General News
2026: A Year of Renewed Hope — Akpabio Reaffirms Senate’s Commitment to National Stability
By Saint Mugaga
The President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has expressed confidence that 2026 will be a year of renewed hope and steady national progress, anchored on institutional responsibility, legislative diligence, and collective resolve.
In his New Year message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians and underscored the central role of the National Assembly—particularly the Senate—in sustaining democratic stability, promoting accountability, and advancing the nation’s development agenda.
“As we enter the year 2026, I extend my warm wishes to Nigerians for a peaceful and fulfilling year. I commend the resilience, patience, and civic maturity of our people, even in challenging times,” the Senate President said.
He noted that while the Executive continues to implement its policies, the National Assembly remains firmly committed to its constitutional responsibility of lawmaking, representation, and oversight, ensuring that governance outcomes reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“The Senate and the entire National Assembly will continue to discharge their duties with diligence—providing legislative support where necessary, exercising oversight where required, and always acting in the best interest of national unity, economic stability, and social justice.”
Senator Akpabio expressed cautious optimism that ongoing efforts to address insecurity, economic pressures, infrastructure gaps, and youth unemployment would yield more visible results in the coming year, stressing that sustainable progress depends on strong institutions rather than personalities.
“Our democracy is strengthened when institutions function properly and leaders remain accountable. The National Assembly will continue to work to strengthen these institutions and to ensure that public policy is people-centred and forward-looking.”
Looking ahead to increased political activity as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections, the Senate President cautioned Nigerians against divisive politics and false messianic narratives.
“As political activities intensify, Nigerians must remain discerning. History has shown that those who present themselves as sole rescuers often deepen division rather than heal it. Democracy thrives on ideas, responsibility, and respect for national unity—not inflammatory rhetoric or deception.”
He urged political actors to conduct themselves with restraint and a sense of national duty, noting that the Senate will continue to uphold democratic norms, parliamentary discipline, and the rule of law.
“The National Assembly remains committed to constructive engagement with the Executive, the Judiciary, and all stakeholders, to build a more united, just, and prosperous Nigeria—where leadership is defined by service and institutions outlive individuals.”
The Senate President concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain engaged, vigilant, and hopeful in the year ahead.
“I urge Nigerians to continue to support democratic institutions and to work collectively for peace, equity, and national progress.”
“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate, and the entire National Assembly, I wish all Nigerians a peaceful celebration and a prosperous 2026.”
By Saint Mugaga
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu as the Managing Director of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja.
The Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) is responsible for conducting research and development in technology and for operating a nuclear research facility.
A statement by the Special Adviser (Information and Strategy) to the President, Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu also appointed Engr. Adesayo Olusegun Michael as the Managing Director/CEO of the Board of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).
Other Board members of NEMSA appointed by the President include: Engr. Aliyu Abdulazeez (Executive Director, Technical); Ikechi Clara Nwosu (Chairman, South East); Zubair Abdur’rauf Idris (Member); Igba Elizabeth (Member-North Central); Sani Alhaji Shehu (Member–North East); Adeyemi Adetunji (Member–South West); Engr Emmanuel Eneji Nkpe (Member–South South) and Engr. Charles Ogbonna Asogwa (South East).
The President nominated Amina Gamawa, representing Bauchi, and Abdullahi Muktar, representing Kaduna, as Commissioners to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The President has sent the two nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
By Our Correspondent
At least 102 Tiv Christians have been feared killed with dozens of churches burnt in 33 days in Taraba state.
According to Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), the killers, suspected to be militia Fulani men, have committed the crimes between 2nd January to 3rd February 2026 in Chanchanji ward, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state.
NOCRELA also disclosed that the body has interacted with the Tiv community and the affected NKST pastors extensively when they were told that the killings were perpetrated by Fulani militia and were specifically targeting the Tiv community and NKST churches.
In a submission, the Taraba State Chairman, NOCRELA, Rev. Dr. Micah Dopah, on Monday condemned the continuous, horrific, brutal, and targeted killing of the Tiv Christians brethren and their properties.
“Within an interval of 33 days only from 2nd January 2026 to 3rd February 2026, the militia killed at least 102 people and injured over 31 as analyzed by the local authorities.
“The local authorities also complained that the government and security agencies have not done enough to protect their lives, houses, and churches. stating that the laxity of the government in defending their people and properties has encouraged the militia to perpetrate the satanic killings.
“Ten murderous attacks in 33 days is horrific. Where is the government? And where are the security agencies?
“We interacted with the Tiv community and the affected NKST pastors extensively. They told us that these killings were perpetrated by Fulani militia, and are specifically targeted at the Tiv community and NKST churches.
Relatedly, similar attacks are going on in Benue state by suspected Fulani against the Tiv settlements in Kwande local government where whole communities have been sacked with many indigenous people killed.
Anwase and Abande, among other villages, have been deserted and there is great apprehension that they would be occupied by the invading Fulani militias whose aim to seize Tiv lands and occupy them is no longer new as the case of Moon.
The invasion is partly to take over the lands now known to be rich in gold and other minerals.
By Our Correspondent
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has been asked to dismiss the ₦100.5 billion defamation suit instituted against Prof Zacharys Anger Gundu, VC of University of Mkar, Mkar by the Nasarawa State Government and Governor, Abdullahi Sule.
The request is contained in a notice of preliminary objection filed by the defendant through his legal team led by Sebastian Hon, SAN.
Gundu flawed the competence of the suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/3554/2025, and asked the court to decline jurisdiction, describing the case as frivolous and an abuse of court process.
The legal team said the claimants did not comply with a mandatory condition precedent required for the validity of the originating processes, as stipulated under Order 2 Rule 8 of the FCT High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2025.
This faulty premise, the alleged non-compliance, the team asserted, renders the suit procedurally defective and liable to be struck out.
Tinubu Appoints Adesayo, Ceo Nemsa; Magaji Da’u Aliyu As Md Of Shestco
Spread the loveBy Saint Mugaga President Bola Tinubu has appointed Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu as the Managing Director of the...
Prof. Alabar Is New VC of Father Adasu University, Makurdi
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande, Makurdi Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State has approved the appointment of Prof. Timothy...
Tiv Christians feared killed, churches burnt in 33 days in Taraba
Spread the loveBy Our Correspondent At least 102 Tiv Christians have been feared killed with dozens of churches burnt in...
Prof Gundu Asks Court to Strike out Gov Sule’s ₦100.5bn Defamation Suit
Spread the loveBy Our Correspondent A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has been asked to dismiss the...
The Court of Appeal Judgement and Separation of Powers: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and The Clerk of The National Assembly of The Federal Republic of Nigeria & 3 ORS
Spread the loveBy Rt. Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr The judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on Monday, February 9,...
President Tinubu: We’ll Overcome Terrorism, Banditry
Spread the loveBy Saint Mugaga President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that Nigeria will defeat terrorism and banditry, describing the...
Appeal Court affirms Natasha’s suspension, says Senate Acted within law
Spread the loveBy Saint Mugaga The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on Monday, affirmed the suspension of the Kogi Central...
EU trains youths on digital skills programme in North-East
Spread the loveBy Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja The European Union (EU) said it has concluded its Digital skills promotion programme targeting...
Top Abuja Social Group, Club De Pals, Inaugurate EXCO
Spread the loveBy Our ReporterClub De Pals, a congregation of Tiv elites based in Abuja, yesterday , Sunday, 8th February...
Mahmoud Empowers 4,064 Kano Indigene
Spread the love… as Prof. Ganduje weighs in on political rift By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja Over 4,064 indigenes of Kano...