NIGERIAN NOTCH

Counsel to former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has condemned what he described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest his client upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday afternoon. In a statement issued in Abuja on February 12, 2026, Ubong Esop Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest El-Rufai shortly after he arrived on Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. According to the statement, the action followed an earlier invitation reportedly extended to El-Rufai by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The legal team argued that the invitation was delivered to his residence while he was outside the country, making immediate compliance impracticable. Akpan stated that his chambers had, since December 2025, communicated with the EFCC on El-Rufai’s behalf, assuring the commission of his willingness to honour the ...

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe  The African Democratic Congress Party (ADC) on Tuesday, 10th Feb, 2026 opened its party office in Nawgu Community, Dunukofia LGA as a way of reaching to the people at the graceroot and given them the rightful platform to represent their constituents. Heavily present were ADC party stalwarts, State Executives, party faithfuls, and a large crowd of community indegenes gathered at the Ezinwaegwu - Simon plaza Nawgu to welcome and show solidarity to one of their illustrious son, former President General of Nawgu community, Hon Nnamdi Okeke who brought the party to the community. In his Welcome Address, the Chairman ADC party in Dunukofia  Mr Ikechukwu Akata (ozomesiliofumbosi-ukpo) while expressing happiness said the ADC party office ward 1 and 2 have opened to all the sons and daughters to join the party and exercise their electoral powers. He disclosed that the presence of the party will usher in a new fresh of leadership in the country and do...

From Ijeoma John Ambassador Ikebunwa Lotanna has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, pledging to pursue what he described as “visible, people-centered development” for the industrial hub. Describing the constituency as a “powerhouse of enterprise and innovation,” Lotanna said Nnewi’s long-standing reputation as a center for auto spare parts manufacturing, trade and entrepreneurship has earned it national and global recognition. He noted that beyond its thriving markets and industrial clusters, the constituency boasts skilled artisans, professionals, creative youths and resilient women who have significantly contributed to Anambra State’s and Nigeria’s economic growth. However, he argued that the area has yet to receive federal infrastructure and representation commensurate with its economic contributions. “Our roads require improvement. Our publi...

Anambra state born journalist and media consultant, Comrade Uchenna Ezeadigwe has extended warm and heartfelt felicitations to Apostle Dr. Nnamdi Mbaigbo, Chairman of the Tropical Gate Foundation for Sustainable Development Global, on the joyous occasion of his birthday. In his goodwill message dated on 11th Day of February 2026, Comrade Ezeadigwe while celebrating a day of birth for Apostle Dr. Mbaigbo, described him as a visionary leader, an advocate of sustainable development, and a distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management. He commended his unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, peace building, and community empowerment, noting that his work through the Tropical Gate Foundation continues to inspire hope and create meaningful impact across communities. The News Echo Senior Correspondent, Comrade Ezeadigwe further acknowledged Dr. Mbaigbo’s remarkable contributions as a respected professional bearing the presti...

The Imo State Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Chika Emedo, has held a strategic meeting with youth leaders from Owerri Zone aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and internal coordination within the party. The meeting, which took place at the party’s State Secretariat in New Owerri, brought together zonal, local government and ward youth leaders from across the nine local government areas in Owerri Zone. Addressing participants, Hon. Emedo commended the youth leaders for their commitment to party growth and grassroots engagement. He described young people as a vital force in building a strong and stable political structure, stressing the importance of unity, discipline and effective communication. The state youth leader urged leaders at all levels to intensify engagement within their wards and local governments, noting that vibrant grassroots structures remain central to increasing political participation and strengthening party visibili...

The Senate has approved a proposal permitting the electronic transmission of election results from polling units, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral process. The decision followed a motion moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, who sought to rescind the chamber’s earlier rejection of real-time electronic transmission of results. Last Wednesday, the Senate had retained provisions of the Electoral Act, 2023, which effectively restricted the electronic transmission of polling unit results. With the adoption of the new proposal, the Senate passed an amended Clause 60(3), allowing the presiding officer at each polling unit to electronically transmit election results after Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed. Under the approved amendment, electronic transmission of results is permitted where the technology is available and functional. However, in cases where electronic transmission fails or is not feasible, the duly completed and signed...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaechie, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation in the higher education sector. Dr. Awuzie was accompanied by senior members of the Polytechnic’s management team, including the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. Ferguson Ezeokafor; the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba; the Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe; the Director of ICT, Dr. Amobi Chiamogu; and the Director of TETFund Projects, Dr. Helen Nnabuenyi. During the visit, the Rector congratulated Professor Anyaechie on his appointment and formally welcomed him to Anambra State, which she described as a state known for its hospitality and strong support for education. She expressed confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s vision for Nnamdi Azikiwe University and his ability to further reposit...

No fewer than two persons lost their lives on Sunday following a fatal road traffic crash along the Ihiala–Onitsha Road, directly opposite the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office in Ihiala, Anambra State. The incident, which occurred at about 9:30 a.m., involved a commercial tanker and a motorcycle, both reportedly without registration numbers at the time of the crash. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the tanker was travelling at high speed before the driver lost control and rammed into a road barricade. The impact triggered an explosion, leading to a fire outbreak that also affected a motorcycle trailing the tanker. The driver of the tanker and his conductor died at the scene, while the motorcycle rider sustained injuries and was promptly rescued. The injured victim was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, for medical treatment. A total of three adult males were involved in the crash, with preliminary investigations by the FRSC attributing the probable caus...

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Anambra Operators in the riverine sand mining sector in Anambra State have called for clearer coordination between federal and state authorities to improve ease of doing business and sustain economic activities along the River Niger. The appeal followed a peaceful protest by members of sand miners’ and tipper drivers’ associations at the Onitsha Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Friday. The operators said the visit was aimed at seeking institutional guidance and regulatory clarity on their operations along the River Niger. Onitsha, a major commercial hub in the South-East, relies heavily on sand supply for construction and allied industries. The protesters, estimated at between 150 and 200, carried placards and official documents, explaining that they operate under licences issued by NIWA and the Federal Ministry of Mines. According to the operators, recent enforcement actions by regulatory agencies have resulted in the seiz...

The management of Federal Polytechnic Oko has announced the commencement of full operations at its Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registration Centre. In a public notice, the institution disclosed that the centre is now fully active and attending to prospective candidates seeking to register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Candidates, popularly referred to as “Jambites,” are invited to visit the Mass Communication Centre within the institution for their JAMB registration and related processing. Prospective candidates are advised to come with the required registration materials, including a valid National Identification Number (NIN), which is mandatory for all applicants. They must also have generated their JAMB profile code using their NIN prior to registration. Other requirements include an active Nigerian phone number to be used throughout the admission process, a valid and accessible email address—preferably Gmail—linked to the...