News March 02, 2026 2027 : HURIWA warns of alleged plot to use foreign media platforms against Tinubu

 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over what it described as emerging moves by certain political interests to allegedly deploy respected international media outlets as tools of political opposition against the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, disclosed that the association had obtained what it considers credible information indicating that documentary-style features and special investigative reports are being prepared, allegedly with the aim of undermining the image of the current government.

He noted that early signals suggest that senior figures within the Federal Executive Council may become key subjects of what the group characterised as an organised reputational attack.

Onwubiko stressed that HURIWA supports investigative journalism, describing it as a fundamental pillar of democracy that reinforces institutions, uncovers misconduct, and advances accountability.

However, he warned against what he called the misuse of investigative reporting for partisan objectives.

“What deeply concerns us is the possibility that investigative reporting could be weaponised as a political tool, particularly where allegations are presented without verifiable and substantiated evidence,” he said.

The civil society body observed that globally, election seasons increasingly witness attempts to manipulate information environments to sway public opinion and shape electoral outcomes.

“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, Nigeria must not become vulnerable to such tactics,” Onwubiko stated.

He explained that the group’s position is not to protect any office holder from legitimate scrutiny but to safeguard the credibility of democratic engagement.

“Where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, it must be transparently presented and lawfully investigated. No public office holder should be above accountability. But equally, democracy must not become a theatre for campaigns of calumny driven by partisan calculations,” he said.

HURIWA urged international media organisations to maintain strict editorial independence and adhere to rigorous evidentiary standards, advising that documentary productions should be rooted in verified facts rather than influenced by political sponsorship.

The association also called on political stakeholders, irrespective of affiliation, to avoid clandestine influence strategies that could harm Nigeria’s international standing. It further appealed to government institutions to remain open and transparent to legitimate scrutiny.

In addition, the group encouraged Nigerians to approach sensational claims with caution as the country draws nearer to the 2027 elections.

“This is not about personalities. It is about institutions. It is not about partisanship. It is about principle,” Onwubiko said, adding that democracy thrives on truth, transparency, and responsibility.

The organisation affirmed that it will continue to track developments and raise its voice whenever it perceives threats to democratic integrity.

Business News March 02, 2026 FG begins implementation of executive order on direct oil revenues remittance to FAAC

 

The federal government says it has commenced the implementation of Executive Order 9 of 2026, which mandates the direct remittance of oil revenues to the federation account allocation committee (FAAC).

The move follows the inaugural meeting of the implementation committee for the executive order, held on February 26, 2026.

Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, announced the development in a statement on Monday, providing details on resolutions at the meeting.

He said the committee reaffirmed the president’s directive that revenues accruing to the federation from petroleum operations must be handled in a manner that upholds constitutional principles, protects revenues accruable to the federation, and supports the fiscal stability of the three tiers of government.

“In line with the President’s directive, NNPC Limited shall cease, with immediate effect, the collection of the 30% management fee and the 30% frontier exploration fund deductions from profit oil and profit gas under Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs),” the statement reads.

“Additionally, all remittances of gas flare penalties into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) are suspended with immediate effect, in line with the Executive Order.”

On Section 2(3) of the order, which provides for direct payments by contractors into the federation account, Edun said the committee agreed that the transition must be implemented in a manner that respects existing contractual and financing arrangements, and maintains investor confidence.

“For this reason, the Committee approved a defined transition period for the operationalisation of direct payments by contractors of profit oil, royalty oil, and tax oil into the Federation Account,” the minister said.

“Until the Committee issues detailed guidelines, contractors will continue to remit under the current process. During the transition period, the Committee will issue clear, standardised guidance to ensure an orderly changeover.”

He said the committee approved the establishment of a technical subcommittee to develop detailed transition guidelines within three weeks, and commence a review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to address structural and fiscal anomalies that weaken federation revenues.

“The Technical Subcommittee will be led by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, and will include the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Justice, the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners of Finance, representatives of the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Oil, with secretarial support from the Budget Office of the Federation,” Edun said.

He added that the committee will continue to provide coordinated guidance and timely updates as implementation progresses, commending stakeholders for their cooperation in advancing efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s petroleum resources deliver measurable benefits to citizens across the federation.

News Politics March 02, 2026 Wike: Why Ireti Kingibe won’t return to senate in 2027

 

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reiterated that Ireti Kingibe would not be returning to the senate in 2027 because she has “no project to show”.

Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the upper legislative chamber, was elected senator on the Labour Party (LP) platform in 2023.

In 2024, Wike vowed that the senator would not be re-elected in 2027.

Prior to this, Kingibe claimed Wike had refused to respond to her letters and messages amid rising insecurity in Abuja.

The senator also posited that Wike did not have the interest of the FCT at heart, claiming that residents were battling water scarcity amid other challenges.

Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike tied his prediction of Kingibe not returning as senator to project delivery.

“I had said it more than one year ago, Senator Ireti, you won’t come back as a senator. That’s why you people don’t like people who tell you the truth. It’s bitter. Let her show one project,” he said.

He added that Kingibe has been absent from satellite communities where folks actually turn out to vote.

FCT POLLING UNIT VISITS

During the recent FCT area council elections, Wike was criticised by opposition political parties for visiting several polling units during the vote.

The minister defended his action during the media chat, adding that he has the right, as the territory’s chief security officer, to visit polling units.

“I’m the governor of FCT, for security, I have to find out what’s going on. I don’t need to be told. I’m not a candidate in the election. As the chief security officer, I have the right to have the view of what was going on,” he said.

“I wasn’t on the ballot and I never said people should vote for the APC. What I said was that the candidates supporting Mr President are the candidates I will support.”

He shared that he visited about 10 polling units and rejected insinuations of interfering with the poll.

“And how does it influence (the election)? When did Nigerians conduct referendum that they are not happy that I as chief security went to 10 polling units to check what was going on?” he asked.

Wike dismissed comparisons to past ministers.

“What’s my business? You have said the previous ministers you had never bothered about development. So, because they didn’t do development, I should not do development?” he asked.

Abuja News March 02, 2026 FRSC investigating illegal car racing in FCT – Official

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps says it has commenced investigation into reports of illegal car racing and stunt driving allegedly carried out by some youths around the National Mosque area in Abuja.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

Ogungbemide said the corps had received complaints from members of the public concerning the development, which he described as illegal and unsafe.

“Yes, I will not deny the fact that we have heard about such activities which is illegal or quasi-illegal,” he said.

He explained that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed had mandated the FRSC Sector Commander in the Federal Capital Territory, Felix Theman to investigate the allegations and submit a prompt report for decisive action.

According to him, the complaints have been coming from some residents, though accounts of the incidents were not vivid or consistent.

The FRSC national spokesperson noted that the reports were largely based on information volunteered by concerned residents who noticed unusual racing activities within the area.

He said such acts, if confirmed, was unlawful, as Nigeria does not permit Formula One-style racing or similar sporting activities on public roads.

“Legally, we do not have Formula One running as a regular sport on Nigerian roads, so if such is happening, then it will be compromising the safety of other road users, because it is not legal.

“The corps has not granted permission to any organisation or group to conduct car racing or stunt driving on roads within the territory.”

Ogungbemide assured that once the investigation was concluded, appropriate action would be taken in line with existing traffic laws and safety regulations to safeguard other road users.

He reiterated the corps’ commitment to ensuring safety on Nigerian roads and urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information to assist enforcement efforts.

(NAN)

News Politics March 02, 2026 Wike slams PDP again, declares party hasn’t learnt, backs Tinubu again

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, “appeared not to have learnt,” as he defended his continued support for President Bola Tinubu and candidates aligned with the President.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike reiterated that his decision to back the President was not new and had been publicly declared in 2023.

“I told you in 2023 that even as a PDP man, I was going to work for the President. That is what I did because I believe, and rightly so, that the other parties did not present serious candidates,” he said.

The minister maintained that his political position remains unchanged.

Wike was critical of the internal state of his party, stating that it had failed to learn from past experiences.

“I have said several times that, as far as I am concerned, my party appears not to have learnt. That is why I said I was going to support Mr President for a second term,” he said.

He further faulted the party for failing to consult him on its candidates.

“As a minister, my party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present,” he added.

The minister stressed that his support cuts across party lines, provided candidates are aligned with the President’s re-election bid.

“I said I would support candidates who support Mr President for his re-election. It does not matter which party they belong to. If they support Mr President, then of course I will pitch my tent with them,” he said.

On the conduct of FCT elections held on February 21, 2025, Wike emphasised that the process goes beyond voting day.

“Election is a process. It begins with the nomination of candidates, proceeds through campaigns, and then culminates in voting. It is not just about a particular day,” he said.

Wike also addressed the controversy surrounding movement restrictions announced ahead of the FCT polls, insisting the directive was issued with presidential approval and for security reasons.

“By the approval of the President, movement was restricted from 8 p.m. for security reasons. It was to ensure that people did not import troublemakers into the city to cause a crisis,” he said.

He rejected claims that the measure disenfranchised voters.

“The election was on Saturday, and voting took place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. You cannot say people were not allowed to vote. That is not correct,” he stated.

Responding to criticism over his presence at polling units, Wike said he acted within delegated authority.

“The power has been delegated to me. A certain amount of authority has been given to me to act on behalf of the President,” he said.

He dismissed allegations that he influenced the election outcome.

“I was not on the ballot. I never told anyone not to vote for any candidate. All I said was that I would support candidates who support Mr President,” he said.

On suggestions of political interference in council contests, Wike underscored his identity as a politician.

“Let me make this clear: I am a politician. I chose to be a politician, and politics is about winning,” he said.

Addressing allegations of voter disenfranchisement, he challenged the claim.

“What is disenfranchisement? If a party says it is not prepared for an election, does that stop others from voting? Disenfranchisement means people were not allowed to vote, and that was not the case,” he said.

Wike concluded by urging aggrieved parties to seek legal redress.

“If anyone is dissatisfied, they should go to the tribunal. Let the tribunal cancel the election and order a rerun if necessary. The outcome will not be different,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress secured victory in five of the six chairmanship seats across the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory during the February 21 polls.

The ruling party claimed victory in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the PDP captured the chairmanship in Gwagwalada.

News March 02, 2026 ICPC Justifies raid on El-Rufai’s Abuja home, says wiretapping devices recovered

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has defended its recent raid on the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, stating that wiretapping equipment and sensitive security documents were recovered during the operation.

According to an affidavit sworn to by a litigation officer of the commission, David Efuk, and filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the items seized during the search included electronic magnetic devices allegedly capable of intercepting telephone conversations, as well as documents described as sensitive to national security.

The development follows a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by el-Rufai against the ICPC, in which he accused the agency of unlawfully invading his Abuja residence. In response, the anti-corruption body urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that its actions were lawful and properly authorised.

The commission stated that the search of the property located at No. 12 Mambila Street, Aso Drive, Asokoro District, Abuja, conducted on February 19, 2026, was carried out under a valid search warrant issued by a Magistrate Court.

ICPC further noted that el-Rufai’s wife, Hadiza Isma el-Rufai, and his son, Hon. Mohammed Bello el-Rufai, were present during the operation and witnessed the recovery of the materials in question.

The agency also referenced an earlier appearance by the former governor on Arise Television, where he allegedly admitted to tapping the telephone conversations of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

During the search, ICPC said it recovered electronic equipment suspected to be capable of intercepting communications. However, the commission claimed that el-Rufai declined to grant consent for investigators to access and examine the devices.

The commission added that in cases where investigations are ongoing, it reserves the right to require suspects to report daily or, where necessary, seek a remand order pending the conclusion of investigations.

News World March 02, 2026 Multiple US Military aircraft crash in Kuwait amid ongoing Iranian strikes

 

Several U.S. warplanes went down in Kuwait on the morning of Monday, March 2, 2026, but all of the aircrews survived, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence said, as Iran continued a third day of attacks across the Gulf.

A defence ministry spokesperson confirmed in a statement that “multiple U.S. warplanes crashed this morning,” noting that all crew members had been safely evacuated and taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment, and that their condition was stable. An investigation into the cause is underway.

Smoke was also seen rising near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, although officials did not confirm the compound had been struck. The embassy issued a security alert advising people to avoid the area due to ongoing threats from missiles and drones.

The incidents occurred as Iran’s retaliatory strikes the response to recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory—extended across the Gulf region, hitting military bases, infrastructure and creating explosions in cities such as Dubai, Doha and Manama.

Kuwaiti authorities also reported that debris from defensive interceptions caused minor injuries to workers at the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery and that air defence systems had intercepted several incoming weapons.

The wave of Iranian attacks has already led to civilian casualties and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.