Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has distanced herself from a viral social media post falsely attributed to her, which criticised President Bola Tinubu over the way he handles insecurity in Nigeria.
A post via her verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, described the message as fake and malicious, stressing that it did not originate from her.
She cautioned the public against believing or sharing the false information, adding that legal steps were being taken against those behind the impersonation.
“Beware, this story going around on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook is false! We are taking action! The person who did this could not even spell my name,” she wrote.
The clarification comes following a post, titled “Trump didn’t ‘hit’ us – our leaders did,” which claimed that Okonjo-Iweala accused Nigerian leaders of prioritising rhetoric over decisive action against banditry and insurgency.
It also claimed that the former Minister of Finance urged Tinubu to “stop the damage control speeches” and “secure the people.”
Okonjo-Iweala, however, condemned the impersonation. She urged the culprits to take responsibility instead of hiding behind her identity.
“Whichever coward did this should write the message in their own name and not hide behind mine or anyone else’s! Scammers and 419ers, stop!” she added.
Her reaction came amid renewed controversy over comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that the United States might “go in guns blazing” if the alleged killings continued.
Reacting to Trump’s genocide claims, Tinubu, in a post on X, emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration actively engages leaders of all faiths to promote peace and security.
He rejected foreign portrayals of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation, describing them as inaccurate and inconsistent with the country’s diversity and unity.
The President said religious tolerance “has been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”
The International Press Centre (IPC) has raised concerns over the late deployment of some INEC officials in Onitsha, which it said, created apprehension among voters.
Lanre Arogundade of IPC reported that some officials had to relocate from the INEC office due to inadequate facilities.
“At 8:30 a.m., officials were just about to leave for polling units. This delay is worrisome,” he said.
He noted that the first set of officials arrived at some polling units at 7:07 a.m., while others reached as late as 8:10 a.m. By 8:30 a.m., they had completed preparations, pasted voter registers, and were ready to start voting.
“These delays at the start of accreditation can create uncertainty. We hope officials arrive at all units on time,” Arogundade added
Buses conveying voting materials were spotted leaving the venue as staff commenced movement to their assigned locations. Photo Credit: Taiwo Adeshina/ChannelsTv
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He also noted that no major incidents had occurred, but BVAS malfunctions could undermine credibility.
Meanwhile, Situation Room observer Dimma Nwobi alleged vote-buying in some areas.
EFCC officials were seen monitoring locations following these reports. Residents also reported minor BVAS issues as voting began.
Market Activity Amid Voting
In Nkwo Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, some traders opened shops despite the election.
Channels Television learned that they were activities initially before intervention by market leaders.
“When we arrived, business was ongoing. Market masters later ordered everyone to close and warned of a ₦10,000 fine for defaulters,” he said, noting that some traders admitted “disinterest” in voting.
According to INEC, Aguata has 150,575 collected PVCs. Across Anambra, 2,769,137 voters, representing 98.8% of registered voters, had collected cards, expected to vote at 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas.
Officials deployed early to polling stations in Awka South, Amawbia, and Ekwulobia. Voting began peacefully at Fegge Community Primary School in Onitsha.
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, said parties must take responsibility for voter apathy.
“If voters are not showing up, parties are failing in communication and trust,” he said.
Civil society representative Jake Epelle described the security atmosphere as calm. INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan was urged to ensure a credible process, noting that “no excuses for failure will be accepted.”
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Anambra governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, has explained why 45,000 police personnel were deployed across the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s special programme Anambra Decides, Shogunle said the deployment was necessary to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials during the exercise.
Meanwhile, voting began early in several polling units across the 21 local government areas, with accreditation starting around 8:30 a.m. The exercise was largely peaceful, though reports of vote-buying and low voter turnout surfaced in some areas.
Situation Room observer Dimma Nwobi confirmed incidents of voter inducement, prompting the EFCC to intensify its monitoring operations. The commission later arrested three suspects in connection with alleged vote-buying.
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.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Meets Sultan, Reps Speaker At Presidential Villa
“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.
READ ALSO: UNIJOS Dental Students Protest 10-Year Academic Delay As Institution Hosts NUGA Games
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.
READ ALSO: Edo Constitutes Committee On Museum Of West African Art
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.
