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Nnamdi Kanu: MASSOB leader dissociates self from IPOB, Dokubo’s face-off
The head of Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has disassociated himself from the conflict between the Indigenous people of Biafra and Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, the former head of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, on Friday.
According to a statement made on his behalf by Mazi Chris Mocha, his Director of Information and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Uwazuruike is only concerned with how IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, can be freed from the Department of State Services prison, not what Asari Dokubo said on social media.
Uwazuruike said those accusing him of conniving with Dokubo should go and verify from Dokubo if both of them had spoken as friends for the past three years.
He recalled how he visited Dokubo in 2002 in Port-Harcourt when the former militant leader told him that the issue of Biafra was not one to be achieved through non-violence, stressing that violence was the only language that the Federal Government understood.
He said, “I do not even have Asari Dokubo’s phone number, let alone talking with him on the phone. It has gotten to about three years now since we last talked, either on the phone or in a friendly conversation.
“If you had a problem with Asari Dokubo, you should better clarify that with him and not drag Ralph Uwazuruike into the matter.
“I am a non-violent crusader, known all over the world and everyone should fight his own battles, carry the cross and not call me to do that for you.
“So Asari had never worked with me on the path of non-violence struggles, and when he was championing the cause for Niger Delta people, he took up arms and ammunition against the Federal Government, which everyone could testify to.”
Uwazuruike described Dokubo as a man who matches his words with action and urged those who are insulting him on social media platforms to go and face him squarely.
He added that Dokubo’s comments asking the Federal Government not to release Nnamdi Kanu were his personal opinion, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He noted that his opinion cannot override those of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East Governors Forum, among others, that have been demanding his release.
Uwazuruike said he is only preoccupied with the process that will lead to the release of the leader of IPOB from DSS custody, not talking about irrelevant matters about who said what and who said the other.
He urged the Federal Government to release Kanu because it is against the rule of law that one should be held incommunicado for this long in a DSS facility, even after several courts of competent jurisdiction had ordered his immediate release.
News
Aso Villa completely going off public electricity and generator for Solar power by March — PermSec
The shift is expected to significantly reduce government’s spending on electricity
• Aso Villa Abuja
The Aso Presidential Villa in Abuja will completely stop using electricity generated from the national grid by March 2026, as work on its solar power initiative reaches the final stage.
State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, disclosed this on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal to the Senate Committee on Special Duties at the National Assembly.
Fashedemi explained that installation of the Villa’s solar mini-grid was concluded late in 2025 and has been undergoing technical trials since December.
He expressed confidence that a full transition to the new power system would be achieved within the first quarter of the year, noting that the shift is expected to significantly reduce government’s spending on electricity.
To demonstrate the project’s effectiveness, the Permanent Secretary cited the State House Medical Centre, which switched to solar power in May 2025.
Since then, he said, the facility has operated almost entirely off-grid, without relying on generators and drawing only minimal supply from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
Meanwhile, the Federal Government had earmarked N10 billion in the 2025 budget for the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” a move that triggered debate among Nigerians.
Critics argued that installing solar panels at the seat of power suggested a lack of confidence in efforts to stabilise the country’s electricity supply.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill proposes an additional N7 billion to complete the initiative.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has paid glowing tribute to a forest guard who lost his life in a confrontation with suspected kidnappers, describing him as a hero in the ongoing battle against banditry and insecurity.
The deceased, identified as Mr. Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel, was killed on Sunday, February 8, 2026, during a security operation in the bush around Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area, a border area near Kogi State.
According to reports, Samuel and a combined team of forest guards, local hunters, and vigilantes responded to intelligence about armed bandits in the vicinity and engaged them.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “devastating.” He commended Samuel’s bravery and patriotism, noting that the fallen guard made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the community.
“He is our hero, and we ask God to give succour to his family,” the governor said, while extending condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the wider security network.
To support the grieving family, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a N10 million financial assistance package as a token of the state government’s appreciation for Samuel’s service and sacrifice in the collective fight against kidnapping and banditry.
The gesture underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those on the front lines of security efforts in the state.
News
Governor Abiodun Lauds Dangote for Industrial, Economic Development of Ogun State
In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has lauded the roles played by the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), as a strategic partner in the industrial and economic development of the state through investments.
Governor Abiodun expressed the gratitude yesterday, during the flagged off ceremony for the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair with the theme, “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships,” at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.
He said that the state government proudly recognises the Dangote Group as “a truly exemplary strategic partner in the collective pursuit of industrial advancement and sustainable economic development in the state.”
The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela.
In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.
Also, National President of NACCIMA, Dr Jani Ibrahim, represented by Dr Michael Olawale Cole, lauded the Ogun State Governor for his administration’s business-friendly policies, which have made the business environment conducive.
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