The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed senators to reconvene for an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The development comes a few days after the Senate rejected a proposal seeking mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, all senators were requested to attend the sitting.
The emergency session is scheduled to begin at 12 noon.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of possible nationwide protests and a boycott of elections over what it described as confusion and conflicting positions from the Senate on amendments to the Electoral Act, especially on the issue of electronic transmission of results.
The union said the Senate’s position was weakening public confidence in the electoral system by failing to clearly indicate whether electronic transmission of results would be compulsory.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses deep concern over the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate regarding the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results,” NLC President Joe Ajaero said in a statement on Sunday.
The NLC noted that uncertainty surrounding the Senate’s decision could undermine electoral integrity and public trust, stressing that “Nigerians deserve a transparent system where votes are not only counted but seen to be counted.”
“Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically in real time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained.
“This has generated nationwide apprehension, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion,” the union added.
The Congress cautioned that “legislative ambiguity” at such a critical time after the 2023 general elections could entrench doubt in the electoral process.
It called on the Senate to provide an “immediate, official, and unambiguous account” of the provisions passed, including the final wording and the reasons for its decision.
“The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy,” the statement read.
The NLC maintained that the amended Electoral Act must clearly compel INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real time, warning that failure to do so could spark mass action.
“Failure to add electronic transmission in real time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election, or total boycott of the election,” the Congress said.
“Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely. Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now.”
The warning came after the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026 through its third reading on February 4, 2026.
During the passage, the upper chamber rejected Clause 60(3), which would have required presiding officers to electronically transmit results from polling units directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing portal in real time.
The clause had sought to make the process compulsory.
Lawmakers instead retained the current discretionary provision, which allows electronic transmission only after votes have been counted and publicly declared at polling units.
Civil society organisations and opposition figures have criticised the decision, describing it as a setback to Nigeria’s democratic development.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the chamber, stating at a public event that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission and insisting it would not be intimidated.
Meanwhile, the Senate has scheduled an emergency plenary for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The sitting may see lawmakers revisit the rejected amendment following public outrage and possible legal challenges from figures such as lawyer Femi Falana, with implications for Nigeria’s democratic process and the balance between incumbency protections and verifiable voting technology.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has directed the complete cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, effective from February 9, 2026.
The development was made known by the IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement issued on Sunday.
Powerful explained that the order was given directly by Kanu.
The group had earlier introduced the sit-at-home in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his detention. During the exercise, markets, schools, banks and offices were shut.
According to Powerful, the new directive removes any reason for residents to remain indoors on Mondays, stressing that markets, schools, offices, transport services and other economic activities should resume fully from Monday.
The statement read in part, “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.
“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.
“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!
“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”
The statement added that Kanu had warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home from now on would be acting against his instructions and against the Biafran cause.
“Kanu, the statement said, ‘has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.’”
The group also alleged that some individuals were trying to create fear, carry out attacks or intimidate residents into staying indoors under false pretences.
“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.
“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.
“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted,” the statement added.
The group further stated that any market renovation, reconstruction or upgrade involving temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, with adequate temporary trading sites provided beforehand.
“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.
“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement concluded.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 62-year-old businessman based in Lagos, Nwabueze Izueke, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.
Izueke allegedly tried to smuggle 95 jumbo-sized wraps of cocaine weighing 1.589 kilogrammes to China, claiming he wanted the proceeds to complete a house under construction in his village.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during the clearance of passengers departing for China through Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940.
According to Babafemi, the suspect was subjected to a body scan by NDLEA officials, which confirmed he had swallowed illicit substances.
“While under observation, the suspect, who claims he’s into the clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos, expelled a total of 95 pellets of the class A drug in seven excretions.
“In his statement, he claimed he decided to engage in illicit drug trafficking to raise enough money to complete the country home he’s building in his village, Iwollo, Enugu state,” the statement partly read.
The agency said the arrest was part of a series of operations across the country that resulted in multiple seizures and arrests.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Babafemi said operatives recovered 627.7 kilogrammes of skunk, a strain of cannabis, from a makeshift warehouse at Fums Plaza in Kubwa, and thwarted attempts to transport methamphetamine hidden in MP3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna.
He added that four suspects were apprehended in connection with the consignments.
“A total of 627.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from a makeshift warehouse within Fums Plaza in Kubwa, FCT, attempt by Ebube Okeke, Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael to smuggle consignments of methamphetamine concealed in Mp3 speakers from Enugu to Abuja and Kaduna was on Friday 6th February foiled by NDLEA operatives in Abuja who intercepted the consignments in a bus.
“A follow-up operation in Zuba, FCT, led to the arrest of Ebube Okeke, who is the owner of one of the parcels containing 173grams of meth, while the trio of Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze and Friday Michael were nabbed on Saturday, 7th February in Kaduna, when they showed up to collect the second consignment weighing 28grams of meth,” he said.
Babafemi further disclosed that in Taraba State, officers intercepted a suspect transporting methamphetamine concealed in packs of yoghurt, while in Oyo State, several suspects were arrested, including a drug kingpin running a facility producing synthetic cannabis.
He added that large quantities of tramadol, skunk and other illicit substances were recovered in operations across Kwara, Imo, Ondo, Lagos and Enugu states.
In Ibadan, he said skunk hidden in rice sacks was uncovered.
He added, “In a separate operation in Ibadan, a suspect, Adeniyi Adeola (a.k.a Prince) was nabbed at Foko, Agbeni market on Wednesday, 4th February. Recovered from his truck marked BDJ 767 YC include: 10,820 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 117,820 capsules of tramadol. Also in Ibadan, a drug kingpin, Jimoh Nurudeen, 40, who owns a facility where he produces Colorado, a synthetic cannabis, was on Saturday, 7th February, at Badeku area of Ibadan, along with his accomplice, Ogundipe Yusuf, 27. Recovered from them include: 8 litres of precursor chemical; 14 grams of skunk and other paraphernalia of Colos production, as well as monetary exhibit of ₦7,408,400.00 and two vehicles: a Mercedes-Benz SUV marked ABC 832 AZ and a Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC 243 BS.”
In Imo State, Babafemi said a couple was arrested with 203 kilogrammes of skunk.
He said, “While a couple, Izuchukwu Azubuike, 37, and Ifunaya Mmadueke, 32, were arrested at Umuaka, Njaba, Imo state with 203kg skunk on Saturday, 7th February, operatives in Ondo state on Friday, 6th February, recovered 420kg skunk in a bush at Ikun Akoko.”
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has approved an upward review of salaries for both academic and non-academic staff of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University.
Radda made the announcement on Saturday during the institution’s 14th convocation ceremony held in Katsina, where he was also awarded an Honourary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration.
The governor said the salary increase was a gesture of appreciation for the workers’ dedication and commitment, adding that his administration would continue to support the university in its pursuit of excellence, discipline, and service to humanity.
While congratulating the graduating students, Radda urged them to remain committed to integrity, innovation, and selfless service in their future pursuits.
“Be worthy ambassadors of this university and of Katsina State. Use your knowledge to solve problems, uplift communities, and make a positive difference wherever you go,” he advised.
He also announced automatic employment for the overall best graduating students after the completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), directing the Head of Service to identify and process those who qualify.
In addition, the governor approved a cash reward of ₦100,000 for the best graduating students in all departments, while the overall best graduate will be presented with a brand new vehicle in recognition of outstanding performance.
Radda further revealed that funds had been released for accreditation of programmes to ensure they meet existing national and international standards, underscoring his administration’s commitment to education.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, Sen. Ibrahim Idah, the Wazirin Katsina, described the convocation as a moment of pride and celebration, noting the perseverance of the graduates and the sacrifices of their families.
He commended the institution for its strides in expanding programmes, advancing research, and strengthening community engagement.
In the same vein, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sen. Hadi Sirika, lauded Radda’s leadership and reiterated the council’s resolve to broaden access to education, boost research, and position the university for global relevance.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Muhammad, noted the institution’s growth from about 1,000 students to more than 20,000, with 117 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes currently running.
He expressed satisfaction with the uninterrupted academic calendar, sound governance, strong research partnerships, and full accreditation of all programmes.
Muhammad congratulated the 2,682 graduates, including 31 First Class degree holders, and praised Radda for the prompt payment of staff salaries and continued support for the university.
An 18-year-old housewife has allegedly cut off her husband’s manhood in Potiskum, Yobe State.
The spokesman of the state Police Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, made this known in a statement issued in Damaturu on Saturday.
He explained that the disturbing incident was said to have happened at about 1 a.m. on Feb. 6, but the matter was not reported to the Potiskum Divisional Police Station until about 3 p.m. the same day.
According to Abdulkarim, the suspect, who is currently at large, allegedly used a sharp knife to mutilate her husband’s organ before fleeing the scene.
“Following the report, police operatives promptly visited the scene and rushed the victim to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, for urgent medical attention.
“He was subsequently referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, where he is currently receiving treatment,” the spokesman said.
He added that investigations were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police spokesman noted that some sensitive aspects of the case would not be disclosed in order to shield the victim from further trauma.
Abdulkarim said the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, strongly condemned the incident and stressed that marriage should be founded on mutual respect, understanding, patience and tolerance.
“Marriage must never be an avenue for violence, abuse, or humiliation,” the police spokesman quoted the commissioner as saying.