The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is fully prepared to conduct a credible and transparent election as voters head to the polls in Anambra state on Saturday.
INEC’s Supervising National Commissioner, Ken Ukeagu, gave the assurance on the eve of the election during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stressing that all logistics and technical arrangements had been finalised.
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“The mandate is to go and give Nigerians, and Anambra people in particular, fair, credible and inclusive elections, and that is what we are going to do tomorrow,” he said.
The electoral commission has been under pressure to guarantee a smooth and credible process following challenges experienced in previous polls, including late arrival of materials, malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and logistical delays.
However, Ukeagu dismissed concerns over possible glitches, saying materials and personnel will arrive early at the polling units.
INEC’s Supervising National Commissioner, Ken Ukeagu
“There will be no glitches, no technical problems. Materials will arrive early, men will arrive early at the polling units, and we are going to give Anambra people credible elections tomorrow,” he stated.
He also confirmed that INEC was prepared for a possible runoff, in line with electoral laws.
“We are preparing for a runoff. You know, as a Commission, it’s part of the law, where no candidate meets the requirement of the law, we will certainly go for a runoff,” Ukeagu added.
Anambra, one of Nigeria’s politically active southeastern states, has witnessed intense campaign activities in recent weeks, with security agencies and election observers also putting final touches to their preparations.
According to him, election materials have already been distributed to Registration Area Centres (RACs) across the state, with vehicles and personnel on standby.
“The materials are already at the RACs. We moved them to the local government areas yesterday. Most of the RACs have been activated. Vehicles have been delivered, and we are set. Tomorrow morning, we will just move them to the polling units and wait for the Anambra people to come and vote.”
The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University), has approved the appointment of Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi as substantive Vice Chancellor.
Professor Fawehinmi, who currently serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, was announced as the new helmsman during the 80th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on Friday.
Disclosing this in a statement, the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, said the appointment will take effect from Tuesday, February 10, 2026, for a single, non-renewable five-year tenure.
“The appointment takes effect from Tuesday, 10 February 2026 and is for a non-renewable tenure of five years,” Yakoob said in the statement.
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The Council also approved an extension of the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, who will continue in the role until February 10, 2026, when the substantive Vice-Chancellor assumes office.
Adamu was first appointed by the Federal Government on August 11, 2025.
Fawehinmi is a Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology.
He is well rooted in the finest academic traditions and has a wealth of experience in Institutional Administration having been two-time Head of Department of Anatomy (2005 – 2007; 2007 – 2009), Associate Dean (2010 – 2012) and Dean (2012 – 2014) Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and two terms Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) (2016 – 2020) of the University of Port Harcourt.
He has served in several statutory and ad hoc committees and boards.
He has been an active member of his National and International Professional Associations, where he served as Secretary-General and Member of the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State, from 1999 to 2000, Editor–in–Chief of the Journal of Anatomical Sciences and President of the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014-2016).
He has received many Academic and Community Service Awards and Prizes and is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Specialities of Nigeria.
Fawehinmi has attracted some National and International Competitive Grants as Principal Investigator.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared an end to the controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
He said that the project would be restored to its original and rightful purpose — a cultural edifice envisioned to honour the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
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Okpebholo made the declaration on Friday when he received the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, at the Government House in Benin City, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua.
The historic visit drew a distinguished audience of traditional rulers, political leaders, senior civil servants, and members of the public, filling the New Festival Hall to capacity.
Okpebholo (right) says MOWAA would be restored to its original and rightful purpose — a cultural edifice envisioned to honour the heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
The governor described the visit as a defining moment of unity between the state government and the Benin monarchy, noting that the relationship between the two institutions remains the foundation of Edo’s identity and pride.
“Your Majesty, I wanted to make a speech, but the video we just watched, where former Governor Godwin Obaseki promised to build the Benin Royal Museum as a gift to you, has already made it for me.
“The issue of the Museum of West African Art is over. It was a birthday gift to Your Majesty, and it will be restored as such,” he said on Friday.
Okpebholo also said President Bola Tinubu would be informed about the issue.
“I am glad that the Attorney-General, our political leaders, and other stakeholders are here to witness this. I will take this video to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has immense respect for culture and is a personal friend of the Palace.
“I am confident that Mr. President will not support any act that undermines the dignity of the Benin Kingdom,” he said.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to work with the Benin Palace, the Federal Government, and international partners to ensure the return of all looted Benin artifacts to their rightful home.
He pledged to facilitate the establishment of the Benin Royal Museum as a global centre for cultural preservation and historical education.
The governor emphasised that the visit of the Oba symbolised the strength of collaboration between traditional and political institutions, reiterating his administration’s commitment to mutual respect, peace, and the protection of Edo’s ancestral values.
“As we approach our first anniversary in office on November 12, we do so with gratitude for Your Majesty’s guidance and blessings.
“This administration remains devoted to securing our communities, empowering our youth, and preserving our cultural heritage. Edo’s strength lies in her traditions, and we will uphold them,” he added.
Oba Lauds Gov
In his response, Oba Ewuare II lauded Governor Okpebholo as “Akpakomiza” a divinely chosen leader whose emergence was destined to bring peace, prosperity, and honour to Edo State.
The monarch recalled his thank-you tour of Esan land shortly after his coronation, during which he said, “the sun and moon appeared together in the sky, a celestial sign that greatness would one day arise from Esan land”.
“I prayed for a governor who would put food on the table of the people, develop the state, and respect traditional institutions. That prayer has now been answered through Akpakomiza,” the Oba said.
He commended the governor for his impressive achievements in less than a year in office, including the restoration of the Benin Traditional Council’s full statutory allocation, the return of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, and notable improvements in infrastructure, security, and land administration.
On the MOWAA controversy, Oba Ewuare II clarified that the structure was originally conceived as the Benin Royal Museum, a vision supported by foreign donors and intended to house the repatriated artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of Benin.
“The project was meant to be the Benin Royal Museum,” the Oba declared.
“I fully support my people who protested against the attempted opening of MOWAA. The House of Assembly should continue its investigation into its funding and ownership.
“The world recognises it as the Benin Royal Museum, and it must remain so,” he added.
The monarch further urged Governor Okpebholo to revisit his proposed agricultural industrial hubs across Edo State to boost food production, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
He also called on President Tinubu to fulfil his promise of supporting the Benin Royal Museum project.
“Friday’s royal visit, the third of its kind in recent history, following similar visits by the late Oba Erediauwa in 2012 under Governor Adams Oshiomhole and by Oba Ewuare II in 2017 during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure, ended with prayers for peace, unity, and enduring progress in Edo State.
The Edo State Government has contituted a special committee to ascertain the true legal and operational status of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.
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The government said the move followed a series of protests and petitions from members of the public, including eminent individuals from the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Council, concerning the operations and governance structure of the museum.
“The Edo State Government has noted the series of protests and petitions from members of the public, including eminent individuals from the Benin Royal Palace and Traditional Council, concerning the operations and governance structure of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).
“In response, and in recognition of the Benin Royal Palace as the true and lawful custodian of the cultural heritage and artifacts of the Benin Kingdom, the governor of Edo State has approved the constitution of a special committee on MOWAA,” the statement partly read on Friday.
Other terms of reference of the committee are to interface with international donors, partners, and trustees of MOWAA to clarify the position, rights, and stake of the Benin Royal Palace and traditional institution in the museum project.
The committee is also expected to take appropriate recommendations to the state government for further action.
Members of the committee are Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Chairman), General Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.) (Vice Chairman), and Lucky Imasuen.
Others are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Roland Otaru, SAN, and Iryn Omorogiuwa as secretary.
“The committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its findings and recommendations within the shortest possible time.
The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), including the office of the Secretary to the Board.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, through Lawal Tanko, Coordinator of Press Affairs in the SSG’s office.
According to the statement, the move is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the state’s education sector for enhanced efficiency, accountability, and improved service delivery.
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The SSG directed all members of the dissolved Board, including the Secretary, to immediately hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has urged motorists across Nigeria to adopt safer driving habits and take personal responsibility for protecting lives and property on the road.
Mohammed made the call in Port Harcourt during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
He said the campaign aims to reduce road crashes and fatalities often associated with the festive season by encouraging safer attitudes among all categories of road users.
He disclosed that between January and September 2025, Nigeria recorded 7,715 road traffic crashes, representing a 10.04 percent increase compared to 7,011 crashes within the same period in 2024.
He also said a total of 3,915 persons were killed in 2025 as against 3,811 in 2024, marking an 11.55 percent rise in fatalities.
However, in Rivers State, within the same period, 15 persons were said to have been killed and 51 injured in 47 reported crashes.
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The Corps Marshall said the figure represents a 35.7 percent decrease in fatalities and a 37.5 percent decrease in crash-related injuries compared to 2024.
Mohammed said the choice of Rivers State for the national flag-off was deliberate, given the state’s position as one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
He assured that the Corps had mobilized its personnel nationwide to ensure a safer travel environment during the Ember Months through intensified patrols, enforcement, and public enlightenment.
Declaring the campaign open, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the responsibility for road safety lies not only with government agencies but with every motorist and citizen.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the governor emphasized that safety on the roads — both land and waterways — should be a daily commitment and not just a seasonal concern.
“It is worrisome that the ‘Ember Months,’ a period meant for joyous celebrations, has become synonymous with preventable tragedies,” he said.
“The task of keeping our roads safe rests on every citizen and should be taken very seriously.”
Governor Fubara commended the FRSC for its sustained efforts to reduce accidents through awareness campaigns and stakeholder collaboration.
He added that as a riverine state, Rivers would also extend the safety message to maritime transport users who rely on boats and canoes for movement.
