Fubara Dissolves Rivers Executive Council, Appoints New CPS
Siminalayi Fubara has dissolved the Rivers State Executive Council as part of efforts to give his administration what he described as a fresh start. Commissioners and Special Advisers were directed to hand over to Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officials in their ministries.
The governor also appointed Onwuka Nzeshi as the new Chief Press Secretary, weeks after the quiet dismissal of former CPS, Nelson Chukwudi. The move follows recent political tensions in the state and consultations with key stakeholders in Abuja.
Ukrainian Intelligence Names Two Nigerians Killed Fighting for Russia
Ukrainian Defence Intelligence has identified two Nigerians, Hamzat Kazeem Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka, as among foreign fighters killed while serving as Russian mercenaries in the ongoing war.
The disclosure comes amid earlier denials by Russian authorities that Nigerians were recruited to fight on the frontlines. The report adds to growing scrutiny over the involvement of foreign nationals in the conflict.
Jonathan Urges Generational Shift in African Leadership
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African nations to embrace a generational shift in governance, advocating for leaders aged between 25 and 50 to address contemporary challenges.
Jonathan said public office demands exceptional physical and mental stamina, recalling the intense pressure he faced while in office. He stressed that modern governance requires energy, resilience and adaptability.
NNPC Posts ₦5.760tn Profit for 2025 Financial Year
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reported an after-tax profit of ₦5.760 trillion, equivalent to $4.26 billion, for the 2025 financial year.
The company disclosed the figures in its latest operational and financial update, highlighting performance across upstream, downstream and gas operations as part of its ongoing commercial transformation.
INEC Proposes ₦873.78bn Budget for 2027 Elections
Independent National Electoral Commission has proposed ₦873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, alongside a separate ₦171 billion for its 2026 operations.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, presented the proposal before the National Assembly joint committee, outlining allocations for operations, technology, capital expenditure and administrative costs.
El-Rufai Resists Arrest Attempt at Abuja Airport
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai reportedly resisted an attempt by security operatives to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai, who was returning from Cairo, Egypt, demanded a formal letter of invitation before complying. His international passport was reportedly seized during the encounter.
Judge Withdraws from Malami’s Trial Over Personal Reasons
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has recused himself from the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over alleged money laundering and forfeiture cases.
The judge cited personal reasons and the interest of justice in stepping aside. The cases are expected to be reassigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
NAUB Dean Dies in Boko Haram Captivity
Professor Abubakar Mohammed El-Jummah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Nigerian Army University, Biu, has died while in captivity after nearly a year in detention by Boko Haram militants.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to security challenges in parts of Borno State, where insurgent activities persist despite ongoing military operations.
Naira Appreciates in Parallel Market, Weakens at Official Window
The naira appreciated to ₦1,438 per dollar in the parallel market on Thursday from ₦1,447 recorded a day earlier.
However, the local currency depreciated to ₦1,355 per dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, reflecting continued volatility across foreign exchange segments.
Gas Supply Constraints Threaten Power Generation
The Nigerian Independent System Operator has warned that about seven power plants may face gas supply constraints following the shutdown of a major Seplat Energy facility for scheduled maintenance.
The development has raised concerns about potential electricity shortfalls and possible blackouts across parts of the country.
Atiku Denies VP Ticket Deal, Dismisses Fayose’s Claims
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied allegations of negotiating a vice-presidential ticket arrangement involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Atiku described claims attributed to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose as “a shameless concoction” and insisted he does not transact politics through bribery or secret deals.
Baba-Ahmed Warns of Crisis in ADC Over Presidential Ticket
Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned that the African Democratic Congress could face internal crisis depending on who emerges as its presidential candidate.
He said the coalition lacks unifying figures with nationwide political influence, warning that the emergence of major contenders could deepen divisions rather than strengthen unity.
Omotola Advises Couples on Handling In-Laws
Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has advised couples to exercise patience and make genuine efforts in building relationships with their in-laws.
She said while calmness and steady effort can reduce tension, some situations may remain unresolved if family members hold fixed opinions.
Uzor Arukwe Threatens Legal Action Over Pregnancy Rumour
Actor Uzor Arukwe has denied allegations linking him romantically to colleague Bambam and vowed to pursue legal action against those spreading the claims.
The rumour, which circulated on social media, alleged he impregnated the actress and caused a marital crisis. Arukwe described the claims as baseless and warned of consequences.
Peseiro Explains Lookman’s Switch to Nigeria
Former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro has said disappointment over repeated snubs from England influenced Ademola Lookman’s decision to represent Nigeria.
Lookman, who previously featured for England at youth level, received FIFA approval in 2022 to switch allegiance and has since become a key player for Nigeria.
Thomas Partey Faces Additional Rape Charges
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with two additional counts of rape, bringing the total number of complainants in the case to four.
Partey had earlier pleaded not guilty to multiple charges and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 March for proceedings related to the new allegations.
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