News February 10, 2026 Why I Resigned As NAHCON Chairman – Usman

 

The erstwhile Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, says his decision to resign from the position with effect from Monday was taken for personal reasons.

Usman said this in a statement personally signed and issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, the decision was made in good conscience and with profound respect for the sacred responsibilities of public service.

“It is with deep reflection and gratitude to Allah that I announce my resignation from the office of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, effective Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.

“I wish to state unequivocally that this decision is taken entirely for personal reasons.

“After prayerful contemplation and consultation with my family, I have made this choice in good conscience and with profound respect for the sacred responsibilities of public service”, he said.

Usman said that in line with the provisions of Section 3(6) of the NAHCON (Establishment) Act, 2006, he had submitted formal resignation in writing to President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed gratitude to the President for the profound trust and honour of appointing him to serve the nation and the Muslim ummah in this capacity.

“The confidence you placed in me is a privilege I will forever cherish. I am equally grateful to His Excellency,Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose unwavering guidance, encouragement, and support have been invaluable throughout my tenure.

“To the Members of the Board, I extend my sincere appreciation. To the Management and staff of the Commission, I thank you for your collegiality, dedication, and shared sense of purpose. Your professionalism, resilience, and steadfast commitment to service have been truly inspiring.

“I also wish to acknowledge our valued partners, the State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, Tour Operators, aviation and service providers, and our esteemed counterparts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose collaboration has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s Hajj operations.’’

Usman emphasised that his resignation was driven purely by personal considerations and reflected no dissatisfaction with the Commission, the government, or the noble mandate they have collectively pursued.

“As I step aside, my prayers are with you all. I ask Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy to accept our humble efforts, to guide and bless the President and the new leadership of NAHCON, and to grant all future pilgrims a Hajj Mabrur.’’ (NAN)

News Sport February 10, 2026 Tinubu congratulates Seattle Seahawks players of Nigerian descent on super Bowl win

 

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated players of Nigerian descent who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks routed the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy.

Players of Nigerian descent on the team’s lineup who helped achieve this victory include Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe, quarterback; Nick Emmanwori, a defensive standout; Uchenna Nwosu, a veteran linebacker; Boye Maye, a linebacker; and Olu Oluwatimi, an irrepressible offensive lineman.

The President also congratulated Michael Onwenu, who played for the other side, the New England Patriots, and is regarded as one of the most dominant offensive linemen.

President Tinubu commended all the players for the pride and honour that they have brought to their country of descent, especially Emmanwori, Nwosu, and Maye, who raised Nigeria’s flag after winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks.

The President stated that these players and their accomplishments affirm Nigerians’ global reputation for excellence and talent.

He wished them continued success and more victories in their respective careers.

News Nollywood February 10, 2026 “I’m Alive and Kicking!” – Pete Edochie Breaks Silence, Slams Viral Death Rumours

 

Legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has denied rumours of his death for the umpteenth time, calling out the recurring hoax.

This latest claim follows a pattern of similar false stories dating back to 2012, with fabricated tales of him dying abroad or in accidents.

The 78-year-old actor, popularly known as Ebubedike, remains active and celebrated, with awards like Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and AMVCA Industry Merit Award.

Pete Edochie expressed frustration, saying he’s been “killed” seven times, with hoaxes spreading false claims about his death. He’ll turn 79 on March 7, crediting his family’s longevity for his own vitality.

The false claim alleged the veteran actor was rushed to the hospital and died, with his son Uche Edochie supposedly confirming it on Instagram.

Debunking the death rumours in a telephone conversation with Vanguard yesterday, Pete Edochie said “ “I’m alive and will die when my maker calls me home.”

Speaking further, he added : “I have been killed about seven times. There was a time they said I travelled abroad and died there .

At other times, they said that the plane I boarded from Enugu to Ethiopia suddenly crashed and I didn’t survive. There was also a day, my wife woke up to prepare for church service, when her telephone rang and the caller said he heard that I passed away this morning. Last year, somebody from Ghana alleged that Pete Edochie was already in the grave.

“However, there was something late Nnamdi Azikwe thought me when I interviewed him. He said that anybody who’s wishing you death will die before you. All those people that wished Zik death died before him. That was what I learnt from Zik. On the 7th of March, I will be 79. My father died at 96, so we have longevity in my family,” Pete Edoche said.

News February 10, 2026 How EFCC arraigned suspects who allegedly collected ₦603m from a Woman to facilitate NNPC GMD Appointment

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals for allegedly collecting ₦603.4 million from Oluseye Yomi-Sholoye under the pretext of facilitating her appointment as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The suspects are Gidado Ibrahim and Halimat Adenike Tejusho, who is currently on the run.

They were arraigned on Monday before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on an amended six-count charge bordering on fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.

According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly forged a document bearing the letterhead “Presidential Villa, State House, Office of the National Security Adviser” to carry out the scam.

Part of the charge stated that between August and October 2024, within the court’s jurisdiction, the defendants allegedly obtained the sum of ₦603,400,000 from Yomi-Sholoye by falsely claiming they could secure her appointment as NNPC GMD, a claim they allegedly knew to be untrue. The offence is said to be contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006.

Another count alleged that Gidado Ibrahim, sometime in August 2024 in Abuja, knowingly used the forged document as genuine, an offence contrary to the Penal Code Law.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the plea, the prosecution counsel, Y. Tarfa, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility. However, Ibrahim’s counsel, B. B. Alhaji, asked the court to remand his client in EFCC custody due to health concerns, pending the determination of his bail application.

The presiding judge, H. Muazu, adjourned the case to February 17, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

News February 10, 2026 BREAKING: IBB, Atiku, Makinde in close – door in Minna

 

Nigeria’s former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), is currently holding a closed-door meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

The meeting, still ongoing as of press time, is taking place at Babangida’s Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State.

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, was reportedly the first to arrive. He landed at the Minna International Airport and proceeded directly to Babangida’s residence at about 1:30 p.m.

Governor Makinde, one of the PDP governors who has remained aligned with the party, arrived shortly afterwards at approximately 2:10 p.m.

Details of the meeting have not yet been disclosed.

Source: The Eagle Online

News February 10, 2026 BREAKING: Senate adopts electronic, manual transmission of election results

 

The Senate on Tuesday reversed its earlier position and approved both electronic and manual transmission of election results in the ongoing amendment to the Electoral Act.

Under the new provision, presiding officers are required to electronically transmit polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Results Viewing Portal (IReV). However, where electronic transmission fails, the hard-copy result sheet — Form EC8A — will serve as the primary means of collation.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), during an emergency plenary session in Abuja. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.

The amendment affects Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026.

Reading the revised clause before putting it to vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated:

“Presiding officers shall electronically transmit the results from the polling units to INEC’s IReV portal and provided that if the electronic transmission fails and it becomes difficult to transmit the results, the Form EC8A will be the primary means of collation.”

Explaining the motion titled “Rescission on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026,” Monguno said the Senate reconsidered its earlier rejection after fresh issues emerged during review of the bill.

He said the amendment was necessary to align the law with public expectations.

“This amendment is to bring our laws in line with the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.

The Senate invoked Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to rescind its earlier decision and recommit the clause to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration before passage.

Rowdy Session

The plenary became rowdy after Akpabio read details of the revised clause, as some lawmakers raised objections over certain wordings.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe called for a division under Order 70 to allow individual voting but later withdrew the request, which could have stalled the amendment.

The majority of senators subsequently voted in favour of the revised clause.

News February 10, 2026 Tinubu renominates ex-Kebbi Governor as ambassador

 

President Bola Tinubu has again nominated former Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Dakingari, for appointment as an ambassador.

The renomination comes less than two weeks after Dakingari’s name was earlier submitted to the Senate and subsequently withdrawn amid controversy.

The President’s fresh nomination letter was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

In the letter, Tinubu said the appointment was made in line with the provisions of Section 171, subsections (1), (2)(c), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He appealed to the Senate to give the nomination prompt consideration and conveyed his highest regards to the Senate leadership.

The letter stated, in part, that the President was pleased to present Usman Dakingari for confirmation by the Senate as a career ambassador and expressed hope that the upper chamber would act expeditiously on the request.

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, directing the committee to report back to the chamber within one week.