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Adelabu Condemns Attack On IKEDC, Urges Dialogue To Resolve Conflicts
Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of power, has condemned an attack by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) in its headquarters on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday by Bolaji Tunji, the special adviser, strategic communications to the minister, Adelabu said the attack left several injured and facilities and equipment vandalised.
On Thursday, air force personnel invaded IKEDC’s headquarters in Lagos over the disconnection of electricity at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos state.
Adelabu said the attack is unfortunate and a grave concern, adding that democratic practices offer channels for conflict resolution, discouraging self-help measures.
”This unfortunate incident has also raised serious questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and the use of appropriate democratic channels in resolving conflicts,” he said.
The minister noted that the power sector is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy and a cornerstone of national development, and any attack on its infrastructure “is an attack on the progress and well-being of our people”.
“The facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions of Nigerians, were designed to ensure the efficient distribution of electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and industries, including military installations,” Adelabu said.
“This incident has set back our efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply, and it is a blow to the collective aspirations of our nation.”
He further said no grievance, no matter how legitimate, justified the destruction of public infrastructure.
“Such actions are counterproductive and only serve to exacerbate the challenges we face as a nation,” Adelabu said.
“We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.
“I call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and to seek peaceful and democratic means of addressing all issues that may have led to this unfortunate incident.
”Our democracy provides us with the tools and institutions necessary to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
”We have the judiciary, the legislature, and various regulatory bodies that are empowered to mediate and adjudicate conflicts.
“It is imperative that we utilise these channels to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur.”
Earlier today, IKEDC said it has reached an agreement with the NAF over the settlement of a N4 billion debt that led to the disconnection.
ADELABU ASKS NAF TO BE PROFESSIONAL
The minister asked the NAF to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure that its operations are conducted with the utmost regard for the welfare of civilians and public infrastructure.
According to him, the military is a vital institution in Nigeria, and its role in maintaining peace and security cannot be overstated.
”However, it is equally important that all actions taken by our armed forces are proportionate, targeted, and in line with the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
Adelabu also commended the staff and management of IKEDC for their resilience in the face of provocation.
“Your comportment in the face of this adversity is a testament to your dedication to serving the Nigerian people,” he said.
”The ministry of power is ready to support you in any way possible to ensure that normalcy is restored as quickly as possible”.
Adelabu enjoined stakeholders in the power sector to work together in harmony by prioritising collaboration over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division.
He said the challenges faced in the power sector were significant, but they are not insurmountable, adding that with a shared commitment to the common good, it can be overcome.
Adelabu called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
The minister asked Nigerians to reject violence and embrace democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect to build a nation where conflicts are resolved peacefully.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have reached $48.5 billion, their highest level in nearly 13 years.
This milestone, confirmed by data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), surpasses previous multi-year peaks and represents the strongest balance since May 14, 2013, when reserves stood at approximately $48.51 billion.
However, the data showed that the foreign reserves increased steadily by 6.45 percent or $2.94 billion year-to-date, from $45.56 billion reported on January 1 to $48.5 billion.
Further checks showed that the FX reserves figure was $48.36 billion on Monday.
According to the CBN, FX reserves are assets held on reserve by a monetary authority in foreign currencies, which are used to back liabilities and influence monetary policy.
On December 22, 2025, the apex bank projected that the country’s external reserves would rise to $51.04 billion in 2026, saying the increase will be supported by FX reforms.
“Reforms in the foreign exchange market are expected to sustain exchange rate stability, while external reserves are projected to increase to US$51.04 billion,” CBN said.
On February 10, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, said the bank will do “whatever it takes” to safeguard the value of the naira, while strengthening the country’s external reserves.
Looking ahead to 2030, he said the CBN’s targets include achieving single-digit inflation and growing foreign exchange (FX) reserves driven by non-oil exports, foreign direct investment, and diaspora remittances.
The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by a TikToker known as Mirabel (@mirab351), who is currently receiving treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The case gained widespread attention after she posted emotional videos on Monday, February 16, detailing an attack she claimed occurred at her home the previous Sunday.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Brief.
Babaseyi confirmed that Mirabel voluntarily visited the Ibafo Police Division on Tuesday, February 17, to lodge a formal complaint and was subsequently admitted to the hospital for medical care due to her unstable condition.
“When the DPO in Ibafo met with her, she was taken to the hospital for medical analysis. She wasn’t as stable as necessary, but we ensured the investigation continued.
“As we speak, she is in the intensive care unit getting appropriate care. Her medical well-being is more important to us at this point. When she is stable, we can now continue investigations and get the necessary facts,” Babaseyi said.
According to Babaseyi, the incident reportedly occurred in Ogijo, a border community between Ogun and Lagos states.
The police have established that Mirabel was not arrested, but rather, she is being treated as a victim.
The command urges individuals with useful information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
“She was not arrested by the police. She reported a case, and we are investigating. Nothing like her arrest happened,” he said.
“If the allegation is established to be true, the perpetrator will be arrested and charged to court appropriately. Otherwise, the law also addresses giving false information,” the police stated.
The police said they will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion and take appropriate action.
“We advise people not to jump to conclusions based on emotions. We are investigating and will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion,” Babaseyi said.
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