Oil revenue row: Presidency defends Tinubu as legal titans split over Executive Order
However, protests have continued o mount over the executive order, with a cross-section of senior advocates faulting the President’s decision. “Executive order is like instruments to give effect to executive decisions and laws. So any attempt to amend an executive order is nothing but a nullity, and it is to that extent ineffective. “An Executive Order is never meant to contradict the law but to further it and make the law workable.”According to him, any Executive Order that contradicts an existing statute would be invalid. He said, “The Executive Order will, among other things, enhance transparency and operational integrity of the revenue accrued.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 07:02 UTC
Japan Zoo Sees 6,000 Visitors as Punch Keeps Making Friends
Oran Mama and ReintegrationOne of the keepers also shared a bit more about Punch’s comfort routine, and it is both practical and unexpectedly tender. He has two plush surrogate toys, affectionately nicknamed “Oran Mama” by fans online. He still turns to Oran Mama when he is tired or needs reassurance, but he is no longer inseparable from it. The zoo has also pointed out that male macaques often move between groups, while females typically remain within their family lines. Since Punch is male, this period of adjustment may be less unusual than it appears in viral clips.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 06:52 UTC
2026 Hajj: NAHCON orders states to refund unregistered pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has directed State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to immediately refund intending pilgrims who could not be registered for the 2026 Hajj, as Saudi Arabia’s visa deadline approaches. The meeting was attended by commissioners, board members, executive secretaries and chairmen of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, members of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, the Medical Mission team and management staff. Nigeria’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj stands at 40,250 pilgrims, excluding tour operators. NAHCON also disclosed that it would strictly monitor airline performance during the Hajj operations, warning that underperforming carriers could have pilgrims reassigned to better-performing airlines. Yusuf reaffirmed that State Pilgrims Welfare Boards remain the primary custodians of intending pilgrims, while NAHCON’s role is regulatory, emphasising unity, professionalism and collective responsibility in ensuring a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj operation.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 06:50 UTC
Punch the Monkey Goes Viral for Carrying Comfort Stuffie
CopiedAn adorable six-month-old monkey named Punch is going viral for carrying around an orangutan plushie in a Japanese zoo after being abandoned by his mother at birth and then bullied by other monkeys. TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones weigh in on the sweet monkey capturing hearts on the internet and recall the toys they had as kids when they were growing up.Feb.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 06:11 UTC
Woman Visits Punch the Lonely Monkey, What She Captures Breaks Hearts
An update on the lonely monkey known as Punch, from the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has melted hearts among social media users. Footage of Punch clutching the toy has been viewed millions of times online and led to increased visitors to the zoo. Despite now having lots of adoptive moms among the other monkeys in the enclosure, Punch never lets go of his stuffed friend. But his actual best friend is not the toy either, it’s his handler, who many on social media have named “Punch Daddy.”“Am I deeply invested in Punch’s life? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 04:30 UTC
Tinubu confirms state police plans, urges calm in Kano
President Bola Tinubu on Monday pledged that the establishment of state police to combat insecurity will not be postponed. The economy is showing up.”Speaking further, the President appealed to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to exercise restraint amid political tensions in the state. “Let’s go further to embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all the supporters. Earlier, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, commended Tinubu for fostering national unity during the interfaith gathering. “We have appreciated the new reform policies you brought, the deliveries you’ve given to state governors to operate, the support and the interventions you’ve created,” he said.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 04:24 UTC
Truck crushes LASTMA officer, two motorcyclists to death
Tragedy struck at the busy Badagry Roundabout in Lagos on Monday as a cement-laden truck rammed into a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officer and two commercial motorcyclists, killing them on the spot. “The LASTMA officer was controlling the traffic when he lost control and was suddenly crushed on the spot. The two motorcyclists were also affected while they were waiting to pick up passengers,” the eyewitness said. “Other LASTMA officials were mobilised to the scene of the incident due to their affected colleague. He added that the remains of the victims had been evacuated to a hospital mortuary, while the truck was impounded for further investigation.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 04:18 UTC
Alleged genocide: US Congress panel submits Nigeria report to Trump
The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs on Monday officially submitted to the White House a report detailing their findings and recommendations on addressing the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The findings of the report stem from interviews with expert witnesses, a hearing and roundtable, two on-the-ground assessments through bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria, and close partnership with the Trump administration. Moore stated that the US team now has a clear picture of the threats in Nigeria and the alleged persecution Christians face. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians,” Moore said. “Since President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC and tasked me to lead a congressional investigation, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to produce the report we presented today.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 03:42 UTC
Wike Cancels 485 Abuja Land Titles After Failed Verification
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the cancellation of 485 land documents in Abuja after they failed to meet verification standards set by the authorities. The affected documents were nullified following an extensive review conducted by the Department of Land Administration in collaboration with the Abuja Geographic Information Systems. The notice specifically addressed applicants who had submitted Area Council land documents for validation. The background to the reforms dates back to last year, when the FCTA disclosed that only 8,287 out of 261,914 Area Council land documents submitted between 2006 and 2023 had been screened. The 8,287 vetted land documents represented just 3.2 per cent of the total submissions, leaving 253,627 documents pending in the database.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 00:28 UTC
Sell 51% NNPCL Refineries Stake, PENGASSAN Urges FG
Under this arrangement, the government would retain a minority stake while selling a majority shareholding to core investors. The government should take a minority stake in the refinery and sell the majority stake. “But sell at least 51% of this refinery, you sell it to refiners. So we are not against the government selling a majority stake in the refinery. The government should divest its interest in the refineries and allow a minimum of 51 per cent of its shareholding.
Source:Punch
February 23, 2026 23:49 UTC
Lagos Approves 13% BRT Fare Hike for All Bus Services
The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across all services under the Bus Reform Initiative, which includes the Bus Rapid Transit system and standard bus routes throughout the state. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted the approval after receiving a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators, who highlighted the mounting challenges threatening the long-term viability of their operations in Nigeria’s current economic climate. In a statement by Head of Corporate Communication, LAMATA Kolawole Ojelabi, the revised fare structure will come into effect from Monday, March 2, 2026. “The adjustment is designed to help offset the severe impact of ongoing economic pressures on public transport providers. “The state government sought to reassure commuters that the decision reflects a careful effort to balance affordability with operational necessities.
Source:Punch
February 23, 2026 22:21 UTC
Punch the Monkey, Everyone is Rooting for You!
We love Punch for so many reasons, and not just because he’s a cuddly baby monkey with an adorable attachment to a big stuffed orangutan. At a Glance:The internet has fallen in love with a monkey in Japan who was abandoned by his momDespite bullying from other monkeys, Punch is staying strong! One Redditor commented, “I saw the video of Punch approaching the others and the bigger monkey pushing him away. They explained: “In order to integrate Punch into other Japanese monkey troops, we anticipated that this kind of challenge may arise. Although Punch has been scolded many times by other monkeys, no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him.
Source:Punch
February 23, 2026 22:17 UTC
GOC Foils Deadly Terrorist Ambush in Kebbi, Recovers Arms
A convoy carrying the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, successfully foiled a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorist group members near Mayama Hill. Armed assailants opened heavy fire on the convoy while it navigated the forested terrain. “Demonstrating decisive leadership and tactical coordination, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming force, neutralising five terrorists and repelling the attack. The operation highlights the commitment of the 8 Division Nigerian Army to protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats across the North West region,” he said. PUNCH Online had reported that Troops of 1 Division, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled a bandit attack in Maraban Rido general area of Kaduna State, neutralising one suspected violent extremist and recovering stolen livestock.
Source:Punch
February 23, 2026 20:39 UTC
Restrictions: US says Nigerian students with valid F1, J1 visas safe
The United States Mission Nigeria says Nigerian students and exchange visitors holding valid visas will not be affected by the partial visa suspension under Presidential Proclamation 10998. It stated, “Nigerian students and exchange participants with currently valid F1 and J1 visas are not affected by Presidential Proclamation 10998. In recent months, the United States has introduced a series of immigration-related measures affecting Nigerians. For now, the mission has confirmed that holders of currently valid F1 and J1 visas can continue their studies and exchange programmes in the United States. J-1 visa: For exchange visitors — including students, researchers, and interns — participating in approved educational or cultural exchange programmes in the U.S.
Source:Punch
February 23, 2026 19:41 UTC