or High Blood Pressure; avoid watching AFCON.

“Every year we lose people as a result of watching such tough matches.”

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