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FCT LG Polls: Wike Declares Work-Free Friday, Imposes Movement Restriction

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Ahead of the Saturday, February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Wike made the announcement in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urging residents of the FCT to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka.

In the broadcast, he said: “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory.

“The election of new or returning chairmen and councillors for the six Area Councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote.

“I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.

“At this juncture, with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, a work-free day to enable residents to travel to their various communities to participate in the elections.

“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8 p.m. on Friday, February 20, to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

“Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent.

“My dear residents, democracy has always been a work in progress due to the evolving nature of the democratic process. However, we will continue to improve by regularly reviewing the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democracy.

“To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voices heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and vote for the candidates of your choice.

“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of quality leaders who will contribute meaningfully to development, peace, and prosperity in the FCT.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”

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Lagos Residents Protest Unreliable Power Supply, Demand Immediate Action

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Residents of Lagos on Friday took to the streets to express their frustration over persistent electricity outages, condemning the state’s power supply as “epileptic” and unsustainable for daily life and business activities.

A video circulating on social media showed dozens of mainly young protesters marching through the Fadeyi area, holding placards and chanting for a consistent electricity supply.

The demonstrators criticised what they described as the collapse of the nation’s power sector, stressing that erratic electricity is undermining livelihoods and making life increasingly difficult across Lagos.

Placards displayed messages such as “No More Estimated Billing,” “No More Epileptic Power Supply,” “No Light, No Life, No Nation,” and “You’re Destroying Businesses; Give Us Regular Light.”

One protester declared, “We are not asking for too much. Give us light!”

Local business owners also highlighted the severe impact of inconsistent power supply on their operations, noting that reliance on fuel-powered generators has significantly increased operating costs.

A shop owner at the protest lamented: “We cannot continue like this. Every day we spend money on fuel because there is no electricity. Many small businesses are closing because they cannot cope.”

The demonstration underscores growing public dissatisfaction with electricity supply in Lagos, as residents call on authorities and power operators to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.

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Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles head coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, associates, and the entire Nigerian football community.

Tinubu also sympathised with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans across the country over the loss of the respected football administrator.

The President described Onigbinde as a trailblazer whose contributions significantly advanced the growth and development of football in Nigeria.

He noted that the late coach made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982, praising his leadership and dedication to the sport.

“Chief Onigbinde distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982,” the statement said.

Tinubu further highlighted Onigbinde’s role in guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the achievement as a landmark moment in the country’s football history.

The President also commended the late Modakeke High Chief for his commitment to grassroots football and his efforts to strengthen football administration in Nigeria.

He said Onigbinde would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the game.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the late football icon and asked God to grant comfort to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

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Again, Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol To ₦1,175/Litre, Diesel To ₦1,620/Litre — Report

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has revised its ex-depot prices, increasing the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre, while Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, has been raised to ₦1,620 per litre.

The latest revision marks the fourth consecutive price review in less than two weeks amid global market volatility, according to a report by Petroleumprice.ng.

Quoting industry sources, the report noted that the new pricing template has been communicated to marketers, following earlier adjustments this month.

Under the revised structure, the ₦1,175 per litre petrol price reflects a significant jump from the previous ₦995 per litre, while diesel has surged sharply from its prior ₦1,430 per litre level, underlining the continued upward trend in domestic fuel pricing.

The increases coincide with a sharp rise in international crude oil benchmarks as of 1:00 pm WAT: Brent crude at $102.8 (+10.91%) and WTI crude at $101.0 (+11.08%), driven by the Middle East energy crisis.

The development is likely to have a ripple effect across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, as depot operators and fuel marketers adjust supply costs in response to the revised prices announced by the country’s largest refining facility.

The refinery had yet to issue an official statement on the development as of the time of filing this report.

Oil prices surged by 30 per cent on Monday on fears over supply disruptions in the Middle East, as the US-Israeli war against Iran continued into a second week with no sign of easing.

Concerns that the conflict could drag on intensified after US President Donald Trump said only the “unconditional surrender” of Iran would end the war.

He added over the weekend that the spike in prices was a “small price to pay” to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, reiterating the White House’s insistence that the rise is temporary.

Since the beginning of the war, WTI has risen by more than 75 per cent, while Brent has increased by over 60 per cent.

Attacks on oilfields were reported in southern Iraq and in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing a US-run oilfield to cease production. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have begun reducing output.

This comes as maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — through which about one-fifth of global crude oil and gas supplies pass — has been halted since the war began on February 28.

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