I’m not interested in coalition for purpose of power grabbing – Peter Obi (Sun)
Peter Obi, Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has declared that he is not interested in any coalition for the purpose of grabbing power for the 2027 general election.
Lamenting that coalition in Nigerian politics has been basically for power grabbing, the former Anambra State governor further stressed that he cannot imagine why politicians abandon the country to collapse in desperation for grabbing political power.
He spoke on the sideline in Abuja on Monday at a National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria under the theme: Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity. Read more
Annie Idibia: 2baba deletes all divorce posts, videos (Guardian)
Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face or 2Baba, has taken down all posts and videos related to the rumoured divorce from his wife, Annie Idibia.
The singer, who confirmed the reports himself, made the sudden move to delete the content on Monday, leaving fans and followers puzzled.
The controversy started on Sunday, January 26, 2025, when 2Face, in a now-deleted post on his Instagram page, announced his split from Annie, his wife of 12 years. Read more
Why we entered a peace pact with terrorists — Kaduna Governor (Vanguard)
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has defended his administration’s decision to enter a peace pact with terrorists in the state, emphasizing that his priority is preserving lives and ensuring peace.
Responding to critics of the initiative, the governor clarified that the decision followed six months of dialogue and did not involve any payment to the terrorists.
“If even one person were to be killed in Kaduna, it’s better for me to have the peace pact. Otherwise, Almighty Allah will hold me accountable because I took an oath,” Governor Sani said in an interview with BBC Hausa Service. Read more
‘You left APC 3 years ago, quitting now ineffective’, APC slams Aregbesola’s supporters (NewTelegraph)
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated the group loyal Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for announcing their resignation from the party, which they allegedly left three years ago.
The APC described the decision of the members of the group, operating under the name “Omoluabi Progressives,” as inconsequential.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi on Monday, the party dismissed the announcement as “good riddance to bad rubbish.” Read more
Some politicians trying to influence cash transfer register – Minister (Channels)
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Minister and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda, says some politicians are trying to influence poor Nigerians who make the social register to enjoy the government’s conditional cash transfer.
The minister, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, said some persons want his ministry to bend for political reasons but “unfortunately it’s a partnership between us and the international community – the World Bank is involved, CSOs (civil society organisations) are involved and it’s not just a ministry activity”.
He said, “Some people want us to bend and allow the governors or the states to just generate the list and send. It’s a conditional transfer; conditions are attached to qualifying to benefit from the social safety net. Read more
Ekiti Monarch disbands Sharia panel, summons Islamic leaders (ThisDay)
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, yesterday, ordered the dissolution of the Sharia panel set up at the Central Mosque, Ado Ekiti to ensure law and order as well as peaceful coexistence in the state.
Adejugbe spoke in Ado Ekiti during a meeting he held with the chiefs, and indigenes of the community, as well as the Chief Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South-west, Edo and Delta states, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere; and other Muslim leaders over the tension in some quarters over the sharia panel.
This came barely two days after the state government said that the existing legal structure in the state did not recognise the Sharia Court or Sharia Arbitration Panel. Read more
Army holds full military burial for late Mascot horse, Sgt. Akawala (Nation)
1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, at the weekend held a regimental funeral ceremony to honour its late Mascot, Sgt. Dalet Akawala, who died on January 24, 2025.
The solemn event took place at the Division Headquarters Complex in Kawo, Kaduna, and was presided by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Mayirenso Saraso.
Represented by 1 Division’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration, Colonel I.A. Akabike, the GOC paid tribute to the late Mascot, describing it as a vital part of the Division’s traditions and heritage. Read more
NDLEA intercepts loud, cannabis hidden in duvet at Lagos Airport (Punch)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have intercepted a shipment of cannabis, also known as Loud concealed in a duvet and destined for the United Kingdom.
NDLEA disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
He said the consignment was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, saying two suspects – Adakole Sunday and Austin Balogun – linked to the consignment, were immediately arrested following the discovery by NDLEA officers. Read more
Jennifer Lopez tears up as Sundance Premiere of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ Gets Standing Ovation (Variety)
Jennifer Lopez, outfitted in a sparkling, webbed-up gown and sky-high black heels, fought back tears as “Kiss of the Spider Woman” was embraced at Sundance Film Festival with a standing ovation.
She told the audience at Park City’s Eccles Theatre that starring in the musical adaptation fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” she said. “The reason I even wanted to be in this business is because my mom would sit me in front of the TV and [‘West Side Story’] would come on once a year. I was mesmerized and was like, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ This is the first time I actually got to do it. This man made my dream come true.” Read more
Civilians at increased risk as M23 rebels capture DRC’s Goma, rights advocates warn (VOA)
Human Rights Watch is expressing concern about civilians in the eastern Congolese city of Goma now that M23 rebels have taken control of the city. Fighting between M23 and Democratic Republic of the Congo forces has displaced 400,000 since the start of this year, according to the United Nations. Goma’s capture by the rebel group further threatens civilian lives and could cause more displacement, the rights group said.
Residents of Goma in eastern DR Congo shared videos Monday of M23 rebels patrolling the city, with some cheering as the fighters walked through the streets.
Blaise Karege is a Congolese political and security researcher in eastern Congo. He said the rebel group has been received well, and the reasons for the ongoing conflict have changed. Read more
Image of Lebanese woman in defiant standoff with Israeli tank goes viral (NewArab)
Footage of a Lebanese woman confronting an Israeli tank in southern Lebanon has been shared thousands of times on social media, with observers praising her act of defiance.
The videos posted online on Sunday were taken as displaced residents in the village of Maroun el-Ras confronted Israeli forces who had remained in the area in violation of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.
The woman can be seen standing with her arms stretched while shouting at the Israeli forces, who she dares to open fire. Shots from the Israeli soldiers can be heard firing off in the background. “Go back to your country. Go back to your family!” she can be heard saying. Read more
The Who, Sex Pistols and more to perform at Roger Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust concert series (MusicWeek)
Roger Daltrey’s Teenage Cancer Trust concert series is returning to the Royal Albert Hall in March this year, with performances from The Who, The Corrs, Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols, James Arthur, Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Steve Jones and comedian Micky Flanagan.
TikToker and podcaster GK Barry has also been revealed as the face of the charity’s 2025 Royal Albert Hall series, as well as its latest ambassador, and she will be performing along with the star-studded line-up. Her show and ambassadorship are set to mark a new era for the Royal Albert Hall concert series, which was founded in 2000 by The Who’s Daltrey. While he stepped back from figurehead duties last year, Daltrey remains an honorary patron of the charity.
To mark the 25th anniversary of Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall, the British artist and Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett has also re-designed his Teenage Cancer Trust logo for 2025. Read more
Linda Robson supported after breaking silence on Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis (Standard)
Linda Robson has shared her heartbreak over her close friend and Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke’s health battle, saying it “breaks my heart” to see her enduring such a “terrible illness.”
Last week, Quirke’s husband, Steve Sheen, disclosed that the beloved 65-year-old actress has been battling dementia since 2021. The condition, which impacts memory, reasoning, and cognitive abilities, has led the actress to step away from all commercial and professional activities.
Robson and Quirke became household names playing sisters Tracey Stubbs and Sharon Theodopolopodous in the iconic BBC One sitcom Birds of a Feather, which first aired in 1989.
Brooke Shields reveals the pay-it-forward response she has when others tell her something “complimentary’’ (People)
Brooke Shields is all about paying kindness forward.
While appearing on the Jan. 13 episode of the Call It What It Is podcast, the actress, 59, spoke with co-hosts Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington about the response she has when others compliment her.
“When anybody says anything complimentary, I immediately turn it back around, and I say, ‘You are so beautiful,’ ” Shields said. Read more
The Crown and Outlander star lands next movie role (DigitalSpy)
The Crown and Outlander star Tobias Menzies has landed his next movie role in “The Entertainment System Is Down”.
The latest project from Triangle of Sadness director Ruben Östlund will be a social satire that is set on a long-haul flight.
When the aircraft’s entertainment systems fail, an eclectic group of international passengers are forced to face the horror of being bored.
Chukwueze emerges hero as AC Milan edge Parma in five-goal thriller (Guardian)
Samuel Chukwueze, who has found game time hard to come by this season, was AC Milan’s hero yesterday when they came from behind to beat Parma 3-2 at the San Siro.
The phrase “miraculous comeback” is often overused in football, but the over 65,000 fans leaving the stadium yesterday must have wondered what they had seen. Parma led twice through Cancellieri and Del Prato, but they were not braced well enough for the late wave of Milan pressure. Read more
Saudi Club Al Nassr Move For Boniface (CompleteSports)
Saudi club, Al Nassr are in talks to sign Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface, reports Completesports.com.
According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Al Nassr are looking to bring in a new striker to replace Talisca, who has left the club for Turkish giants, Fenerbahce.
“Understand Al Nassr have started official talks for Victor Boniface as new striker,” Romano wrote on X.
“Negotiations on with Bayer Leverkusen for the Nigerian striker to replace Talisca. Read more
Marcus Rashford breaks silence after Ruben Amorim’s savage dig at Man Utd star (DailyStar)
Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford showered his team-mates with praise following their triumph against Fulham.
Rashford was over the moon with the three points – despite coach Ruben Amorim’s bizarre claim that he’d rather bench his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than the forward.
After United secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham, Amorim discussed Rashford’s future amid swirling speculation as the transfer window is coming to a close. Read more
Walker eyes Milan debut in Derby della Madonnina (FootballItalia)
Kyle Walker may be given an early chance to prove how valuable his addition can be for Milan in terms of charisma and personality, as coach Sergio Conceiçao is reportedly considering handing the Englishman his first start in the upcoming Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
The 34-year-old joined the Rossoneri on loan from Manchester City last week, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport his first training sessions and physical tests at Milanello quickly convinced the manager and his staff that he is ready to make an immediate impact.
The English international is not eligible to play in the Champions League, meaning he will miss Milan’s league phase final fixture at Dinamo Zagreb mid-week and is expected to be fully rested for the following Serie A matchday. Read more
Aussie Open champion Sinner won’t defend his title in Rotterdam (France24)
World number one Jannik Sinner will not defend his ATP 500 title in Rotterdam as the Italian’s “body needs time to rest” after winning the Australian Open, tournament organisers announced Monday.
Sinner, 23, defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 on Sunday to win his third Grand Slam title, following success last year in Melbourne and victory at the US Open in September.
“After consulting with my team we had to take the difficult decision to withdraw from the ABN AMRO Open,” said Sinner in a statement on the tournament’s website. Read more
Super Bowl match-up set as Kansas City Chiefs target historic three in a row (Independent)
The Kansas City Chiefs moved within one game of becoming the first team to win three successive Super Bowls with a 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills.
The Chiefs became the first side to return to the season’s finale for a shot at a third straight title and will face the Philadelphia Eagles, who beat the Washington Commanders 55-23, in Super Bowl LIX.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 245 yards and a touchdown in a close AFC Championship game, adding two more rushing scores. Read more