Author: Opalim Lifted

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has dragged all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to court over their refusal to account for billions of naira spent as ‘security votes’ since May 29, 2023. The lawsuit comes amid rising insecurity across the country, including the recent massacre in Benue State, despite more than ₦400 billion reportedly budgeted annually as security votes nationwide. SERAP disclosed that at least 10 governors alone earmarked about ₦140 billion for security votes in their 2026 budgets. Filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja…

Kebbi State is set to host the world-famous Argungu International Fishing Festival from February 11 to 14, with organisers promising a colourful celebration of history, culture and unity. The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, announced the dates after an expanded meeting of the State Festival Main Committee and the Emirate Local Organising Committee at the Deputy Governor’s Office in Birnin Kebbi. Tracing the roots of the festival, the Emir said it began as a peace initiative between the Sokoto Caliphate jihadists and the Kanta Kingdom, before evolving into a globally recognised cultural event. Its historical value later earned it…

In a defining move to end a 17-year crisis that has repeatedly destabilised Nigeria’s university system, the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally signed a comprehensive agreement aimed at restoring stability, improving staff welfare, and safeguarding academic standards. The protracted conflict, marked by recurring strikes, inadequate funding, and unresolved welfare concerns, has repeatedly disrupted academic calendars, accelerated brain drain, and left millions of students at a disadvantage. ASUU had embarked on eight major strikes, lasting a combined total of about 1,200 days. The 2026 agreement, which replaces the 2009 pact, takes effect from January…

Arsenal missed a slew of chances in a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday but went seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table after Manchester City’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United. Mikel Arteta’s side had a golden opportunity to increase their advantage at the summit, but a dogged defensive performance from Forest and wasteful finishing from the Arsenal forwards meant they took only a point from a game they dominated for long spells. Nicolas Dominguez brought the home crowd to their feet in the 12th minute, sending a deflected shot wide of the goal for…

Marcus Edwards scored a second-half equaliser as Liverpool were held to a frustrating Premier League draw by struggling Burnley at Anfield. Florian Wirtz gave Arne Slot’s side the lead in the first half with an emphatic strike, 10 minutes after Dominik Szoboszlai had hit the bar from the penalty spot. Liverpool dominated possession throughout but failed to take their chances, with the hosts having 32 shots and Burnley keeper Martin Dubravka making eight saves. And Edwards punished the home side with a superb finish past Alisson in the 65th minute after he was played through by Florentino Luis. Liverpool pushed…

The African Union (AU) Commission has commended the conduct of Uganda’s presidential election and congratulated President Yoweri Museveni on his re-election. In a statement on Saturday, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomed the outcome of the 15 January 2026 poll, in which Museveni secured 71.61 percent of the votes cast. The AU Chairperson praised the overall organisation of the elections, describing the process as a reflection of Uganda’s commitment to constitutional governance and political stability. Youssouf also expressed appreciation to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan for his leadership of the Joint African Union,…

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election held on Thursday, securing a seventh term in office. According to official results announced by the electoral commission, Museveni polled 71.65 percent of the total votes, defeating his main challenger, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who garnered 24.72 percent. The 81-year-old has been in power for more than four decades. Since assuming office, Museveni has overseen constitutional changes on two occasions to remove presidential age and term limits, allowing him to extend his rule. Thursday’s election was marred by reports of violence and allegations of widespread electoral…

President Bola Tinubu will return to the country today after participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi sustainability summit. A statement on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu attended the summit alongside some ministers. “On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates,” the statement reads. Onanuga said the agreement is aimed at deepening economic cooperation, boosting bilateral trade and investment, enhancing technology transfer, and expanding collaboration across sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. “At the event, Tinubu announced that…

Michael Carrick enjoyed the perfect start to his second spell as Manchester United caretaker boss as second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu inflicted massive damage on Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes. After so much recent discontent, this was a day when Old Trafford came alive, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson celebrating in the stands and United fans sarcastically waving off City spearhead Erling Haaland when he was replaced 10 minutes from time. City had goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank for keeping his side in the game, with the Italian making a string of superb saves to deny Dorgu,…

Bobi Wine, Uganda’s leading opposition figure, says he escaped arrest after soldiers and police raided his home in Magere. The residence of Wine, who is seeking the presidency for a second term against long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, was assailed by Ugandan security operatives. In a statement posted on X, the opposition leader said the operatives cut off electricity, disabled some CCTV cameras and deployed helicopters over the area. “Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere,” he said. “The military and police raided us; they switched off power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras, and helicopters…