The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old man, Blessing Ime Abel, for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and threatening violence.

The suspect, who hails from Ikot Akpa Ntuen Village in Ukanafun Local Government Area, was arrested following a report by a resident who complained of threats to life. Acting on the report, police operatives moved quickly to the area and apprehended the suspect.

A search conducted at the time of arrest led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

The police said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the source of the firearm and the full extent of his activities. He will be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for crimes involving firearms and threats to public safety. He also assured residents of the police commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Members of the public were encouraged to continue to support the police with timely and credible information to help prevent and detect crime.

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has declared strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s political future, saying no individual or political party can stop him from winning the 2027 presidential election.

Abba made the statement on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, shortly after collecting his All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card at Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area. His entry into the ruling party immediately drew attention, not just because of his family background, but because of the bold message he delivered.

Explaining his decision to join the APC, Abba said he was impressed by what he described as wide-ranging economic and human development reforms under President Tinubu’s administration. He said these achievements convinced him that the president deserves another term.

“I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027,” Abba said. “Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a tribalist, he don’t make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit.”

He added that the level of infrastructural development across the country also influenced his choice to align with the ruling party. According to him, sustaining these efforts will require broad public support.

“The president needs your support to continue with the good work. We should mobilise more people and beyond party affiliations to support our president,” he said.

At the event, the APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, presented Abba with his membership card. Bagalti said the move had removed any doubt about the APC’s chances in the next general election.

“It is now clear to people that there is no party in Nigeria or presidential candidate that can face our president at the poll come 2027,” he said.

Another party leader in the state, Alhaji Jamil Yusuf, also spoke in support of President Tinubu. He dismissed other potential challengers, describing them as unrealistic in their ambitions.

“Majority of those saying that they are going to contest for the office of president see politics as a trade fair venue, where people sell and buy,” Yusuf said. “I advise such people to invest their money in profitable ventures, because the office of the president is no longer for the highest bidder, but for competent people like President Tinubu.”

Abba’s position stands in contrast to that of his elder brother, Adamu Atiku, who remains a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party and currently serves as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Their father, Atiku Abubakar, is pursuing his presidential ambition on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.

Despite these differing political paths, Abba Atiku’s message was clear: in his view, the road to 2027 leads only one way, and President Bola Tinubu stands without a serious challenger.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market for one week over what he described as ongoing economic sabotage linked to the Monday sit-at-home.

The governor made the announcement on Monday, January 26, 2026, through a post on his official social media platforms.

“Today, I have ordered the shut down of the Onitsha Main Market for one week due to the protracted economic sabotage cloaked as ‘Monday sit-at-home’. Going forward, this order would apply to any other market in Anambra that shuts down on Monday,” Soludo wrote.

He explained that the decision was taken in the interest of protecting the state’s economy and the livelihoods of its people.

“This action is not taken lightly, as I am determined to protect the economic interests of our state and its people. No individual or group has the right to halt the lives and livelihood of the people,” the governor stated.

Governor Soludo called on traders and market leaders across the state to ignore sit-at-home directives and continue their normal business activities.

“I urge all traders and market stakeholders to disregard this call to economic sabotage and resume business as usual. Let us work together to build a prosperous Anambra,” he said.

He also issued a warning to individuals or groups supporting the action, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate such acts.

“To those who continue to aid and abet this economic sabotage, I warn that we will not tolerate it any further. Our government will take all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of lives and property in the state,” Soludo added.

Reassuring residents, the governor encouraged people to go about their daily activities without fear, noting that the government remains committed to making Anambra a safe place for business and investment.

“Let us stand together against economic sabotage and build a brighter future for our state. May Anambra continue to win!”