PRESIDENT TINUBU URGES CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS TO PROMOTE UNITY AS LENT, RAMADAN BEGIN 

President Bola Tinubu has called on Christians and Muslims to use the rare convergence of Lent and Ramadan, both of which begin on the same day this year, as an opportunity to promote peace, unity, and national stability.

In a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, the President described the simultaneous commencement of the two sacred seasons as uncommon.

Tinubu added that it serves as a reminder that Nigerians of both faiths share much in common and are one people under God.

The President urged Nigerians embarking on the observances to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, and pray for the progress and security of the nation.

President Tinubu also prayed that the lessons, blessings, and joys of the sacred seasons would abide with Nigerians always.

Recall that for Christians, the Lenten season is 40 days of fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following the example of Jesus Christ’s time in the wilderness before His crucifixion.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection, marking one of the five pillars of Islam and reflecting total submission to God.

==========================

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS ELECTORAL ACT 2026 INTO LAW

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act, 2022, Repeal and Re-Enactment, Bill 2026 into law, following the passage of the bill by the National Assembly on Tuesday after months of deliberations.

President Tinubu signed the bill at the State House on Wednesday in the presence of top government officials, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

According to President Tinubu, the essence of democracy is to have very solid discussions committed to national development and nation-building, essential for the stability of the nation.

According to him, it is high time Nigerians had confidence in their system.

Recall that the bill has generated heated debates in the last one week, with lawmakers and prominent Nigerians disagreeing over the method for the transmission of results, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

===========================

SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO SAYS ELECTORAL BILL MEETS CRY OF NIGERIANS

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed strong satisfaction with the newly signed Electoral Act, describing it as a historic and painstaking piece of legislation that reflects the genuine aspirations of Nigerians.

Speaking at the State House after President Tinubu signed the bill into law, the Senate President said lawmakers were patriotic and thorough in their approach.

The Speaker noted that they took into account the peculiarities of the Nigerian environment while resisting undue external interference.

He also stated that the National Assembly was happy and satisfied that it had been able to interpret the intentions and yearnings of Nigerians.

Akpabio declared that the new law would usher in greater transparency, prosperity, and fairness in future elections, stressing that every vote cast by Nigerians would now truly count.

According to him, one of the most celebrated provisions of the amended Act is the formal recognition of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System result viewer, popularly known as the IReV, as a legitimate and verifiable record of polling unit results.

=======================

SPEAKER ABBAS EXPLAINS REDUCTION OF ELECTION NOTICE PERIOD TO 300 DAYS

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has explained the National Assembly’s decision to reduce the election notice period from 360 days to 300 days.

Speaking at the State House on Wednesday after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Bill into law, the Speaker said the adjustment would help avoid conducting the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections during Ramadan.

According to him, the development translates to holding the presidential and National Assembly elections in January 2027, which will technically avoid conducting elections during the month of Ramadan.

He further stressed that the deduction is another piece of ingenuity that the National Assembly has introduced to avoid voter apathy in the next general election. #

==========================

LABOUR PARTY REPS CAUCUS FAULTS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S ASSENT TO ELECTORAL ACT AMENDMENT

The Labour Party caucus in the Nigerian House of Representatives has condemned what it described as the hurried assent granted to the Electoral Act, Amendment, Bill 2026 by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Reacting to Tinubu’s assent to the legislation, leader of the caucus, Afam Ogene, wondered why the development took place at the speed of light.

The leader of the caucus stated that since majority of the House finally had their way, he called on Nigerians not to lose hope, stressing that the battle for Nigeria’s redemption has only just begun.

He therefore pledged the readiness of the LP House of Representatives caucus to mobilise Nigerians to reject any compromise of the electoral system. #

========================

CHIEF JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN WARNS AGAINST CORRUPTION ATTACKS ON JUDICIARY

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday decried what she described as broad, sweeping attacks on the Judiciary.

Kekere-Ekun warned that indiscriminate allegations of corruption against judges could erode public trust and imperil the rule of law.

She gave the warning at the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court at the Supreme Court Complex, in Abuja.

Recall that the National Judicial Council recommended 14 candidates to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court after its 110th meeting held on January 13 and 14, 2026, presided over by the CJN.

Although the recommendation was initially delayed pending security clearance, just as the council later forwarded the names on January 22 after receiving security reports with no adverse findings.

In her address, Kekere-Ekun said while constructive criticism remained legitimate in a democracy, blanket denunciations of the institution were neither fair nor responsible.

Kekere-Ekun stressed that allegations of corruption must be specific and evidence-based, warning that reckless rhetoric damages not just individual reputations but the entire justice system.

The CJN, however, maintained that the Judiciary does not claim infallibility, noting that “where misconduct is established, it will be addressed firmly and transparently.

=============================

EFCC LINKS NIGERIA’S POVERTY, INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT TO CORRUPTION

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among anti-corruption agencies to tackle financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria effectively.

In a post obtained from the commission’s X handle on Wednesday, Olukoyede made the call in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the EFCC and the Code of Conduct Bureau, led by its Chairman, Abdullahi Bello.

He described corruption as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development, linking it to poverty, hunger, lack of infrastructure, and general underdevelopment. According to him, greater synergy among agencies is essential to confronting the problem head-on.

The EFCC chairman also called for the effective implementation of the MoU, noting that both agencies had previously benefited from intelligence sharing, technical cooperation, and administrative support.

==================================

GOVERNOR MAKINDE URGES MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS TO PRAY FOR NIGERIA DURING RAMADAN, LENT

The Governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, has called on Muslim and Christian faithful to use the sacred periods of Ramadan and Lent to make supplication to God for the state and Nigeria.

Makinde made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser, Suleimon Olanrewaju, just as he also urged Christian and Muslim faithful to use the period to deepen their commitment to God and humanity.

Governor Makinde said the coincidence of the two fasting seasons beginning on the same day was divinely orchestrated to remind adherents of both religions of the importance of love, unity and religious harmony.

He stressed that the lesson inherent in the development must not be lost during and after the spiritual exercise.

The Governor therefore commended Muslims and Christians in the state for their longstanding culture of peaceful coexistence and collaboration, noting that their support since 2019 had contributed significantly to the state’s progress.

Makinde urged adherents of both faiths to dedicate the 2026 Ramadan and Lenten period to praying for sustained peace and development in the state and the country.

He also asked the faithful to pray for wisdom and strength for leaders at all levels.

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and that he would continue to serve them with dedication and fairness.

Recall that Ramadan is a period where Muslims observe a month-long fast, engage in increased prayers, acts of charity, and seek spiritual renewal.

========================

KOGI CP DEPLOYS ENHANCED PATROLS FOR RAMADAN, LENT SECURITY

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Naziru Kankarofi, has deployed enhanced patrols to places of worship and other public spaces.

This is as he called on all residents to support ongoing efforts aimed at maintaining peace, security and public order throughout the state during the Ramadan and Lent period.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja by the public relations officer, Saliu Afusat, just as the Command reiterates commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that all residents go about their lawful activities without fear.

Kankarofi, therefore urges residents to remain vigilant and security conscious, particularly during early morning and late evening activities, while he advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 0703 832 9084, 0815 219 9999. #

=======================

GOVERNOR BAGO URGES CHRISTIANS TO SUSTAIN PRAYERS FOR PEACE AS LENT BEGINS

The Governor of Niger, Mohammed Bago, has urged Christians to sustain prayers for enduring peace and prosperity in the state and the country at large.

Governor Bago made the call in a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday in Minna to mark the commencement of Lent, a 40-day fasting period observed by Christians.

The governor described it as both divine and strategic that Muslims and Christians began their 2026 fasting on the same day, stressing that the development underscored the need for unity and collective supplication for the nation.

He also stated that the prevailing insecurity in parts of the country required sustained prayers from citizens, alongside ongoing government efforts to address the challenges.

Bago further urged Christians to reflect the true essence of Lent in their daily lives beyond the season, emphasising values of sacrifice, self-discipline, love and compassion.

He therefore congratulated Christians in the state and across the world on the commencement of the spiritual exercise and wished them a rewarding and successful observance.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, devoid of ethnic or religious sentiment.

Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving observed by Christians in preparation for Easter, as the season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and excludes Sundays, commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness, and calls believers to repentance, spiritual renewal and deeper devotion. 

========================

TCN ANNOUNCES NIGER SUBSTATION MAINTENANCE, POWER DISRUPTION IN FOUR AREAS

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has announced plans to carry out maintenance on key equipment at its Zungeru Transmission Substation, in Niger State, on February 18, and 19, 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the exercise would take place from 11 am to 5 pm on both days and would cover the 150MVA 330/132/33kV transformer, 5.5MVA 33/11kV transformer, and associated switchgears at the substation.

The statement stated that electricity distribution companies would still be able to serve their customers during the maintenance period.

The TCN spokesperson, however, noted that some areas would experience temporary disruption during the process, which include Kontagora, Tegina, Yauri, noting that they will, however, experience a brief power interruption during the load transfer.

Mbah therefore explained that the planned exercise is part of efforts to maintain efficiency at the facility, stating that the scheduled maintenance is to ensure that the equipment continues to perform optimally, just as the company urged members of the public to take note of the scheduled exercise.

==============================

DOZENS DIE IN PLATEAU MINING SITE GAS LEAK

According to local reports making the round, an unconfirmed number of persons have died following a suspected toxic gas exposure at a mining site in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, sparking renewed concerns over unsafe mining practices and regulation in the area.

Confirming the development to reporters, Wase Youth Leader, Shafi Sambo, said he received an early-morning call alerting him to the tragedy.

He stated that several other miners were rescued alive and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, though the exact number of survivors remains unclear as of press time.

Sambo further disclosed that the youths were mining zinc on behalf of a company said to be a Chinese-owned mining firm operating in the area, as the nature of the mineral being mined was not immediately confirmed.

==========================

MINISTER ALAKE SHUTS PLATEAU MINING SITE, ORDERS PROBE AFTER VILLAGERS’ DEATH

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Plateau State after several villagers reportedly died from inhaling toxic gases while engaging in artisanal mining, in a tragedy that has renewed concerns over the dangers of abandoned mineral sites and informal extraction across Nigeria.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directed that all operations within Mining Licence 11810, operated by a copany, be halted following the incident in Zuraq community, Wase Local Government Area.

The minister gave the directives in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Segun Tomori in Abuja.

Tomori said the minister was on a condolence call to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, where he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and described the victims as innocent citizens trying to earn a living.

Alake also urged the governor to convey his solidarity to the affected community, just as dispatched a high-level investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Yusuf Yabo, to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident and recommend sanctions.

========================

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS CLOSURE OF EVENT CENTRES, ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

The Kano State Censorship Board has ordered the immediate suspension of all entertainment centres across the state, including event centres, gala houses, and Disc Jockeys popularly known as DJ operators.

The board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, issued the order in a statement, stating that effective from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, all such venues will remain closed until the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to the board, the decision was taken to allow residents to observe the Ramadan fast and carry out their religious activities in a peaceful and undisturbed atmosphere.

The Board called on all stakeholders to fully cooperate and comply with the directive in accordance with the law establishing the agency, noting that the measure forms part of its mandate to ensure strict adherence to regulations guiding entertainment activities in the state.

The board prayed for a peaceful and healthy observance of the holy month and prayed God to allow everyone to witness the blessed month in mercy and prosperity.

========================

KENYA, U.S. TO RESUME TRADE TALKS NEXT WEEK

Kenyan trade minister said on Wednesday that Kenya and the United States will resume negotiations in Washington next week in search of a bilateral trade deal.

According to the Cabinet Secretary for Investments Trade and Industry of Kenya, Lee Kinyanjui, the talks will be held from Monday to Thursday next week, followed by meetings aimed to firm up deliberations.

The East African nation, which exported goods worth 737 million dollars or 10 per cent of its total exports to the U.S. in 2024, held talks with Washington in 2025 to safeguard market access, seeking to conclude a process that started in 2020 during President Donald Trump’s first term.

New talks were opened under President Joe Biden’s administration on a trade and investment partnerships aimed at lifting non-tariff barriers but were not completed before Trump returned to office in 2025.

============================

UK INFLATION FALLS TO 3.0% IN JANUARY

Official data showed on Wednesday that Britain’s annual inflation rate eased in line with expectations in January, bolstering chances that the Bank of England will cut its benchmark interest rate next month.

The Office for National Statistics said the Consumer Prices Index fell to 3.0 per cent in January from 3.4 per cent in December, 2025.

Chief economist at the ONS, Grant Fitzner, revealed that inflation fell to its lowest annual rate since March last year, driven partly by a decrease in petrol prices.

The data reinforces the Bank of England’s guidance that inflation is set to cool towards its two-per-cent target in the coming months, as easing energy bills help to offset rising water bills and other elevated costs.

The BoE left its benchmark interest rate at 3.75 per cent earlier this month but signalled that further cuts were ahead.

========================

JAPAN RE-ELECTS TAKAICHI AS PRIME MINISTER

President of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, LDP, Sanae Takaichi, has been re-elected as the country’s 105th prime minister on Wednesday following a parliamentary vote.

At an extraordinary session of the National Diet convened earlier in the day, both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors held votes to appoint the prime minister.

In the lower house, Takaichi secured 354 votes in the first round, defeating Junya Ogawa, head of the main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, CRA, who garnered 50 votes, along with other candidates.

In the upper house, no candidate won an outright majority in the initial ballot, triggering a runoff, while Takaichi prevailed with 125 votes, compared with 65 for Ogawa.

The House of Representatives also elected Eisuke Mori, a veteran LDP lawmaker and former justice minister, as speaker, while Keiichi Ishii of the CRA was chosen as vice speaker.

Earlier Wednesday, Takaichi and her cabinet resigned en-masse, as required under the Constitution, ahead of the formation of a new cabinet later in the day.

Given that Takaichi’s first cabinet was formed only months ago after she became LDP leader and prime minister in October, major changes to the lineup are unlikely, according to local media reports.

Kyodo News said that key ministers including Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi are expected to retain their posts.

=======================

COACH ALMEYDA OF SEVILLA EARNS SEVEN-MATCH BAN FOR ON‑FIELD PROTEST AGAINST REFEREE

Coach Matias Almeyda of Sevilla has been handed over a seven-match ban on Wednesday after his red card last weekend during a La Liga draw with Alaves.

Recall that after being sent off for protesting, the 52-year-old Argentine coach marched onto the pitch at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium and complained angrily for over a minute in the presence of the referee.

A statement from the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee said Almeyda was suspended for two games because of his protests, one game for not leaving after being sent off, three games for an attitude of contempt towards the officials and a further game for unsporting conduct.

Meanwhile, Sevilla are 13th in La Liga, two points above the relegation zone with 14 matches remaining, with Almeyda suspended for half of those.

 

DONT MISS THE NEWS-TRAIN SCHEDULED TO TAKE-OFF AGAIN TOMORROW BY MID-DAY