Fubara Reconciles With Wike, Meets Tinubu at Aso Villa
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has confirmed reconciliation with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying both leaders are now “back in alignment.”
Speaking to journalists after meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Fubara said his visit was to officially inform the President of his return to office following the end of the state of emergency in Rivers.
“It was a father-and-son discussion,” he said, adding that Tinubu advised him on steps to prevent future crises.
Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit Six-Year High at $42 Billion
Nigeria’s gross external reserves have climbed to $42 billion, their highest level since September 2019, according to new figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The increase, driven by stronger hydrocarbon export revenues and steady foreign exchange inflows, follows a surge recorded in August.
Economists say the rise could help stabilise the naira and bolster investor confidence.
U.S. Warns Nigerian Politicians Over Corruption and Visa Bans
The United States has cautioned corrupt Nigerian politicians and government officials that they risk visa restrictions under its accountability drive.
In a statement on Monday via its official X handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria stressed that corruption “will not go unpunished,” regardless of status or rank, as Washington intensifies its push for transparency and good governance.
Eight Police Officers Killed in Benue Ambush
Eight more bodies of police personnel have been recovered following a deadly attack on a joint security patrol in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred Friday at Agu Centre on the Katsina-Ala–Ukum border, brings the total death toll to at least 11 officers.
Security sources said the personnel were ambushed by armed invaders while on patrol.
Abbas Reaffirms Support for Tinubu’s Borrowing Plan
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has dismissed reports claiming lawmakers oppose President Bola Tinubu’s borrowing strategy.
Speaking at the African Network of Parliamentary Budget Offices conference in Abuja, Abbas described the reports as “mischievous and misleading.”
He said borrowing was necessary to fund infrastructure, stimulate growth, and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
NCoS Foils Attempt to Smuggle Drugs Into Kuje Prison
The Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory Command, has foiled an attempt to smuggle psychoactive drugs into the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre.
Public Relations Officer Adamu Duza said a visitor, identified as Njimogu Ikedi, was caught at about 12:45 p.m. Saturday with substances hidden in his clothing.
The suspect has been handed over for investigation.
INEC Publishes Final List for FCT Council Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the final list of candidates ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council elections in Abuja.
INEC said political parties can no longer withdraw or replace candidates, except in the case of death, in line with electoral law.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects FG’s Defamation Charges
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denounced criminal defamation charges filed against her by the Federal Government, calling them political persecution.
In a statement Monday, the Kogi Central lawmaker accused the government of double standards and vowed to mount a strong legal challenge, insisting the case was aimed at silencing her.
Rivers Police Arrest Kidnappers Who Killed Victims After N10.4m Ransom
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers accused of killing two victims despite collecting N10.4 million ransom.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said the suspects were captured after a distress call was made regarding the abduction of another victim, Humphrey Wagbara, in Igwuruta-Atali, Obio/Akpor LGA.
Wike Promises Major Projects Before End of Tinubu’s Tenure
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has pledged to deliver key infrastructure projects before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking Monday in Abuja at the inauguration of new access roads in Mabushi District, Wike said his focus is on “visible, impactful projects that residents will benefit from.”
GDP Expands by 4.23% in Q2 2025
Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, according to figures released Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The growth outpaced the 3.13% recorded in Q1 and 3.48% in Q2 2024.
Agriculture grew by 2.82%, industry surged 7.45%, and services expanded 3.94%.
Analysts said the rebound signals resilience despite inflationary pressure.
Analyst Says Buhari Never Wanted Tinubu to Succeed Him
Political analyst Jide Ojo has claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s actions before the 2023 elections suggested he did not want Bola Tinubu to succeed him.
In an interview, Ojo pointed to the chaotic naira redesign policy under then-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele as an attempt to weaken the APC candidate.
He also said the selection of Yemi Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate in 2015 was a strategic move to win over Christian voters.
Presidency Blasts El-Rufai Over ‘Life President’ Remark
The Presidency has criticised former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai for suggesting President Bola Tinubu might seek to become “president for life.”
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga described El-Rufai’s claim as “hallucination” and insisted Tinubu is a democrat with no such ambition.
“El-Rufai is threatened by Tinubu’s rising profile,” Onanuga said.
Otedola Alleges Jonathan Misled on Fuel Subsidy Fraud
Businessman Femi Otedola has revealed he warned former President Goodluck Jonathan about corruption in the subsidy regime, claiming fraudulent claims siphoned over N2 trillion.
Otedola said the scam was tied to depot licenses that benefited a cartel of oil marketers.
He hailed Aliko Dangote’s refinery as a game-changer for transparency and energy security.
Rita Edochie Condemns Women Who Become Second Wives
Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has criticised women who accept to become second wives, describing them as “greedy and destructive to families.”
In an Instagram post, she aligned with a cleric’s sermon condemning polygamy and said such women should admit it is wrong rather than call it destiny.
Cubana Chiefpriest Laments Poor Healthcare in Lagos
Businessman Cubana Chiefpriest has criticised Nigeria’s healthcare system after a frustrating experience in Lagos hospitals.
In a social media post, he said he waited over an hour without being attended to in Ikoyi and later faced excessive paperwork in Lekki.
He described the situation as “a joke” and vowed to seek treatment abroad.
Yamal Wins Back-to-Back Kopa Trophy Awards
Barcelona’s 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal has become the first player to win the prestigious Kopa Trophy in consecutive years.
Yamal, who helped Barcelona secure a domestic treble under Hansi Flick, registered 18 goals and 25 assists last season.
His creativity and fearless dribbling have earned him comparisons with club legends.
Dembélé Wins 2025 Ballon d’Or After PSG Champions League Triumph
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner following an outstanding season.
The French international was pivotal in PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph, as well as their Ligue 1 and Coupe de France victories.
His performances, including decisive assists in the Champions League final, earned him football’s highest individual honour.