By Huldah Shado

The Ondo State Government has declared Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as public holidays to mark the state’s 50th anniversary.

The announcement, contained in an official statement, said the holidays will enable residents to participate fully in activities lined up for the golden jubilee celebrations. Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976.

The government said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the state’s history, achievements and development over the past five decades, while promoting unity among its people.

Residents were urged to celebrate peacefully, as normal activities in public institutions are expected to resume on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

By Samuel Adeola

Premier League Matchday 24 delivered goals and drama on Saturday as Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea recorded key victories.

Arsenal strengthened their title push with a dominant 4-0 away win at Leeds United. Goals from Martín Zubimendi, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Jesus and an own goal kept Mikel Arteta’s side top of the table.

Liverpool bounced back at Anfield with a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. After conceding early to Anthony Gordon, Hugo Ekitike struck twice, with Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté also on target to end the Reds’ poor run.

Chelsea produced a thrilling comeback to beat West Ham United 3-2. After going two goals down, João Pedro and Marc Cucurella levelled before Enzo Fernández fired the winner in stoppage time.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth beat Wolves 2-0, while Brighton and Everton played out a 1-1 draw.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has appealed a Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan which nullified the party’s November 2025 national convention and recognised a Wike-backed caretaker committee.

Justice Uche Agomoh, in a ruling delivered on Friday, voided the convention held in Ibadan on November 15, 2025, and ordered Turaki and other officials elected at the exercise to stop parading themselves as national officers. The court affirmed that the caretaker committee chaired by Mohammed Abdulrahman, with Samuel Anyanwu as secretary, remains the party’s recognised leadership pending a valid convention.

Reacting, Turaki said the NWC had filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution, describing the judgment as “academic.” He urged the Court of Appeal to consolidate all PDP-related cases to ensure a definitive ruling.

Turaki maintained that the Ibadan convention was backed by PDP governors and produced officers elected for a four-year term, adding that the judgment conflicted with existing court decisions of coordinate jurisdiction. He expressed confidence that the appellate courts would resolve the leadership dispute conclusively.

The PDP crisis stems from rival claims between the governors-backed faction led by Turaki and the Wike-aligned camp supporting the Abdulrahman-led caretaker committee. INEC has declined to recognise either faction, prompting multiple court actions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, the Wike-backed caretaker committee welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for the rule of law. In a statement by its spokesperson, Jungude Mohammed, the committee urged party members to embrace unity, reconciliation, and due process.