Reps’ walkout sign of democracy in action — Deputy spokesperson
File photo: The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip AgbeseThe Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has described Tuesday’s walkout by some opposition lawmakers during deliberations on the Electoral Amendment Bill as a reflection of democracy in action and standard parliamentary practice across the world. Members of the minority caucus had staged a walkout during plenary to protest the House’s position on Clauses 60 (3) and 84 of the Electoral Amendment Bill 2026. The amendment was defeated after a voice vote, prompting opposition lawmakers to leave the chamber in protest. The Deputy spokesperson stressed that the House remains united in its commitment to Nigeria’s democracy and the interests of citizens, despite differences of opinion among members. Reaffirming the chamber’s focus, the lawmaker reiterated that the House of Representatives remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, representation and oversight.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 14:05 UTC
Bandits kill Ondo monarch
The monarch of Agamọ Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Falodun, has reportedly been killed by suspected bandits. Confirming the incident to our correspondent in a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced into the matter. “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside tactical teams from the command, promptly mobilised officers in collaboration with local security outfits. “Atuluse Security, local hunters, and Amotekun operatives also assisted in combing adjoining bushes and surrounding areas in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators. Days after that incident, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, arrested 12 men suspected of being involved in banditry in the area.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 12:52 UTC
Tata Punch EV Launch Tomorrow: Features, Specs, Price Expected
Ahead of its launch, let us look at what else to expect from the upcoming Tata Punch EV in terms of features, specifications and prices. Tata Punch EV: Expected FeaturesThe most significant features upgrade in the Punch EV facelift will be a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system running the new software interface seen on the Nexon EV. Tata Punch EV: Expected Battery & MotorThe outgoing Tata Punch EV is offered with two battery pack choices — 25 kWh and 35 kWh — delivering claimed ARAI-certified ranges of 265 km and 365 km, respectively. Also READ: Tata Punch EV Facelift — What we know so farTata Punch EV: Expected Price & RivalsThe current Tata Punch EV is priced between ₹9.99 lakh and ₹14.44 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, the Tata Punch EV will continue to rival the Citroen eC3.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 12:47 UTC
Rivers assembly halts impeachment proceedings against Fubara
The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu earlier in the month. Speaking during plenary, Speaker Martin Amaewhule informed the house that the withdrawal of the impeachment proceedings follows the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that at its first sitting in 2026, the House commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct. In his response to the Assembly, the Chief Judge also noted that the Speaker and the Rivers State House of Assembly had appealed the restraining order granted by the High Court. The impeachment proceedings were initiated days after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused the governor of reneging on a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 12:33 UTC
Coctel de Algarrobina is Peru’s Comforting Milk Punch
The Coctel de Algarrobina originated in Piura, a city 600 miles north of Lima. Despite its prevalence in Peruvian homes, the Coctel de Algarrobina (which is sometimes referred to simply as “Algarrobina”) hasn’t historically been as popular on bar menus. For his version, Meléndez first decorates a chilled glass with dark streaks of algarrobina before pouring the drink into it. These days, like many creamy cocktails in the 21st century, the Coctel de Algarrobina has been given the clarified milk punch treatment. “The goal was to create a more balanced, elegant, and easy to drink [cocktail],” says Hermoza, “without losing its historical identity.”
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 11:51 UTC
What to expect from Tata Punch EV facelift ahead of launch tomorrow - Introduction
The Tata Punch EV is set to receive its first facelift tomorrow, marking an important update for Tata Motors’ most affordable electric SUV. Here’s what we know so far about the Punch EV facelift ahead of its debut. Ahead of its launch, Tata has revealed the exterior of the Punch EV facelift. When will the Tata Punch EV facelift launch and who are its rivals? The Tata Punch EV facelift will be launched tomorrow.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 11:47 UTC
Türkiye-Nigeria Relations: A Special Strategic Partnership
“What makes Nigeria very special, from our perspective, is that our countries face similar challenges. “We have fought various terrorist organisations for years and gained significant experience and success. Nigeria is also fighting several terrorist organisations, primarily Boko Haram and ISWAP. “As the biggest country in the continent, Türkiye sees Nigeria as an important strategic partner. This renewed focus follows recent high-level engagements, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Türkiye, which reinforced commitments to security and economic partnership.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 11:32 UTC
US to withdraw all troops from Syria, according to reports
The United States is planning to withdraw all of its 1,000 troops from Syria over the next two months, according to US media reports. Television network CBS also reported on the plan, citing unnamed US officials. The decision comes after US forces recently withdrew from some bases in Syria, including Al-Tanf and Al-Shadadi, which were used in the US-led international coalition’s fight against IS. US media reported Wednesday that Washington will be ready to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump has reportedly not made a final decision yet. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 09:27 UTC
Tata Punch EV Facelift India Launch Tomorrow; Here's What to Expect
Tata Motors will launch the Punch EV Facelift in India tomorrow, i.e., February 20, 2026. Here are the anticipated features and improvements in the Punch EV facelift in detail. Tata Punch EV Facelift: DesignPost the makeover, the Punch EV looks more refined and mature. Tata Punch EV Facelift: Interior and FeaturesInside, the most prominent change will likely be a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with updated software. Tata Punch EV Facelift: PowertrainThe current Tata Punch EV is available with 25kWh and 35kWh battery options, offering an ARAI-claimed range of 265 kilometres and 365 kilometres, respectively.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 08:12 UTC
Ward congress: APC consolidates, Fintiri defection sparks postponement in Adamawa
The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday advanced its nationwide ward congresses, consolidating grassroots structures across several states. The APC, in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission dated February 17, 2026, announced the postponement of Adamawa ward and local government congresses. The letter, titled “Notice of Postponement of State, Local Government and Ward Congresses in Adamawa State,” was signed by APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary, Dr Ajibola Basiru. In Edo State, ward congress was held across the 192 wards of the state, and leaders emerged on a consensus basis. “The ward congress, which took place across the state, was largely peaceful as it was devoid of schism and protests.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 07:54 UTC
A Tribute to Prof Biodun Jeyifo, Grandteacher & Human
Unlike most people who have written tributes since his recent passing, I was not Professor Biodun Jeyifo’s student. The second time, it was my father who told me he had been Jeyifo’s student while at the HSC. I remember how—contrary to my expectations that I would be intimidated by him—I was at ease in his genial presence. When I saw the news report of his 80th birthday in January, it occurred to me that I could ask Uncle Kunle Ajibade for his phone number. So, yes, Professor Biodun Jeyifo, grandteacher and grand human, farewell, as you embark on your journey to the great beyond.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 07:24 UTC
Two killed in violent Ondo APC ward congress
The ongoing ward congress of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State on Wednesday turned violent, leaving two people dead and several others injured in Idanre Local Government Area. On Wednesday, reports indicated that the congress could not hold in some wards in Idanre after suspected hoodlums attacked party members. APC elders condemn attacksOndo State APC elders under the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum condemned Tuesday’s attack on the party secretariat in Akure. In a statement signed by its chairman, Pa Erastus Akeju, the forum said, “The violent assault and public humiliation of the Ondo State APC Chairman, Engr. “On behalf of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, Ondo State, I condemn this incident in the strongest terms.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 05:27 UTC
US allies gather as Trump kicks off Board of Peace
The “Board of Peace” came together after the Trump administration, teaming up with Qatar and Egypt, negotiated a ceasefire in October to halt two years of devastating war in Gaza. At the “Board of Peace” meeting, Trump is expected to detail pledges of more than $5 billion for Gaza, where the vast majority of buildings lie in rubble and the property-mogul-turned-president has improbably suggested developing resorts. US officials say Thursday’s meeting is about Gaza but have also spoken of the “Board of Peace” in broader, amorphous terms, saying it can address other global hotspots. – Friends and suitors –The inaugural meeting will bring ideological allies of Trump including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is facing a tough reelection battle, and Argentina’s President Javier Millei. Japan, usually among the most stalwart US allies, has not decided whether to join the board and will send an envoy handling Gaza.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 05:09 UTC
Nigerian woman dies after arriving UK for son’s graduation
A Nigerian woman, Oluranti Akinyemi, has died in the United Kingdom shortly after reportedly arriving in the country for her son’s graduation ceremony. According to the post, Akinyemi travelled to the UK to attend her son’s graduation but suffered a cardiac arrest less than 20 hours after arrival. Akinyemi, believed to be a mother of four, reportedly arrived in the UK on February 11 for a graduation scheduled for February 18. Another user, @The4thTobs, recounted a similar incident involving a woman who reportedly collapsed after arriving in the UK for childcare support. The incident comes amid reports of other Nigerian deaths in the UK, including that of Saburi Adeniji, who died after battling a severe brain stem injury.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 04:40 UTC
ICPC grills El-Rufai after EFCC release
Former Governor, El-Rufai on his way to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja...Credit: Muyiwa Adekeye on XThe former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was, on Wednesday, released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. El-Rufai had arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 10 am on Monday for questioning and was held by the commission until Wednesday. “We have released him today, but he was shortly picked up after he was released by ICPC,” a source said. It accused El-Rufai of admitting during a television interview that an unnamed associate unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications, and he listened to them. “Former governor El-Rufai claimed that until Dadiyata’s disappearance, he did not know anyone by that name.
Source:Punch
February 19, 2026 04:08 UTC