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The Lagos State Government has commenced an official enumeration exercise for victims and affected families of the tragic fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The exercise, announced by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), is part of ongoing post-disaster recovery efforts following the incident, which occurred on the eve of Christmas 2025.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the enumeration started today and will run until February 13, 2026.

Relatives of victims and individuals impacted by the fire have been directed to report to the Adeyemi Bero Centre at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, for registration.

According to the agency, the process is critical for proper documentation, recovery support, and necessary follow-up actions for those affected.

“The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with NEMA, wishes to inform the public that as part of ongoing post-incident recovery activities following the Great Nigeria Insurance House fire on Martins Street, a victim enumeration exercise has been scheduled,” the statement read.

“Relatives of victims and individuals affected are requested to present themselves for enumeration. This exercise is essential for documentation, recovery support, and appropriate follow-up actions. Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate fully with officials.”

Casualties and Recovery Efforts

The devastating blaze razed parts of the 25-storey commercial building, leaving at least 12 people confirmed dead.

Emergency authorities disclosed that recovered bodies have been documented and transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for forensic identification and dignified handling.

At the time of the initial response, the state governor confirmed that five victims had been identified, while three others were still missing. Search and rescue teams continued combing through the debris to ensure no one remained trapped.

Safety Concerns and Government Measures

In response to the disaster, the government temporarily closed nearby markets and restricted access to emergency personnel to ease rescue operations.

The governor described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe practices around commercial buildings, including improper generator usage and shops built too close to electrical transformers.

He pledged to personally oversee the recovery process and warned that surrounding unsafe structures may be demolished to prevent future hazards.

Authorities say further updates will be communicated as recovery operations continue.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again stepped into the deepening political turmoil in Rivers State, convening a late-night meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in what appears to be a fresh attempt to broker peace between the two feuding camps.

The closed-door meeting reportedly took place around 11 p.m. on Sunday at the President’s official residence inside the State House, Abuja. It was also attended by several influential political leaders from Rivers State.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the intervention is part of renewed efforts by the presidency to calm rising tensions that have threatened governance and political stability in the oil-rich state.

Fresh Tensions Resurface

Sunday’s talks come amid renewed disagreements over political control and leadership recognition within the state.

The situation has been further complicated by stalled impeachment moves allegedly being considered by lawmakers against Governor Fubara.

The crisis, which has lingered for months, has continued to divide the state’s political structure, with loyalties sharply split between supporters of the governor and those aligned with his predecessor, Wike.

There have also been reports that the President advised Fubara to acknowledge Wike’s dominant political influence in Rivers politics — a suggestion that has stirred debate given their strained relationship and different party alignments.

A Long-Running Power Struggle

The rift between Fubara and Wike has grown into one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political battles.

Wike, a former governor and now a key figure in the federal government, is widely seen as a powerful political force in Rivers State. 

However, since assuming office, Fubara has gradually asserted independence, triggering a fierce contest for control of party structures, lawmakers, and state political machinery.

The rivalry has led to repeated clashes within the State House of Assembly, threats of impeachment, factional politics, and disruptions to governance.

Tinubu’s Repeated Interventions

This latest meeting marks about the fourth time President Tinubu has personally intervened to resolve the standoff.

His continued involvement signals growing concern at the federal level that the crisis could destabilize the state and affect governance, security, and economic activities, especially given Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s oil sector.

Despite earlier reconciliation attempts, lasting peace has remained elusive, with each truce quickly followed by fresh disagreements.

What Happens Next?

While details of the outcome of Sunday’s meeting remain unclear, many observers believe the President is pushing for a political compromise that will allow both camps to coexist and ensure stability.

Whether this latest intervention will finally end the power tussle or merely delay another round of confrontation remains to be seen.

For now, all eyes remain on Rivers State as the political drama continues to unfold

The Federal Government has approved ₦6 billion for the construction of three mega schools in Gombe State, signaling a major boost to education in the region.

The announcement was made by the state Minister of Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Ahmadu, during the inauguration of a 250-bed student hostel built by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Kumo, the headquarters of Akko Local Government Area.

According to the minister, the three mega schools—located in Dadin Kowa (Gombe Central), Dukku (Gombe North), and Kaltungo (Gombe South)—were also developed by the NEDC as part of a wider strategy to make education more accessible, attractive, and competitive, particularly in regions that have faced developmental challenges.

Ahmadu emphasized that education remains vital for bridging the gap between the North-East and other parts of the country. “The federal government is committed to providing modern learning environments that inspire students and improve academic outcomes,” he said.

The schools come equipped with essential amenities, including quality student accommodation, which the minister noted would enhance concentration and academic performance by providing a supportive learning environment.

He also commended the Gombe State Government for collaborating with the NEDC to ensure education in the state remains affordable and appealing to all learners, describing the partnership as a model for sustainable educational development and regional growth.

Mega schools in Nigeria are large, state-led projects designed to offer modern, well-equipped facilities such as ICT labs, libraries, and spacious classrooms.

These initiatives aim to create safe, high-quality learning environments for thousands of students, including internally displaced persons and orphans, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Former Minister of Sports and Youth, Solomon Dalung, believes the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is well-positioned to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Dalung emphasized that defeating Tinubu will require a united effort from the opposition.

“So I think we have many people capable of challenging Tinubu,” Dalung said, adding, “I can decide to contest, and I will challenge him.”

The ADC, adopted last year by the opposition coalition, boasts an impressive lineup of politicians. Among its members are ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Rivers State governor and former minister Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, ex-APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and former Senate President David Mark.

Critics have raised concerns that the ADC could face internal tensions after its presidential primary due to the high-profile roster of members. Meanwhile, the ruling APC, enjoying the support of 30 governors and a majority in the National Assembly, has dismissed claims that the ADC poses a serious challenge.

Dalung, however, insisted that the opposition party is united in its goal to unseat Tinubu, regardless of who emerges as the ADC’s presidential candidate.

“We are committed to conducting a transparent primary, and whoever wins will have the support of all of us to challenge Tinubu,” he said. “Challenging Tinubu is not about an individual—it’s about the party. That resolution has been agreed upon and approved.”

With the 2027 elections just over a year away, the APC continues to consolidate its ranks, attracting governors, lawmakers, and political heavyweights, while the main opposition PDP struggles with defections and internal divisions.

This has positioned the ADC as a potential focal point for opposition forces seeking to offer a credible alternative to the ruling party.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has inspired a protest outside the National Assembly, as his loyal supporters joined forces with civil society organisations, some opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) members, and women’s groups.

The demonstration began from the Federal Secretariat, with Peter Obi’s supporters at the forefront of the march toward the National Assembly gate. Organisers say the protest is aimed at raising their voices on issues tied to governance, transparency, and accountability—principles Peter Obi has long championed.

Security was heightened along the route, with officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stationed to maintain order. Barricades have already been placed to prevent entry into the National Assembly premises.

Participants emphasized that the protest is peaceful and symbolic, intending to make a statement at the entrance while reflecting the ideals and advocacy Peter Obi represents.

A mass protest, dubbed “Occupy National Assembly,” kicked off on Monday in Abuja as citizens, civil society groups, and political activists demanded transparency in how election results are transmitted. 

The demonstration was sparked by the Senate’s recent decision to remove the phrase “real-time” from the Electoral Act’s provision on electronic transmission of results, a move critics say weakens electoral accountability.

Protesters insist that lawmakers must enshrine mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results into law rather than leaving it to the discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

Many fear that without this, future elections could face manipulation, delays, and a loss of public trust.

The crowd included civil society members, youths, women’s groups, and political activists, with notable figures joining the demonstration to amplify calls for reform. 

Protesters marched toward the National Assembly, where security forces had set up barricades to prevent entry into the complex. Despite the heavy security presence, organisers emphasized that the sit-in was peaceful, aiming to pressure lawmakers without escalating tensions.

Chants and placards called for electoral transparency, urging legislators not to dilute critical reforms. The protest has attracted nationwide attention, reflecting rising public frustration with perceived loopholes in election law that could compromise the integrity of future polls.

The demonstration comes ahead of an emergency Senate session scheduled for Tuesday, as citizens and activists vow to maintain pressure until lawmakers provide clear, enforceable guarantees for transparent, credible elections.

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the recent controversy surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, describing him as an “enemy of democracy” and demanding his removal.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Okonkwo argued that Akpabio’s stance on the bill undermines democratic principles.

“What it means is that Senator Godswill Akpabio has become an enemy of democracy, sticking to a vicious cycle of election rigging, manipulation, falsification, and subterfuge by trying to maintain the same provision that the Supreme Court warned against,” he said.

 “That man is an enemy of democracy and should be removed if he doesn’t resign.”

The bill, which passed its third reading in the Senate last week, includes Clause 60(30), concerning the electronic transmission of election results. 

While the Senate retained this provision from the 2022 Electoral Act, it rejected proposals for real-time transmission of results and a 10-year ban on vote-buyers, opting instead to maintain existing penalties of fines and jail terms.

Okonkwo’s remarks add to the growing debate over the bill, highlighting concerns that the current provisions could weaken transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.