News
Senate to Hold Emergency Plenary Sitting on Tuesday Amid Electoral Reform Backlash
The Nigerian Senate will convene an emergency plenary sitting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 12:00 noon, following intense public criticism of its recent decision on electoral amendments.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Clerk of the Senate Emmanuel Odo announced that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had directed the immediate reconvening of the chamber. The notice called on all senators to attend the special session in the Senate Chamber.
The emergency meeting follows widespread outrage over the Senate’s February 4 passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026.
During the third reading, lawmakers rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) that would have required presiding officers to transmit polling unit results electronically in real time directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Instead, the Senate retained the existing provision from the 2022 Electoral Act, which gives INEC discretionary power to electronically transfer results only after votes are counted and publicly announced at polling units.
The decision has drawn strong condemnation from civil society organizations, opposition leaders including Peter Obi, election monitoring groups, and bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association.
Critics argue the move weakens electoral transparency, increases the risk of manipulation, and sets back progress ahead of the 2027 general elections. Protests have been announced outside the National Assembly starting Monday to pressure the Senate to reconsider, with some stakeholders indicating possible legal action.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the chamber’s position, stating over the weekend that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission of results.
He explained that lawmakers only removed the mandatory real-time requirement due to practical challenges, including network issues in insecure areas affecting several states, while preserving the overall electronic transmission framework used in past elections.
Akpabio added that the Senate would not be swayed by intimidation and emphasized that the legislative process on the bill remains active.
The official agenda for Tuesday’s session has not been made public, but it is widely expected to address the controversy, respond to public pressure, and possibly revisit elements of the disputed clause in light of calls for stronger electoral safeguards.
News
Governor Nwifuru Suspends Commissioners of Work and Infrastructure
The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved the indefinite suspension of the State Commissioner for Work, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara, over alleged dereliction of duties.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, the suspension takes immediate effect.
The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.
No further details were provided regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the suspension.
News
Viral Video By Omoyele Sowore Involving David Umahi at Police HQ
Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth.
The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities.
Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), clarified that the allegations being referenced by Mr. Sowore were made by one Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year.
These claims, bordering on alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings.
It is important to state that her accounts have been inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a fact that has been widely observed by members of the public who have followed the matter over time.
Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the Honourable Minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score.
The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the Minister’s lawyer, arrested her and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements.
Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth.
The Honourable Minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged.
As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.
Activism, in its true sense, is not about indiscriminate attacks on public office holders or chasing relevance. It is about integrity, balance, and a genuine commitment to justice without prejudice or personal bias.
The Honourable Minister of Works remains fully committed to transparency, respect to the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of critical infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.
He will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations.
News
Anambra Native Doctor Akwaokuko Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison
A popular Anambra-based native doctor, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by an Anambra State High Court.

The conviction follows his guilty plea to multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and related offences linked to ritual killings and other criminal activities.
Court documents and security sources indicate that the sentencing came after the suspect admitted guilt during proceedings, paving the way for the judge to deliver the 12-year term.
In a related development, the Anambra State Government has demolished the suspect’s shrine and related structures as part of efforts to dismantle facilities associated with the crimes.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to Akwa Okuko’s notoriety and the gruesome nature of the allegations.
Authorities say the conviction and demolition underscore the state’s zero-tolerance stance on ritual-related crimes and insecurity.
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