The Lagos State Government has sentenced 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group to three months’ imprisonment and arrested 115 street beggars in ongoing enforcement operations across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on X on Monday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to the statement, the enforcement exercise was carried out across multiple locations in Lagos as part of efforts to restore public order and ensure the proper use of public spaces.

“A total of 115 street beggars were arrested today across various locations in the state during the ongoing enforcement operations,” the statement said.

It added that 26 members of the ‘Omotaku’ group, apprehended from different parts of the state within the last 24 hours, were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi.

“In addition, 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group apprehended from different parts of Lagos within the last 24 hours were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Oshodi,” the statement read.

The commissioner noted that the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them and were sentenced accordingly.

“The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them and were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

Wahab stated that the action underscored the state government’s zero tolerance for activities that threaten public safety and environmental order.

“This action reinforces the state government’s firm stance against activities that threaten public safety, order, and the effective use of public spaces,” the statement added.

The commissioner further assured residents that enforcement operations would continue across Lagos to maintain safety and order.

“Enforcement efforts will continue across the state to ensure compliance with existing laws and to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all Lagosians, hyj hjuiho,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Lagos State Government arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, during a week-long operation across the state.

The operation covered areas including Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Animashaun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere and other adjoining roads on both the Island and Mainland.

Explaining the rationale behind the exercise, Wahab said the operation was aimed at “keeping roads and public spaces clear, reducing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining environmental sanity in the state.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is set to inaugurate a new learning fund and empowerment platform targeted at unlocking the potential of Nigerian children, women and youths.

The event is scheduled to hold on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

According to Nkwocha, “the initiative, convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations System and other ASIS partners, will form part of the outcomes of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement.

“Also to be launched on Wednesday is the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) Nigeria, the country’s flagship platform for advancing women and youth economic empowerment through compact-based delivery, co-investment frameworks and performance accountability.

“This will make Nigeria the implementation platform of the African Union’s WYFEI programme.

“WYFEI will also be launched in other countries after Nigeria.”

Speaking ahead of the engagement, Shettima said Nigeria was poised for a prosperity-filled future through the government’s sustained and effective mobilisation of funding, support and expertise, both internationally and locally.

“Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on how effectively we mobilise the private sector, development partners and public institutions around shared national priorities.

“This engagement marks a critical step toward delivery-driven partnerships that unlock the full potential of our women and youth, strengthen human capital and accelerate inclusive growth,” he said.

On her part, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe, said the ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement represents a pivotal shift from conversation to national execution.

Ibekwe said the high-level meeting would deliberately align policy, innovation, financing and frameworks that enable solutions to scale, delivering real impact for millions of Nigerians.

“While positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s sustainable growth agenda,” she said.

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has congratulated elderstatesman Ebenezer Babatope on his 83rd birthday, honouring him for his long-standing contributions to national development and democratic progress.

In a congratulatory message posted by the Spokesperson to the governor on X on Monday, Adeleke praised Babatope’s dedication to public service and his commitment to national advancement.

He highlighted the former Minister of Aviation’s impactful policies and initiatives during his time in office, noting that his service delivered significant benefits to Nigerians.

The governor also acknowledged Babatope’s enduring role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, tracing his political journey from the Action Group to the Unity Party of Nigeria, and affirming the continued value of his counsel in contemporary governance.

“A respected elderstatesman, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, is a voice of reason. His time in public service was marked not just by the execution of duties but by an inspiring devotion to the service of the people,” Governor Adeleke stated.

He further commended Babatope for his integrity and principled leadership, describing his contributions as vital to improving the lives of Nigerians.

“As a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Baba Babatope demonstrated a remarkable sense of purpose, discharging responsibilities with integrity and a principled commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. And as an elderstatesman, he continues to offer meaningful contributions to the progress of Osun State and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor added.

Adeleke joined Babatope’s family, friends, and associates in celebrating the milestone, expressing gratitude for his service both in politics and in humanitarian endeavors.

He also prayed for continued health and wisdom for the elderstatesman, saying, “May God Almighty bless Baba Babatope with more celebrations in good health and sound mind so that we can continue to enjoy the benefits of his wise counsel and guidance.”

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has accused his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, of weaponising federal institutions, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the United Bank for Africa Plc, to undermine democratic governance in the state.

Adeleke made the allegation in a state broadcast posted on his official X handle on Monday, lamenting the continued illegal occupation of local government secretariats by court-sacked All Progressives Congress chairmen and councillors.

The governor stated that the APC chairmen and councillors, whose election was nullified by the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in November 2022, and affirmed by the Court of Appeal on February 10, 2025, and again on June 13, 2025, had refused to vacate office despite the expiration of their tenure on October 22, 2025.

He said, “For close to one year now, local government secretariats across Osun State have been under illegal occupation by the court-sacked APC chairmen and councillors. Yet, in brazen contempt of the law and in repudiation of democratic decency, they have refused to vacate the secretariats, emboldened by the backing of the Nigeria Police, as allegedly instructed by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.”

Adeleke explained that pursuant to court orders, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission conducted fresh local government elections on February 22, 2025, with the elected officials sworn in on February 23, 2025.

He added that the newly elected officials constituted the only lawful local government leadership in the state.

The governor further disclosed that statutory allocations to Osun State local governments had been withheld since February 2025, with a total of N130bn being illegally held back by the Federal Government as of the last Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting.

He alleged that attempts were made to divert the funds through accounts opened with a bank by unauthorised persons, noting that senior managers in the bank who aided the illegal account opening were already facing criminal prosecution.

Adeleke said, “What I do not understand is why a reputable international bank like … has allowed itself to be used to break our laws and permit people who are not recognised by law to be signatories to Osun State local government accounts. Can … wilfully break the laws of New York State or the laws of the City of London where it operates? The answer is a capital no.”

The governor revealed that his administration had been borrowing from the state government to pay the salaries of primary school teachers, nurses, health workers, and local government workers over the past 12 months, causing allowances due to senior civil servants and political appointees to be put on hold.

He added, “The local government statutory allocation is the primary source for the remuneration of primary school teachers, nurses, and other health workers at the 332 health care centres in Osun State, all local government workers, the traditional councils, as well as retirees in each local government in Osun State.

“Imagine the level of suffering these people who depend on local government statutory allocations for the payment of their salaries would have gone through if my government had not stepped in to borrow from the state government to pay the salaries of these workers over the last almost 12 months, with the exception of traditional council salaries,” he added.

Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, insisting that the President was not involved in the illegality and that his name was being used without his knowledge.

He said, “I respectfully request that Governor Gboyega Oyetola be restrained from further issuance of illegal directives to the Nigeria Police, which undermine the very fabric of our democracy. Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, please allow Osun State to breathe. Enough is enough.”

The governor urged the people of Osun State to remain peaceful, lawful, and watchful, assuring them of his resolve to uphold the Constitution and safeguard their welfare.

Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, proved abortive as calls and messages went unanswered as of press time

American rapper Kanye West has issued an apology for his history of antisemitic rants, attributing his “destructive” behaviour to an undiagnosed brain injury sustained over two decades ago.

Daily Mail reports that the artist, now known as Ye, published a full-page advertisement in the Monday, January 26, print edition of The Wall Street Journal.

Headlined “To Those I’ve Hurt,” the letter reportedly details a “devastating health battle” that West claims caused him to lose touch with reality.

The message was reportedly signed off by West and indicated the advertisement had been ‘Paid for by Yeezy’ along with an email for the CFO of Yeezy.

In the advertisement, West alleged he sustained a brain injury during the accident that went ‘unnoticed’ at the time, with the ‘medical oversight’ sparking his bipolar disorder.

West said the illness made him ‘detached from my true self’ and caused him to be drawn ‘toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika.’

“Twenty-five years ago, I was in a car accident that broke my jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of my brain,’ the advertisement read. “At the time, the focus was on the visible damage – the fracture, the swelling, the immediate physical trauma. The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed.

“Comprehensive scans were not done, neurological exams were limited, and the possibility of a frontal-lobe injury was never raised. It wasn’t properly diagnosed until 2023. That medical oversight caused serious damage to my mental health and led to my bipolar type-1 diagnosis.”

Ye described the disorder as a “debilitating disease” with a mortality rate on par with cancer or heart disease, characterised by a “defense system” of denial that makes the sufferer believe they are seeing the world clearly while losing their grip on reality.

The advertisement continued, “Bipolar disorder comes with its own defense system. Denial. When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. You think everyone else is overreacting. You feel like you’re seeing the world more clearly than ever, when in reality you’re losing your grip entirely.

“Once people label you as ‘crazy’, you feel as if you cannot contribute anything meaningful to the world. It’s easy for people to joke and laugh it off when in fact this is a very serious debilitating disease you can die from.

“The scariest thing about this disorder is how persuasive it is when it tells you: You don’t need help. It makes you blind, but convinced you have insight. You feel powerful, certain, and unstoppable.

“I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst. You endured fear, confusion, humiliation, and the exhaustion of trying to love someone who was, at times, unrecognizable. Looking back, I became detached from my true self.”

The rapper revealed that he fell into a four-month manic episode in early 2025, which he says destroyed his life.

He also credited his wife, Bianca Censori, for encouraging him to seek professional help after “hitting rock bottom” several months ago, saying, “In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life. As the situation became increasingly unsustainable, there were times I didn’t want to be here anymore.

“Having bipolar disorder is not a state of constant mental illness. When you go through the manic episode, you are ill at that point. When you are not in an episode, you are completely ‘normal.’ And that’s when the wreckage from the illness hits the hardest. Hitting rock bottom a few months ago, my wife encouraged me to finally get help.”

Addressing his antisemitic outbursts, Ye described those moments as an “out-of-body experience.”

He admitted that in his “fractured state,” he gravitated toward the most destructive symbols possible, even selling merchandise bearing the swastika.

“In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold t-shirts bearing it. One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments – many of which I still cannot recall – that lead to poor judgment and reckless behavior that oftentimes feels like an out-of-body experience.

“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or antisemite. I love Jewish people,” he wrote.

West also issued a direct apology to the Black community, saying, “To the black community – which held me down through all of the highs and lows and darkest of times. The black community is, unquestionably, the foundation of who I am. I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us.”

He further noted that he has found a “new baseline” through a regimen of medication, therapy, and clean living.

He wrote, “I have found comfort in Reddit forums of all places. Different people speak of being in manic or depressive episodes of a similar nature. I read their stories and realized that I was not alone. It’s not just me who ruins their entire life once a year despite taking meds every day and being told by the so-called best doctors in the world that I am not bipolar, but merely experiencing ‘symptoms of autism.’

“My words as a leader in my community have real global impact and influence. In my mania, I lost complete sight of that. As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise and clean living, I have newfound, much-needed clarity. I am pouring my energy into positive, meaningful art: music, clothing, design, and other new ideas to help the world.”

The advertisement concluded with a request for patience rather than sympathy, writing, “I’m not asking for sympathy, or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home.”

Ye’s string of antisemitic remarks reportedly began in late 2022, including a tweet that he was planning to go ‘death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.’

PUNCH reported in 2022 that West lost several deals following his comments against Jewish people, as brands like Adidas, Balenciaga, GAP all scuttled their business deals with the rapper.

His former bank, JP Morgan, was reported to have severed ties with him, while his management, Creative Artist Agency announced that it will no longer represent Ye.

Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, son of 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has resigned his appointment as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.

Kwankwaso announced his resignation as a member of the State Executive Council in a statement made available posted on his official Facebook account on Monday.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Yusuf for the opportunity to serve in the administration.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and member of the Kano State Executive Council,” the statement read.

He thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him, noting that his time in office provided him with valuable experiences and lessons while serving the people of the state.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the great people of Kano State. I have cherished the experiences and lessons gained while serving, and I appreciate the trust placed in me,” he said.

Kwankwaso expressed hope that the youth and sports sectors would continue to receive adequate attention under the present administration, stressing the need for sustained investment in youth empowerment and sports development.

“As I resign, I pray that the youth of Kano State will continue to receive the attention and support they deserve. I hope for the best for our sports development programmes and initiatives, and I am confident that they will flourish in the years to come,” he added.

He concluded by offering prayers for the state and its leadership.

“May Allah (SWT) continue to shower His blessings on our beloved Kano State. I wish the government and people of Kano State all the best,” the statement said.

The resignation comes amid ongoing political realignments within the Kano State Government following Governor Yusuf’s recent exit from the NNPP.

The All Progressives Congress said that with the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s defection into its fold, the party now has a leader with direction in the state, in addition to being more united.

Also, the party said that since Fubara entered the APC, people of the oil-rich state have embraced the ruling party with growing membership.

Meanwhile, the committees constituted by the APC National Working Committee to conduct delegate congresses and party primaries ahead of the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections in Rivers have concluded the process.

Members of the committees for Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II spoke at a joint press briefing after the successful conduct of the exercises in both constituencies on Sunday.

Chairman of the Congress and Primary Committee for Ahoada East State Constituency II, Shehu Dange, said Fubara’s entry into the ruling party has further united and endeared the party to Rivers State people.

According to Danga, the reactions of residents across the constituency in the course of its assignments reflect renewed confidence in the party’s leadership.

“As we moved around the constituency, we saw the reactions of the people. They are happy with the new development and the emergence of a new leader of the APC in the state.

“Governor Fubara’s leadership has further united the APC family. The party is getting stronger in Rivers State because it now has a leader with focus and direction.”

However, the Secretary of the Delegate Congress and Party Primary Committee for Ahoada East State Constituency II, Smart Iheanazor, attributed the excitement witnessed during the exercise to the trust the people have in the governor.

Iheanazor said, “Most importantly, while they were chanting ‘Renewed Hope’ in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, there was no doubt about their commitment. As we saw, the entire Ahoada area turned out massively.”

The Chairman of the Delegate Congress and Party Primary Committee for Khana State Constituency II, Ayoala Peter, said the enthusiasm displayed by party members indicates that the APC is well-positioned for victory in the February 21 bye-elections and the 2027 general elections under Governor Fubara’s leadership.

“Despite the distance between wards and the time it took to reach some of them, party members waited eagerly. We saw their happiness and willingness to participate in the process,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the APC committees had earlier conducted ward congresses in Ahoada-East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II to elect delegates who will vote in the party’s primaries ahead of the bye-elections.

In Ahoada East State Constituency II, the exercise was monitored by the Congress and Primary Committee, chaired by Shehu Dange, with Barrister Smart Iheanazor as Secretary, alongside members of the party’s appeal committee.

Observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission, led by the Assistant Electoral Officer in charge of Operations for the Local Government Area, Okogbule Emilia, Security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, also monitored the process.

The congress was conducted with party members participating through a voice vote.

Similarly, the APC congress in Khana State Constituency II was held concurrently, with party officials supervising the election of delegates through an open ballot system.

The exercise was chaired by Ayoala Peter and monitored by INEC officials and security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.

Five delegates were elected from each ward in the constituencies. The elected delegates from both constituencies will now participate in the APC primaries to elect the party’s candidates for the February 21 House of Assembly bye-elections in Ahoada East State Constituency II and Khana State Constituency II.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to clearing long-outstanding entitlements of public servants affected by the 2004–2007 public service reforms, assuring that nearly all verified beneficiaries have now been paid, with full settlement expected before the end of 2026.

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms , Dasuki Arabi, gave the assurance on Monday in Gombe while leading a high-level inter-agency verification exercise aimed at identifying officials of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council in the North-East who were rightsized during the reform era but are yet to receive their benefits.

Arabi said the exercise was being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other relevant agencies.

“We are here in Gombe with a team of public servants from critical federal institutions to ascertain and verify federal government officials who were rightsized as a result of the 2006–2007 public service reforms,” Arabi said.

He recalled that although many officers were affected by the reforms nearly two decades ago, their entitlements were not immediately settled, leaving thousands unpaid for years.

“Unfortunately, all these years, we have not been able to settle their entitlements. Quite a number of them have not been paid,” he said.

Arabi, however, noted that the situation had improved significantly in recent years, citing the successful verification and payment of former staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“If you recall, in the last two years we came here to verify the staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and we are glad to say that all of them have been paid 100 per cent,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the progress as a direct result of presidential support.

“We remain grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for making it possible for us to clear those outstandings that have stayed quite long, and for extending a hand of support to other victims of such exercises,” Arabi said.

The BPSR Director-General explained that the ongoing Gombe exercise focuses on former staff of the NEPC, which he described as the last major batch affected by the reforms.

“Now we are here to verify Nigerian Export Promotion Council staff, and we are hoping that immediately we finish this, all of them will be paid,” he said.

Providing an update on nationwide progress, Arabi said the Federal Government had virtually concluded payments to eligible beneficiaries.

“The Bureau of Public Service Reforms, as the central agency managing this exercise, is proud to inform Nigerians that we have virtually cleared 99.9 per cent of everybody that needs to be paid,” he disclosed.

He added that a few cases previously tied up in litigation had been resolved amicably.

“We had a few cases that were taken to court, but we’ve been able to get them settled out of court,” he said.

Although he could not immediately provide exact figures, Arabi maintained that the outstanding cases were minimal.

“In terms of numbers, I don’t know the exact details, but when we say 99, we mean 99,” he stressed.

Responding to questions about reports of unpaid entitlements in the judicial sector, Arabi clarified that the current exercise was unrelated.

“This is completely different from judges. This was about the public service reforms of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007,” he explained.

He noted that during the reforms, some officers were redeployed or converted to new roles, while others who failed qualifying examinations exited the service.

“Some were converted from secretaries to data officers. Those who failed to pass the exams and upgrade themselves were asked to exit,” he said.

Arabi assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to settling all lawful entitlements.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, everybody that has any entitlement concerning pensions, gratuity and other payments—I am assuring Nigerians that government is doing something about it and it will be paid,” he said.

He acknowledged challenges in tracing some beneficiaries and next-of-kin due to the long time lapse since disengagement.

“We can’t fully rely on records of beneficiaries or next-of-kin, not because we don’t want to, but because it’s been almost 20 years,” he explained.

Citing an example, Arabi said some agencies had lost contact with disengaged staff who relocated.

“The Forest Research Institute, for instance, had a staff from Michika in Adamawa State who was disengaged. They don’t have contact with him, and he doesn’t have contact with them,” he said.

To address this, he said the government embarked on nationwide sensitisation and inter-agency collaboration.

“Before this exercise, there was nationwide advertisement on Radio Nigeria and in daily newspapers. We are also working with PTAD to see if we can access some of them,” he added.

Arabi concluded with an optimistic timeline.

“It is my hope and my prayer that everybody will be paid before December 2026. Our target is simple: everybody should be paid,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Yagana Kalama, who was rightsized in 2005, commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

“I worked at the Maiduguri Zonal Office of NEPC. I am here for the verification. Twenty years ago, I worked with NEPC, and I want to appreciate the President for remembering our efforts while in service,” she said.

Another beneficiary from Adamawa State, Mohammed Abubakar, also expressed appreciation.

“We were disengaged about 20 years ago. We are happy and we appreciate the government and the BPSR for this exercise. Some of our colleagues who were not doing well will now be able to do better,” he said

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission has urged oil-producing states to fully cooperate in the ongoing exercise to resolve disputes over oil and gas wells by plotting verified coordinates.

Chairman of the commission, Mohammed Shehu, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the flag-off of the plotting of coordinates of disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells, covering affected oil-producing states from January 26 to 30, 2026.

Shehu said active participation by the states was critical to ensuring that the outcome of the exercise was accepted by all parties.

“It is in respect of this development that I urge the representatives of the affected oil-producing states to actively participate while plotting the verified coordinates, so that the outcome would be acceptable to all,” he said.

He assured the states that the commission would remain impartial throughout the process.

“I want to assure the affected parties that the commission will be an unbiased umpire and will deploy justice, equity and fairness for which it is known,” Shehu added.

The RMAFC chairman explained that the exercise was rooted in the commission’s constitutional mandate to oversee revenue accruals and disbursement from the Federation Account, including the equitable distribution of the 13 per cent derivation fund to oil- and gas-producing states.

“As you may be aware, the commission is empowered by Paragraph 32(a) of Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to monitor accruals to and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account.

“By virtue of this, the commission is empowered to ensure that the 13 per cent derivation fund is disbursed equitably among oil- and gas-producing states,” he said.

Shehu said the commission had, in line with this mandate, inaugurated an Inter-Agency Technical Committee comprising the National Boundary Commission, the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and RMAFC.

According to him, the committee was tasked with verifying and plotting the coordinates of disputed and newly drilled oil and gas wells in the affected states.

He noted that the committee had completed the verification stage and was moving to the plotting phase, which would determine the precise location of disputed wells and attribute newly drilled wells to their rightful owners.

“The IATC has verified the coordinates, and the next phase is to plot the coordinates, which would lead to resolving the location of the disputed oil and gas wells as well as attributing the newly drilled oil and gas wells to the rightful owners,” Shehu said.

He also expressed appreciation to oil-producing states for their cooperation during the verification phase of the committee’s assignment and thanked stakeholders for their support of the process.

Also speaking, the Director of the Crude Oil Department at RMAFC, Dr Khadija Kumo, provided operational details of the exercise, describing it as the most comprehensive verification of oil well coordinates undertaken by the commission.

Kumo said the National Boundary Commission provided base maps, while the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation was responsible for plotting the coordinates, with RMAFC coordinating the process alongside surveyor generals from oil-producing states.

“As my honourable chairman said, we went to the field in September 2025, and we finished this work in December.

“We went to deep offshore. We were on the water for about 11 to 12 hours in some areas. It was not an experience you would want to go through, but we considered it a national assignment,” she said.

She explained that the exercise covered disputed wells, newly created wells and cases where oil wells were shared between two or even three states.

According to her, any state that submitted complaints was visited, and coordinates were requested and verified on the ground.

“This particular exercise is important because it is the first time we are verifying the coordinates,” Kumo said. “Previously, indications were just collected, but this time around, we decided to go to the field to verify that what was actually given is what is available.”

She added that the current plotting exercise, which runs from Monday to Friday, was being conducted in the presence of surveyor generals and commissioners from the affected states to ensure transparency.

“It is going to be as transparent as possible. We are in the digital age, so there is nothing you can manipulate.

“As my honourable chairman said, the commission is known for equity, justice and fairness, and we hope the outcome will be accepted by all,” Kumo said.

A schedule obtained by The PUNCH at the event showed that the exercise, which runs from January 26 to 30, 2026, will be conducted in phases, with different groups of states appearing on specific days.

Overall, the states captured in the plotting schedule include Edo, Delta, Ondo, Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River, all of which are affected by disputed or newly drilled oil and gas wells.

On the first day of the exercise, Edo and Delta states, as well as Ondo and Delta states were listed for the plotting of coordinates.

The second day will involve Anambra and Delta states, alongside Anambra and Imo states.

According to the schedule, Rivers State will feature prominently on the third day, with plotting exercises involving Rivers and Imo states, as well as Rivers and Bayelsa states.

The fourth day will cover Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, in addition to Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

The final day of the exercise has been reserved for a general review and closing by the Inter-Agency Technical Committee.

A former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Akin Osuntokun, has dumped the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress.

Osuntokun, a former NAN Managing Director, confirmed this to a correspondent of the agency on Monday in Lagos.

“Yes, it is correct. I am now in ADC,” he told NAN.

When asked why he dumped the Labour Party, Osuntokun cited the activities of those he called internal saboteurs.

“You should know that the people in control of the Labour Party are people who are just there as internal saboteurs.

“They are there to sell the party to the highest bidder, and it should not be to the interest of anybody who is authentically there.

“Look, in any case, the team with which I went to the Labour Party had already departed the Labour Party – that’s the Peter Obi group. So, that’s the long and short of it anyway.

“People are using it (LP) for purposes other than what is good for the country.”

He said the declaration of Sen. Nenadi Usman as the valid chairman and the sacking of Mr Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of LP had created further uncertainty in the party.

Osuntokun said that the Abure-led NWC had vowed to appeal the judgment, and “nobody can trust what the court will do again at the last minute”.

According to him, ADC is the most credible political platform at the moment.

“One of the reasons, of course, why I am there to make my own contribution and to strengthen it, is that a one-party dictatorship is not good for Nigeria.

“That is the platform that has the greatest potential now. It has become a formidable opposition platform.

“So, if anybody is interested in stopping Nigeria and influencing Nigeria against one-party dictatorship, it is the only viable option,” he said.

Osuntokun, who noted that though he had already made up his mind to join ADC before his move, former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, fast-tracked his defection.

The former LP stalwart explained that he was no stranger to ADC, saying he was among those who formed the party.

He added that ADC was formed from a group called the Coalition for Nigerian Movement, led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“I was there at the beginning, actually, it predated my Labour Party interlude,” he said.

NAN reports that many opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 LP Presidential Candidate; Peter Obi, former Senate President; David Mark, Former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, among others, have adopted ADC as a political platform for 2027.

NAN

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has joined the All Progressives Congress and declared that no political party can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Abba spoke in Yola on Monday after picking his APC membership registration card at Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

He said he joined the party to contribute to what he described as the best economic and human reforms under the present administration.

“I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027. Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a tribalist, he don’t make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit,” he said.

Abba said he was motivated to join the APC due to what he described as massive human and infrastructural development across the country under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“The president needs your support to continue with the good work. We should mobilise more people and beyond party affiliations to support our president,” he said.

The APC Zonal Vice Chairman, Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, who handed over the membership card to Abba, said his defection had ended speculation that the APC could lose the 2027 election.

“It is now clear to people that there is no party in Nigeria or presidential candidate that can face our president at the poll come 2027,” he said.

Also speaking, a top APC chieftain in Adamawa State, Alhaji Jamil Yusuf, said President Tinubu has no rival ahead of the next presidential election.

He described other aspirants as wishful thinkers, saying they lacked the credentials to challenge the president.

“Majority of those saying that they are going to contest for the office of president see politics as a trade fair venue, where people sell and buy. I advise such people to invest their money in profitable ventures, because the office of the president is no longer for the highest bidder, but for competent people like President Tinubu,” he said.

Adamu Atiku, the first son of the former vice president, is a top member of the Peoples Democratic Party and a serving Commissioner for Works and Energy Development under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s administration.

Atiku Abubakar is a presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, without any of his sons currently in the party with him.

The Chairman of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Utibe Nwoko, has urged the people of Ikot Udo and their neighbours in Ukwa East of Abia State not to allow identity-related issues to disrupt peace or ongoing infrastructure projects.

Nwoko made the remarks in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday following a peace meeting between the two communities held last week in Ika Local Government Area.

The chairman emphasised that there is no genuine boundary dispute between the communities, and no one is claiming land, houses, forests, cultural artefacts, or economic trees. He expressed concern, however, over identity-related differences.

“There is no genuine boundary disputes, and no one is laying claim to land, houses, forests, cultural artefacts or economic trees.

“The core issue centres on identity, with the Akirika Obu people seeking recognition as indigenes of Abia State, while the Ikot Udo people maintain their identity as indigenes of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

“This identity-related differences should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility or disrupt development efforts, particularly the ongoing road construction project intended to benefit all the affected communities.

“Disagreements over identity should never punctuate peace or truncate infrastructure projects designed to improve livelihoods and connectivity,” he said.

Nwoko commended the collaborative efforts of the governments and people of Abia and Akwa Ibom States in sustaining peace between Ika Council and Ukwa East Local Government Area.

“We are particularly grateful to the Governors and Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Abia States for constantly approving and supporting the continued convening of the peace meetings.

“These interventions are a clear demonstration of commitment to peace-building and inter-state cooperation,” Nwoko said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to sustained dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and collaborative development with neighbouring local governments, particularly Ukwa East.

He also highlighted the significance of the engagement, noting that it has continued to yield social and political benefits.

“Our gathering marks the beginning of a renewed phase in relations between the people of Ikot Udo in Ika L.G.A and our neighbours from Ukwa East and adjoining communities in Abia State.

“The engagement has continued to yield social and political benefits by providing a consistent platform for dialogue and peace-building,” he said.

Nwoko recalled that a similar peace meeting held on March 17, 2025, produced resolutions that have sustained peace between the communities.

He explained that Ikot Udo Village shares a boundary with Abiaka Village in Ibeme, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is sending a top official to Minnesota as outrage grew over his administration’s militarised immigration raids and the shooting dead of a second protester in Minneapolis.

Trump said that Tom Homan, his point man for border security, would arrive in the state later and “will report directly to me.”

The high-profile assignment suggested that the 79-year-old Republican president is seeking to regain control over a rapidly deteriorating political and security situation.

Minneapolis has become ground zero in the clash between Trump and growing numbers of Americans over his nationwide immigration crackdown.

A federal judge in Minneapolis was to consider Monday whether the deployment of federal officers — many of them masked, heavily armed and unidentified — violates the state of Minnesota’s sovereignty.

And in Congress, Democrats are threatening to hold up funding for the US government unless immigration enforcement agencies are reformed.

– Point-blank range shootings –

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been transformed under Trump into the United States’ most heavily funded law enforcement body. But polls show growing anger over its frequently brutal tactics.

A huge rally took place in bitter cold in Minneapolis on Friday to protest the raids and the point blank shooting by an ICE agent of protester Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three on January 7.

Then on Saturday, immigration agents gunned down Alex Jeffrey Pretti, also 37, after having already tackled him to the ground. Like Good, the intensive care unit nurse was a US citizen.

New rallies erupted after his death in Minneapolis, New York and other major cities.

Trump has so far dismissed concerns.

His first reaction to Pretti’s killing was to suggest that the nurse had come intending to shoot at the police.

Pretti was carrying a pistol with him at the time but never removed it and had apparently already been disarmed when he was shot. He was licensed to carry a weapon.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Sunday accused Trump of pushing a “flat-out insane” narrative.

Trump repeated the insinuation that Pretti was to blame when he told The Wall Street Journal on Sunday: “I don’t like any shooting… but I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest and he’s got a very powerful, fully loaded gun.”

– Republican criticism –

Monday’s court action will open a new front in the standoff.

The judge will hear arguments from state and city lawyers that the federal deployments amount to an occupying force. Also under consideration is a bid to force federal officials to preserve evidence related to Pretti’s killing.

The lawsuits highlight the deep rift between local and federal law enforcement over the deployment, dubbed “Operation Metro Surge.”

Trump’s immigration raids have focused deliberately on Democratic-run cities, pitting mayors and governors against the president.

Local police have repeatedly confronted federal agents and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has even suggested he could call out the state’s National Guard to push back against the federal forces.

Trump will also be watching signs of growing disenchantment from his Republican Party in Congress. The party is usually in lockstep with Trump but it has only a slender majority.

One of the most prominent cautions came from House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer, who signaled Sunday that federal agents should withdraw from Minneapolis — an intervention that would normally be unheard of from a figure considered one of Trump’s staunchest loyalists.

Trump told the Journal that the immigration agents would leave Minneapolis “at some point.”

AFP