Senate Names 12-Member Committee on Electoral Amendment Bill
The Senate has named 12 members to harmonise positions with the House of Representatives on the proposed Electoral Amendment Act, which has generated public debate in recent weeks. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the committee during Tuesday’s emergency plenary.
He said the panel would interface with the House delegation to resolve grey areas in the bill and fast-track legislative action. The amendment has attracted reactions over provisions affecting election result transmission and related reforms.
Wike Optimistic of Rivers Crisis Resolution After Tinubu’s Intervention
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the political crisis in Rivers State is nearing resolution following what he described as decisive intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Wike spoke on Tuesday in Abuja after inspecting ongoing projects, noting that recent engagements signalled progress toward lasting peace. He maintained that stakeholders were committed to restoring stability in the state.
El-Rufai Denies Personal Rift With Tinubu
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed claims of a personal fallout with President Bola Tinubu, stating he never had a personal relationship with him.
Speaking on Trust TV on Monday, El-Rufai said his support for Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid was based on party loyalty and political arrangements, not friendship. He added that political alliances should not be misconstrued as personal ties.
Police Confirm Abduction of 14 Passengers in Benue
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 14 passengers travelling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the incident occurred along the Okpokwu axis on Monday evening. She noted that investigations were ongoing and security agencies were working to secure the victims’ release.
Two Burnt to Death as Minibus Catches Fire in Lagos
Two persons — a commercial bus driver and a passenger — were burnt to death, while eight others sustained injuries after a minibus caught fire along the Okota–Mile 2 corridor in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority spokesperson, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing it as a “devastating road traffic occurrence.” He said emergency responders attended to the injured victims.
Atiku Urges Opposition Unity, Electronic Result Transmission
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on opposition parties to unite in advocating transparent and credible elections, stressing the need for full electronic transmission of results.
He spoke in Minna, Niger State, after a closed-door meeting with former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, urging reforms to reduce confusion in the electoral process and strengthen public confidence.
Edo Assembly Sitting Halted Over Bullet Discovery
The first sitting of the Edo State House of Assembly for 2026 was abruptly halted on Tuesday following the discovery of a bullet and suspected gunshot holes within the complex.
Tension rose as lawmakers arrived for plenary and were alerted to the suspected security breach. Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the development.
Transparency International Ranks Nigeria 142nd on Corruption Index
Transparency International has ranked Nigeria 142nd out of 182 countries in its latest Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating a decline from its 2024 position.
In the ranking, Denmark was listed as the cleanest country, while 182 represents the most corrupt. The report underscores ongoing concerns about governance and accountability.
Seven Killed in Separate Benue Attacks
Seven persons have been killed in two separate attacks in Benue State. Five were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen in Entekpa community, Adoka, Otukpo Local Government Area.
In a separate incident, gunmen ambushed a commercial bus along the Utonkon axis on Monday night, killing two passengers and abducting 14 others. Security agencies have intensified efforts in the area.
Naira Depreciates in Parallel Market, Gains at Official Window
The Naira depreciated to N1,455 per dollar in the parallel market on Tuesday from N1,440 recorded on Monday.
However, the currency appreciated to N1,349.5 per dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. Analysts say fluctuations reflect ongoing adjustments in the foreign exchange regime.
Senate Affirms Electronic Transmission, Retains Manual Backup
The Senate has amended its Votes and Proceedings of February 4 plenary, reaffirming electronic transmission of election results while retaining manual documentation as backup.
The clarification followed a motion by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno. Under the revision, Form EC8 will serve as the primary collation source where technical glitches prevent electronic transmission.
Wike Confirms Meeting With Tinubu, Fubara Over Rivers Crisis
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has confirmed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara aimed at resolving the Rivers political crisis.
Wike described the intervention as crucial, saying the president’s leadership facilitated renewed peace efforts between the executive and legislative arms in the state.
Atiku Says ADC Has No Zoning Provision, Silent on 2027 Bid
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said zoning is not embedded in the constitution of the African Democratic Congress.
He made the statement during a visit to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in Minna, noting that only the Peoples Democratic Party formally enshrines zoning. He declined to confirm whether he would contest the 2027 presidency on the ADC platform.
CDS Orders Special Forces Deployment to Kwara, Niger
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced plans to deploy special forces to Kwara and parts of Niger State to address rising insecurity.
He disclosed this while defending the Armed Forces’ 2026 budget before the House Committee on Defence, stating that a new Joint Task Force, Operation Savannah Shield, would soon be inaugurated.
Heavy Security as Nenadi Usman’s Faction Takes Over Labour Party Secretariat
There was heavy security at the Labour Party national secretariat in Abuja as acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, assumed control from the Julius Abure-led faction.
Armed policemen were stationed around the premises, and banners were replaced. Usman said the move was long overdue, while party sources indicated plans to take over state secretariats nationwide.
Tinubu to Sign Amended Electoral Act in February — Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the amended Electoral Act into law in February.
Akpabio disclosed this during plenary while announcing the expansion of the Senate’s conference committee. He said, “We expect everything to be done in the next few days or in a week. The President is expected to sign this into law in February.”
Portable Releases Chats Amid Rift With Queen Dami
Singer Portable has released private messages with former partner Queen Dami to counter her claim that they are no longer in a relationship.
The messages, later deleted, showed a ₦200,000 transfer dated January 1, 2026. Portable said the chats proved he continued supporting her, amid earlier allegations that she denied their relationship publicly.
Zicsaloma Urges Strict Financial Boundaries
Nigerian skitmaker Isaac Aloma, known as Zicsaloma, has advised individuals to adopt strict financial boundaries to attain financial freedom.
In a social media video, he said family entitlement delayed his financial independence, urging people to prioritise savings even if it means appearing financially “heartless” to friends and relatives.
Nwabali Open to South Africa or Overseas Move
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has said he is open to playing in South Africa or abroad following his exit from Chippa United.
Speaking on Sports Nights Amplified, Nwabali said, “I can play anywhere I want to play, there is no restriction.” He added that his decision would depend on the right footballing project.
Salah Open to Saudi Move Amid Talks With Al Ittihad
Fresh reports indicate Mohamed Salah’s representatives are in discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad over a potential transfer.
Salah, who previously resisted Saudi interest, is reportedly more open to a move following a challenging season with Liverpool. Transfer speculation has intensified as negotiations continue.
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