News Politics February 09, 2026 Otti’s govt: Ikonne urges Abians to demand accountability over alleged budget inconsistencies

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and immediate-past Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has urged residents of the state to stay alert and continually demand accountability from the administration of Governor Alex Otti, especially over what he described as recurring financial inconsistencies and lack of transparency.

Prince Ikonne made the call on Monday while speaking on a monitored radio programme in Abuja, where he said he was shocked by the inclusion of ₦210 million in the Abia State budget allegedly set aside for the purchase of a photocopier, a development the state government has attributed to a “typographical error.”

The Abia State government had, in a statement by the State Ministry of Budget and Planning, debunked the claim that it budgeted ₦250 million for the purchase of a photocopier at its Lagos Liaison Office, describing the allegation as “misleading and the result of a formatting error in the 2026 budget document.”

However, Ikonne said it was troubling that an administration headed by a governor who presents himself as a seasoned banker and former bank chief executive, with a background in finance, accounting and figures, could repeatedly make such significant “errors” in official financial records.

“This is exactly how Abia money is written off. If Abians had not paid attention and raised questions, this whopping sum would have quietly disappeared,” Ikonne stated.

He questioned how a government that prides itself on being managed by technocrats could make what he called random and expensive mistakes, recalling a previous incident in which about ₦1.2 billion was reportedly described as a typographical error in the procurement of Hilux vehicles.

Prince Ikonne also raised concerns about other figures in the budget that residents may have overlooked during the two and a half years of Governor Otti’s administration, warning that the issue already exposed might represent only a portion of deeper financial irregularities.

“The Otti administration is fast gaining notoriety for financial inconsistencies, padding, and attempts to siphon the common patrimony of Ndi Abia under the guise of errors,” he said.

Ikonne expressed disbelief that ₦210 million and ₦12 million could be confused, and questioned the type of photocopier that would cost even ₦12 million. He compared the situation with business centres along Pound Road in Aba, where large volumes of documents are handled daily, noting that such centres do not use photocopiers close to that price, let alone a government liaison office with minimal paperwork.

He further accused the government of being insensitive to the state’s resources despite the huge funds being received from the Federal Government as a result of the policy of Mr President.

The APC chieftain also queried the status of the budget that had already been presented and passed, asking how the discrepancies would be addressed as implementation begins.

He also expressed concern over major projects allegedly funded with large sums, including claims that about ₦100 billion has been spent on smart schools yet to be seen, as well as the ₦7 billion recreational centre, which he said exists largely on social media.

News February 09, 2026 Ganduje’s son distributes solar kits, irrigation pumps to Kano farmers, SMEs

 

The Executive Director of Technical Services at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has provided solar equipment and irrigation support to farmers and small business owners in Kano State.

At an empowerment programme held on Sunday evening in Kano, the son of the former Kano governor, Abdulahi Ganduje, handed over solar-powered irrigation pumps to 120 young farmers and distributed solar energy systems to 160 Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) within the Dawakin-Tofa, Tofa and Rimin Gado federal constituency.

The distribution is part of a wider empowerment effort designed to reach about 280 beneficiaries in the constituency.

This was contained in a statement issued by Edwin Olofu, media aide to the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Speaking at the event, Ganduje said the initiative was aimed at assisting male and female youths, especially those in rural areas whose livelihoods depend on electricity.

He said each beneficiary received a solar system with a capacity of about 1.2 kilowatts to enable uninterrupted business operations and reduce reliance on fuel.

He added that the irrigation pumps would allow farmers to engage in all-season farming.

Ganduje also disclosed that the latest intervention represents the seventh empowerment programme carried out in the constituency, with more initiatives expected.

“First of all, I would like to mention several programmes we have carried out in the last one year focusing on empowering youths and women, especially in rural areas like this,” he said.

“These solar systems will support businesses such as barbing salons, tailoring, POS services and computer-related businesses. Many of these businesses will thrive in the North-West, and we are still looking for more opportunities.”

He further revealed that about 13,947 residents across Dawakin-Tofa, Tofa and Rimin Gado had benefited from previous empowerment schemes.

According to him, strengthening SMEs remains essential for economic progress.

“Nations that are economically developed got there by empowering SMEs, and that is the path we are following,” he said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on national and human capital development.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, described the programme as timely and impactful.

“This empowerment programme will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of our youths,” he said, while also calling for unity among APC members.

The Chairman of Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area, Hon. Anas Dan Maliki, also commended the effort and promised to replicate similar initiatives at the grassroots.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support.

A business centre operator, Sulaiman Dan Sudu, said the solar equipment would significantly boost his productivity, while a tailor, Maman Talatu, said it would help address electricity challenges affecting her work.

Several APC leaders and stakeholders in Kano attended the event, which also marked the official launch of the seventh phase of the empowerment programme.

News Politics February 09, 2026 Fubara and Wike hold talks with Tinubu in Abuja

 

Rivers State’s political tensions may be calming following a late-night intervention by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to The Nation on Monday, the President met with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other prominent leaders from the state. Details of the discussions remain confidential, but the report notes that Governor Fubara accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, after the meeting.

The report also suggests that Fubara expressed remorse to the minister, promising never to show him disrespect again, hinting at a possible reconciliation among Rivers State’s key political figures.

News Politics February 09, 2026 Peter Obi joins protest at National Assembly over E-Transmission of election results

 

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, joined the Occupy National Assemblyprotest in Abuja on Monday.

The demonstration comes after the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026 at the third reading, removing the term “real-time” in reference to the electronic transmission of election results.

Despite several clarifications from the Senate denying that it rejected electronic results transmission, protesters insist that the law must explicitly mandate “real-time electronic transmission.”

Obi, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was among those gathered at the National Assembly gate. He stressed that the Senate should take steps to prevent glitches similar to those reported by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023, and ensure that real-time electronic transmission is compulsory.

The protest also includes civil society organizations, a few ADC members, and women’s groups. The demonstrators marched from the Federal Secretariat to the National Assembly gate, where a strong security presence—including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps—has barricaded access.

Members of the civil society groups told Channels Television that the protest is primarily intended to take place at the entrance, with no plans to enter the National Assembly premises.

News February 09, 2026 Kitchenware Brand, Dee Utensils Set to Unveil New Abuja Showroom With Massive Discounts

One of the country's foremost kitchenware brands, Dee Utensils has concluded arrangements to unveil its ultra modern showroom located in the heart of Abuja, the nation's capital. 

The facility at Plot 965, Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse II, Banex Junction, beside LG showroom will be open for business on February 15, 2025 with a whopping 20% discount on every product. 

Dee Utensils has partnered with international companies producing kitchenware to get unique and luxurious designs for its customers across Africa. 

Chief Executive Officer, Amb. (Dr ) Lois Andrew Ihwo, expressed delight with the milestone, which she said will help the brand in serving its clients within Abuja and the North Central region. 

“This showroom represents more than an expansion for Dee Utensils; it is a commitment to bringing world-class kitchen solutions closer to our customers. We want every home, restaurant and hospitality business to experience quality, durability and elegance at affordable prices. 

"Abuja is a strategic hub for us, and we are excited to welcome customers to enjoy the discounts and the unique designs we have carefully curated for the African market,” she said.

Dee Utensils is seen as one of the most impactful institutions in Nigeria and Africa. 

 

The CEO, a multiple award winner is also involved in every aspect of the business, from product design to marketing and customer service.

Not long ago, she was conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree by American Management University California USA as well as prestigious award of Most Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year, a recognition accorded her at the 15th Peace Achievers Award 2025.

In December, she also bagged the traditional title conferment of Trauraruwan Matan Kasar Jiwa (the shinning star of Jiwa land) an honour bestowed on her by the Emir of Jiwa, His Royal Highness, Alh. Dr. Idris Musa in recognition of her achievements, especially her humanitarian commitment and impact to communities as well as her organisation's giant strides in business and the nation's economy.

News February 09, 2026 NiMet Issues 3-Day weather forecast, urges caution for residents, airlines

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a three-day weather forecast, predicting a mix of sunshine and cloudiness across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

In its outlook issued on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said the northern region will experience mostly sunny and cloudy skies throughout the forecast period.

For the southern region, the agency forecast sunny conditions with patches of cloud, alongside chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall in parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states later in the day.

According to NiMet, Tuesday will witness sunny and hazy conditions over the northern and central regions, while the south will experience sunny skies with cloud patches. Thunderstorms with light rain are expected in parts of Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states during the morning hours. Later in the day, thunderstorms are likely over Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states.

On Wednesday, NiMet predicted sunny and hazy skies across the northern region in the morning, with dust haze expected in the afternoon and evening. The central region will also experience sunny and hazy conditions, while the south is expected to have cloudy skies with sunny intervals in the morning and isolated thunderstorms with light rain in parts of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states.

The agency warned that dust particles are currently in suspension over parts of the North-Central region and advised the public to take necessary precautions. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions were urged to be cautious.

NiMet also advised motorists to drive carefully during rainfall and urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from the agency for effective flight planning. Residents were encouraged to stay updated with weather information via NiMet’s official platforms.

News Politics February 09, 2026 Electoral Act: Timi Frank writes Trump

 

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and political activist, Comrade Timi Frank, has written to United States President Donald Trump, raising concerns over what he described as an imminent threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Frank warned that the country could slide into chaos if alleged moves to manipulate the 2027 general elections are not urgently stopped. In a statement released at the weekend, he accused the ruling party and the leadership of the National Assembly of working towards imposing a one-party authoritarian system, which he labeled a “political genocide” against Nigerians.

He called on President Trump and the international community to intervene, cautioning that inaction could spark unrest, violent conflict, and a collapse of law and order.

According to Frank, “Nigeria’s general elections scheduled for February 2027 are under grave threat. If the current trajectory is not corrected, it could lead to widespread unrest, possible anarchy, and a breakdown of law and order.”

He further alleged that the ruling party, in collaboration with the Senate under what he described as a compromised Senate President, has begun setting the stage to manipulate and rig the forthcoming elections.

Frank urged Trump and U.S. lawmakers to be cautious in their dealings with the Nigerian government, warning against any actions that might legitimize what he termed illegality and oppression.

“Any blanket endorsement risks conferring legitimacy on illegality and oppression in Nigeria,” he said, adding that timely U.S. intervention could help safeguard stability in West Africa’s largest democracy.

The petition comes in the wake of the Nigerian Senate’s recent passage of an amendment to the Electoral Act, a move that has generated controversy, particularly over the electronic transmission of election results.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has maintained that the National Assembly will not be swayed or intimidated by opposing views.