News
UMAPO Chairman urges NLC, TUC to register as political parties
UMAPO Chairman urges NLC, TUC to register as political parties
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Chairman of the United Marketers Association of Potiskum and its environs in Yobe State (UMAPO), Alhaji Nasiru Mato, has said that what is left now for NLC and TUC is to register with the APC or PDP because they lost confidence and recognition from Nigerians.
Alhaji Nasiru Mato, who is also the chairman of Harmony Trading Yobe State, disclosed this to Newsmen in his office while reacting to the frequent strikes by the NLC and TUC.
Alhaji Mato revealed that, as we said back then, the strike that the laborers are doing there is not because of the masses; they are doing it because of themselves.
He said that before, if they called the name NLC, everybody was afraid, and if they said labor would go on strike, everybody would be rushed to the market for shopping because everything would be stopped. But now, around midnight, they will come out with notice that there will be a strike tomorrow morning. You don’t know what is going on.
“Therefore, this thing will not happen now that people get awareness of what is happening in Nigeria and what is happening in your state. Even in their wards, people know what is happening, and now they will say labor is on strike but people will continue with their normal business.” Mato said.
The chairman revealed that there are very fundamental issues on which labor is supposed to call a strike, like the economy of the country, the removal of oil subsidies, the cost of living, or something that affects the lives of the masses.
“As a result of all this, labor will call a strike. Now about 85% of the people of this country are sleeping hungry, and the issue of insecurity is the major problem that is worrying the people, especially the people of the northern part of the country, so this is an issue that labor will call a strike on them.” He said.
“Because they said vigilantes and security beat up their president, they embarked on a nationwide strike, so if this is the case, they should go strike within Imo State, not the nation as a whole.”
But the NLC and TUC are deeply involved in politics; they live what they purposely established them for; therefore, now people are not respecting them, people are tired off, and people are not supporting the leadership of labor.
“We would not support any strike call by the NLC and TUC again, and we should not give any instructions to our members to participate in the strike. Therefore, I advise them to register with one of the political parties because they have become partisans.”
UMAPO Chairman urges NLC, TUC to register as political parties
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
