Year: 2026

Osun lawmakers dump PDP for APC as Fadahunsi, four NASS members defect

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Distinguished Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and four other members of the National Assembly on Saturday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, alongside thousands of their supporters. The defectors included Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Omirin Olusanya (Ijesa South Federal Constituency), Wole Oke (Ijesa North Federal Constituency), and Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central Federal Constituency). They were formally received into the APC by party leaders, officials, and supporters at a grand reception held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. Nigeria’s Minister…

El-Rufai – Ribadu: Caught in the Intricate Web of Time By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

Emporium Reporters

Friendship, when flipped, can produce the most toxic reality of time. Who would have imagined that El-Rufai and Ribadu would find themselves in this choking doldrum? Once inseparable friends—jolly buddies—with inspiring plans for the future, now stand on opposite ends of a widening gulf. Two men who once shared laughter and long visions are today perceived as rivals, each seemingly plotting for a tomorrow that may not accommodate the other. The fallout is not necessarily born of personal misunderstanding, but of ambition—the relentless pursuit of tomorrow. Each desires for himself…

BIPOGA 2026 opens in Asaba as Police reaffirm commitment to fitness, operational readiness

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Police Force has officially commenced the 15th edition of the Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026) in Asaba, Delta State, reaffirmed its commitment to physical fitness, unity, professionalism, and operational readiness as key pillars of effective policing. The opening ceremony, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, attracted senior government officials, security chiefs, and sports stakeholders from across the country, marking the beginning of what organisers described as a celebration of discipline, teamwork, and institutional pride. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, attended…

Defence Minister highlights national unity at Army Headquarters WASA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has emphasized national unity as a critical force multiplier in addressing Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges, commending the Nigerian Army for demonstrating cohesion, professionalism and patriotism in service to the nation. The minister made the remarks on Saturday during the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025, held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Major General Henry Wesley (Rtd), the minister described the Nigerian Army as a…

Ojukwu elected to GANHRI Bureau, boosts Nigeria’s global human rights profile

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, has been elected into the Bureau of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s participation in global human rights governance. The development is widely regarded as a recognition of the NHRC’s increasing influence and contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights at both regional and international levels. Speaking on the achievement, Ojukwu described the election as a testament to Nigeria’s growing role in advancing human rights globally. He…

Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, recover weapons in intelligence-led operation in Taraba

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered weapons and other items during an intelligence-led operation in Taraba State. The operation, carried out on February 12, 2026, in Ibi Local Government Area, followed credible intelligence reports which prompted troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Wukari to launch a swift response. According to military authorities, the troops apprehended a 48-year-old suspect, identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, a native of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area…

NAOWA President unveils reform agenda at maiden leadership meetings

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has unveiled a comprehensive reform-driven agenda aimed at strengthening discipline, welfare delivery and financial prudence within the Association. Mrs Shaibu made this known while presiding over her maiden Executive and General Meetings held on Thursday, February 12 and Friday, February 13, 2026, at the AHQ Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja. As the 25th President of NAOWA, she described the two-day engagement as a defining moment focused on purposeful leadership, institutional evaluation and strategic direction. According to…

Bingham University, Russian partner hold training on Ethical AI, Digital Pedagogy

Emporium Reporters

By David Ookwu Akoji   Bingham University has deepened its international academic collaboration through a partnership with the Centre for Continuing Professional Education, Faculty of Philology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), to organise a two-day professional short course on Ethical Artificial Intelligence and Digital Pedagogy. The training, held at the Faculty of Architecture Auditorium of Bingham University, attracted more than 120 participants, including academics, researchers, postgraduate students and media professionals from within and outside the university community. Organised under the themes “Implementing Ethical AI in Academic Research and…

New NNS Soroh Commander vows crackdown on oil theft in Niger Delta

Emporium Reporters

The newly appointed Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh, Commodore Chris Akokota, has declared an intensified offensive against oil theft and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta, pledging decisive action to end economic sabotage in the region. Speaking shortly after assuming command on Friday, February 13, 2026, the naval officer issued a strong warning to oil thieves and maritime criminals, stressing that the era of “business as usual” was over. He promised to adopt an “iron-fist” approach aimed at curbing illegal activities threatening Nigeria’s maritime resources and economic stability.…

MURIC rejects 2027 Election Timetable, says poll dates clash with Ramadan

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the 2027 general election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the schedule as insensitive to Nigerian Muslims because it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement issued on Saturday, February 14, 2026, MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, argued that the election dates could negatively affect Muslim participation in the polls. INEC had earlier announced that presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March…