The Presidency has rejected claims circulating in parts of the media and across social media that a photograph showing President Bola Tinubu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris was generated using artificial intelligence, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

The clarification follows controversy surrounding an image from a private meeting between the two leaders in Paris on January 4, 2026.

The photograph sparked online debate after an enhanced version surfaced bearing a visible Grok watermark, leading some social media users to question its authenticity and suggest it was AI-generated.

Despite earlier explanations, skepticism persisted online, with calls for greater transparency in the handling of official images.

The photograph was initially shared on President Tinubu’s verified X account and later reposted by a presidential aide, amplifying public scrutiny.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Presidency insisted that the image is genuine and was taken during an actual engagement between the Nigerian and Rwandan leaders in the French capital.

According to the statement, Presidents Tinubu and Kagame met privately and shared lunch as part of ongoing high-level diplomatic consultations.

The Presidency explained that the photograph was captured with a mobile phone, accounting for its initial low quality.

It said the image was later enhanced using a digital image-improvement tool to improve clarity, stressing that such enhancement does not amount to fabricating or generating an AI image.

“The picture is real and not AI-generated, as has been wrongly suggested,” the statement said, adding that post-capture image enhancement does not invalidate the authenticity of the meeting or the moment captured.

The two leaders later joined French President Emmanuel Macron for dinner the same evening, underscoring continued continental and international diplomatic engagements.

The Presidency expressed concern over what it described as hasty conclusions and inaccurate reporting, urging journalists and media organisations to verify facts and seek clarification before publishing claims capable of misleading the public.

Describing the controversy as unfortunate, officials questioned why some commentators drew sweeping conclusions without making basic inquiries, noting that responsible journalism demands diligence, verification, and fairness.

The statement was signed by Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, who reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to transparency and accurate public communication.

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, describing the move as “destabilising and unnecessary.”

In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the APC acknowledged the constitutional independence of the legislature but said it would not support an impeachment process against an APC-led government.

“Our position today is that we solemnly reject the resort to impeachment against our Governor and his deputy,” the statement read.

The party also cautioned Assembly members, particularly APC lawmakers, against yielding to external pressures that could plunge the state into political turmoil.

Addressing claims that the impeachment is linked to budgetary issues, the APC noted that during the period of emergency rule, a ₦1.485 trillion budget was transmitted to the National Assembly in May 2025 and approved by both chambers by July 2025.

The budget is expected to run until August 2026.

The party added that the governor may lawfully decide not to present a supplementary budget, reminding the Assembly that the constitution allows a six-month spending window into a new fiscal year.

“Let it be known that our party will do everything possible to ensure that the APC-led government of Rivers State is not destabilised through internal disagreements,” the statement added.

The impeachment proceedings, which commenced on Thursday, followed the reading of a notice of allegations by Majority Leader Major Jack during plenary presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.

The notice cited seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds from the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged disobedience of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy.

Twenty-six lawmakers signed the notice. A separate notice of gross misconduct was also presented against Deputy Governor Odu.

This marks the second impeachment attempt against Fubara and Odu in less than a year.

In March 2025, a political fallout with former Governor Nyesom Wike led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and the Assembly for six months.

Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as administrator during the suspension period. Fubara later resumed office following a reconciliation process.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has also condemned the impeachment move, calling for the removal of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom it accused of fomenting unrest in the state.

IYC President Alaye Theophilus, speaking during a briefing in Port Harcourt, declared full support for the re-election of Governor Fubara and President Bola Tinubu in 2027, praising the president for his leadership.

Despite the renewed impeachment attempt, the Rivers State executive has yet to comment on the proceedings.

Former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called for a new generation of leaders to take the reins of Nigerian politics.

In an interview with Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the long-standing political career of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that Atiku has been contesting elections since Baba-Ahmed’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days.

“When I was serving in the NYSC, Baba Atiku was already an aspirant. We contested primaries together in 2018, and again in 2023, when I ran as a vice-presidential candidate elsewhere. And now, in 2027, he is set to contest again,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He stressed the urgent need for younger leaders, saying: “A whole new generation of Nigerians is ready to lead, but they are often discouraged by a political system that is expensive, complicated, and dominated by godfathers and broken promises.”

Baba-Ahmed added that many capable Nigerians are willing to tackle the country’s problems, but structural barriers continue to limit opportunities for reform-minded leaders.

No fewer than 100 indigenes of Kogi Central are set to benefit from the resumed rollout of Electric Motor Vehicles (EMVs) initiated by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing the constituency.

The disclosure was made in a statement on Saturday by her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko.

The senator explained that the programme, initially paused, has now resumed to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and maintain public confidence.

“The temporary suspension was necessary to put the right institutional and legal frameworks in place. Empowerment must be transparent, accountable, and sustainable. Public trust is not negotiable,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

During the pause, the EMV management company was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and electricians and technicians were trained to ensure proper maintenance and long-term functionality of the vehicles.

The senator confirmed that CAC registration has been completed and vehicle registration is ongoing.

Once documentation is finalized, the locally assembled electric vehicles will be deployed to beneficiaries, especially women and youths, for commercial use.

“Our goal is to empower our people with dignity, create sustainable livelihoods, reduce transportation costs, and prepare Kogi Central for a cleaner, greener future,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan described the EMV initiative as a landmark intervention combining economic empowerment with environmental responsibility.

She also announced the establishment of a Trust Fund to oversee the EMV programme alongside other constituency assets, including the SNAU Foundation Maternity Centre and modern markets in Okene and Ihima.

Applications have also commenced for the Electric Motor Vehicle Technical Training Programme under the Operate & Own Model.

The programme will train 100 eligible residents in operating and maintaining electric and solar-powered tricycles. Successful participants will gain technical skills and opportunities to own and operate the vehicles for sustainable income generation.

“This is empowerment with purpose—creating jobs, promoting innovation, and equipping our people to thrive,” Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded.

Members of the Labour Party (LP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday staged a protest at the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the inclusion of their candidates in the upcoming Area Council elections in Abuja scheduled for February 21.

The protesters described their exclusion as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the party, despite a subsisting court order in their favour.

They vowed to occupy INEC’s premises until the commission complied with the court directive.

Addressing the protesters, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdul Zuru acknowledged the challenges posed by conflicting court orders but assured that the commission would act in accordance with the law.

“I am here on behalf of the commission to speak to you regarding the court order you have presented. I will personally hand it over to the chairman, and the commission will act on it,” he said.

Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “INEC, Upload Labour Party Candidates,” “Obey Court Order,” and “No Labour Party in the Ballot, No Council Election in FCT.”

Eyisi Okey Nwoke, LP Publicity Secretary in the FCT, insisted that Julius Abure remains the recognised national chairman of the party. “We are here peacefully.

INEC has excluded Labour Party candidates from the February Area Council elections, despite a court order instructing otherwise. This is an attempt to stifle our popularity, but it will not succeed,” he said.

Nwoke added that detractors had tried to infiltrate LP to create divisions, but the party resisted.

“In the FCT, it is Labour Party. There are no factions here,” he said.

Princess Licia Igbe, Chairman of LP in the North Central Zone, called on INEC to comply with the court order.

“We are exercising our constitutional right to protest. Labour Party candidates must be uploaded to the ballot. INEC cannot disenfranchise Nigerians or undermine democracy,” she said.

The spokesperson noted that INEC, as a commission, has never deliberately disobeyed a court order.

“Challenges have arisen due to conflicting court orders, but the commission acts on the prevailing order,” he explained, adding that decisions are taken collectively by the commission and not unilaterally.

As Enugu State approaches the 2027 gubernatorial election, one figure stands out with resounding affirmation from both the electorate and the custodians of tradition. That man is His Excellency, Governor Dr. Peter Mbah.

His leadership journey, underscored by integrity, humility, and a commitment to transformative governance, received a profound endorsement recently from the royal fathers of Nkanu land, signaling strong continuity for his administration.

The occasion was the 50th coronation anniversary of HRM Igwe Fidelis Ogbu Nwatu, the revered traditional ruler of Ihuokpara in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

Amidst the pomp and celebration of half a century of dedicated service, Governor Mbah was presented with the Ofo staff, a potent symbol of Igbo authority, truth, and justice, by the Nkanu royal fathers, led by Igwe Nwatu and supported by HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.

In accepting this rare and weighty honor, Governor Mbah reflected on the deeper cultural and spiritual significance of the Ofo.

“This is not an ordinary honour. This is trust, authority, and it has been conferred on me by no other but by my people,” he declared.

His words captured the essence of the relationship between governance and tradition in Enugu, in the sense that legitimacy flows not merely from electoral processes, but also from the approval of the people’s elders and ancestral representatives.

The governor’s acknowledgment of this responsibility was immediate and profound.

He assured the royal fathers and the people of Enugu that their confidence would not be misplaced, vowing to serve with every fiber of his being, humility, and unwavering dedication.

This pledge resonates strongly with the Nkanu endorsement, which was not ceremonial but a clear affirmation of Governor Mbah’s track record in leadership, landmark projects, and transformative policies.

As Igwe Nwatu noted, “Enugu State has never had it so good,” a testament to the governor’s ability to marry development with justice and service.

Beyond the symbolic presentation of the Ofo, Governor Mbah took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions.

Beginning January 2026, traditional rulers in Enugu State will experience significant improvements in welfare and institutional support, including the provision of vehicles for principal officers of the Traditional Rulers Council.

This initiative reflects an administration that not only acknowledges the role of culture and tradition but actively invests in its preservation and operational efficiency.

Governor Mbah’s presence at the golden jubilee celebration of HRM Igwe Nwatu was more than ceremonial; it was a powerful display of unity between modern governance and traditional authority.

The event, which also featured the launch of a book titled “Leadership as Service: A Portrait of Stewardship, Justice and Peace” authored by Igwe Nwatu, brought together prominent national figures, from former Senate President Ken Nnamani to leading political and industrial personalities, underscoring the broad-based respect and admiration for the governor’s leadership.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the endorsement by Enugu’s traditional rulers, particularly from Nkanu land, sends a clear message: Governor Peter Mbah is a leader whose vision, integrity, and capacity to deliver development are widely recognized and deeply trusted.

The confidence of the traditional institution, long considered the moral compass and cultural anchor of Igbo society, augurs well for the continuity of governance that prioritizes justice, progress, and service to the people.

In a political era often marked by fleeting promises and transactional loyalty, Governor Mbah’s 2027 trajectory is distinguished by the weight of tradition, the validation of performance, and the deep respect of those who embody the state’s collective memory and values.

His reelection, under the watchful eyes of both the electorate and the revered custodians of Enugu culture, appears not just plausible, but culturally and politically affirmed; a testament to leadership that resonates across generations.