Author: Opalim Lifted

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the national assembly to urgently review its stance on electoral reforms, particularly the mandatory real-time transmission of results. Lucius Ugorji, the archbishop of Owerri and outgoing president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, made the call on Sunday at the opening session of the 2026 first plenary meeting at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja. Speaking on the theme, ‘The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria’, Ugorji expressed concern over the “steady decline” in voter turnout, noting that participation dropped from 69 percent in 2003 to a record…

The Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has introduced a mandatory ₦150 million advertising permit for political parties and candidates contesting the 2026 and 2027 local, state and federal elections. The announcement was made on Monday by Francis Aninwike, general manager of the agency, during a management meeting at the agency’s headquarters in Enugu. Speaking on the theme, Outdoor Promotion and Visual Campaign Guidelines for 2026 and 2027 General Elections, Aninwike said the permit grants parties and candidates the legal right to deploy campaign materials across all 17 local government areas. The permit covers Rallies, Banners and…

The Bayelsa state house of assembly has approved the appointment of Peter Akpe as the deputy governor of the state. Akpe, a pastor, served as chief of staff to Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, prior to his nomination. Ordained clergy by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Akpe has had a career spanning the civil service and politics. He served in the Rivers and Bayelsa state civil services before transitioning fully into politics. Akpe was a two-term member of the Bayelsa state house of assembly from 2011 to 2019, serving as majority leader throughout his stint in the legislature.…

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly removed Kayode Egbetokun as the 22nd Inspector General of Police (IGP). The source within the Police Service Commission (PSC) disclosed that Egbetokun was directed to begin preparations for a formal handover after a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday, February 23, 2026. He is expected to be replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police recently posted to supervise the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. According to the insider, Egbetokun met with the President at the Presidential Villa, where he was informed of the decision and asked to commence…

The Malami trial has been reassigned after the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, transferred two high-profile cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. The cases will now be heard by Joyce Abdulmalik, who has fixed February 27 for proceedings. The reassignment follows the withdrawal of Obiora Egwuatu, who stepped down from the matter on February 12, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice. N212bn Properties Under Probe The EFCC is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering. In December 2025, the…

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has predicted major shake-ups in President Bola Tinubu’s administration before the end of 2026. According to the cleric, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff and several service chiefs will be removed from office as part of strategic changes ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele said the changes were divinely revealed and already concluded. “The spirit of the Lord revealed to me that the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended the deadline for the purchase and submission of forms for its forthcoming Zonal Congress and National Convention. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party announced that the new window for the purchase and submission of forms will run from March 12 to March 23, 2026. The party stressed that the adjustment only affects the timetable for forms and does not alter the dates earlier fixed for the main events. According to the schedule, the Zonal Congress will hold on March 25, 2026, while the National Convention is…

The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has been removed from office. Sowore made the claim on Tuesday, stating that Egbetokun had been replaced by a senior officer currently serving at the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) in Lagos. However, he did not provide any official confirmation or documentary evidence to support the allegation. As of the time of filing this report, there was no statement from the Presidency or the Nigeria Police Force confirming the development. Efforts to reach the Force Public…

The FCID Feedback Channel has been launched by the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, to strengthen accountability and professionalism among officers. The initiative, introduced under the leadership of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, is designed to give members of the public a direct platform to submit complaints and commendations regarding the conduct of officers. According to the department, the new channel will enable residents to report misconduct, share concerns, and recognise exemplary service. The move is part of ongoing efforts to promote transparency and restore public confidence in policing. The FCID Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, urged…

The Saleh Mamman trial was stalled on Monday after the defence team failed to produce a key witness before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, is standing trial before James Omotosho at the Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama. At the resumed hearing, defence counsel Femi Atteh, SAN, told the court that efforts to subpoena the witness were unsuccessful because the individual was not available at the office. He requested more time to secure the witness’s attendance. Justice Omotosho granted the request and adjourned proceedings until February 26, 2026, when the defendant is…