1. US Congressman Riley M. Moore warned yesterday of the danger inherent in destabilising Nigeria.

Representative Moore who was actively involved in the  legislative campaign to address alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria said on his verified X account @RepRileyMoore that  “a destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent. “

2. Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday led a Federal Government delegation to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State to commiserate with residents of Nuku and Woro villages over Tuesday’s deadly terrorist attack, assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to restore peace and tranquility to the area.

3. President Bola Tinubu will embark on a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom in March, according to Buckingham Palace. In a statement on Saturday, the royal communications team said the forthcoming visit is at the invitation of King Charles III.

4. Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, said the people of Rivers State do not need a governor to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election. Wike made the remark in Port Harcourt while commissioning the headquarters of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, which houses Majority FM 89.5, a situation room, office facilities and buses for the organisation.

5. At least two people have been reportedly killed by armed invaders in fresh attacks on two villages of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State. Residents said the assailants attacked Akpete community in Apa LGA on Friday at about 6pm, killing two persons identified as Matthew Ochanga and Isaac Adanu, while leaving many others injured.

6. Plateau State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever in seven local government areas of the state, with four deaths recorded and the number of confirmed cases rising to 11. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed this during a press briefing in Jos on Saturday, where he provided an update on the outbreak and the state’s response measures.

7. United States Congressman, Riley M. Moore has rejected claims that the United States supports any move to break up Nigeria, warning that pushing separatist agendas would worsen insecurity and place Christian communities at greater risk. Moore made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account after visiting Nigeria, where he held meetings with government officials, church leaders, aid organisations, and internally displaced persons.

8. Residents of Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have fled to neighbouring Niger State following a deadly terrorist attack that reportedly left over 176 people dead during the week. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening and lasted until Wednesday morning, forced families to abandon their homes, escaping with little or no personal belongings as fear spread across the community and adjoining villages.

9. Kebbi State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, has foiled a cattle-rustling attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits in Bunza Local Government Area of the state, neutralising one suspect in the process. The bandits reportedly invaded Tungan Babu Lada village, where they shot and killed a 35-year-old man, Usman Ferungu, before fleeing with rustled cattle.

10. Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have killed the President-General of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ikwuka Okoye, also known as Anumili. It was gathered that the incident, which occurred late on Friday, was allegedly carried out by members of a rival cult group in revenge for the death of their leader, who was arrested and killed by local security operatives.

Arsenal moved closer to a first Premier League title for 22 years after a 3-0 victory over Sunderland took the Gunners nine points clear at the top of the table.

Martin Zubimendi’s long-range drive just before half-time settled the nerves of the home crowd at the Emirates Stadium before Viktor Gyokeres struck twice to quieten his critics.

Manchester City can reduce the gap at the top back to six points should they end a wait since 2003 to beat Liverpool at Anfield in front of a crowd on Sunday.

But after three consecutive second-placed finishes, it appears a matter of when, not if, Mikel Arteta’s men will finally be crowned champions.

Defeat dented Sunderland’s dream of European football on their first season back in the top flight.

Regis Le Bris’ side showed why they sit eighth with a dogged first-half showing that left the Arsenal crowd again bemoaning a lack of creativity from open play.

However, Zubimendi picked the lock of the Black Cats’ defence with a crisp strike from outside the box that clipped the inside of the post on its way in for the sixth goal of his impressive debut season in English football.

Gyokeres has attracted plenty of criticism for failing to replicate his free-scoring form at Sporting Lisbon in the Premier League.

But the Sweden international is the club’s top scorer and took his tally for the season to 13 in all competitions.

Gyokeres made the points safe when his powerful drive from Kai Havertz’s pass had too much power for Robin Roefs 25 minutes from time.

He was then presented with an open goal by Gabriel Martinelli in stoppage time.

The shine was taken off Arsenal’s day late on when Leandro Trossard was forced off through injury.

Arteta needs as many players available as possible, with Arsenal still competing in four competitions.

Arsenal face City in the League Cup final next month, host Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and cruised into the Champions League last 16 with eight wins from eight games in the league phase.

 
President Bola Tinubu,  President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and several governors were among the dignitaries who attended the wedding of the children of Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence.

Matawalle celebrated the weddings of his ten children, five daughters and five sons, at the National Mosque, Abuja, on Friday.

The minister gave away his daughters—Maryam, Safiyya, Farida, Nana Firdausi, and Aisha—while his sons—Ibrahim, Abdul Jalal, Surajo, Bello, and Fahad—also tied the knot.

The Islamic ceremony was officiated by Imam Luqman Zakariyah, who prayed for Allah’s blessings on the marriages and for success in the couples’ future lives.

Tinubu received the brides on behalf of the Matawalle family, welcoming them into their new homes.

The high-profile wedding attracted the crème de la crème of Nigerian politics.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Ibrahim Masari, Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs.

Several governors were also present, including Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi.

In a post via X, Matawalle expressed his deep gratitude to Tinubu and Vila Nova for attending the ceremony, describing their presence as a rare and honourable privilege.

He further appreciated all dignitaries, family, friends, and well-wishers who joined physically or in prayers, wishing them safe journeys back to their destinations.

“Today, I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously serving as Wali at the wedding Fātiḥa of my children, held at the National Mosque, Abuja. I remain sincerely honoured by this rare privilege,” he wrote.”

“In addition, the presence of the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, His Excellency President Carlos Vila Nova, added immense meaning to this joyous occasion, and I deeply appreciated it.

“I also wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who joined us physically and in prayers to share in our joy. Your presence, prayers, and goodwill are truly cherished and deeply appreciated.

“To my esteemed colleagues in the Federal Executive Council, Governors, members of the National Assembly, friends, family members, and well-wishers from across the nation, I am eternally grateful for the overwhelming love and kindness shown to me and my family.

“I also pray that Allah rewards abundantly all those who travelled from far and near to celebrate with us, and I ask Allah to grant you a safe and peaceful journey back to your respective destinations.”