Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Government Policy

  • Tragic Loss as Senator Godiya Akwashiki Passes On at 52

    Tragic Loss as Senator Godiya Akwashiki Passes On at 52

    In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian political community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North in the National Assembly. Chieftains of various political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), received the remains of the 52-year-old lawmaker at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing his demise as a ‘devastating loss to the nation.’

    Senator Akwashiki was widely respected for his contributions to legislative governance and his commitment to the development of Nasarawa State. Colleagues and family members described him as a bridge-builder who maintained strong relationships across party lines, making his sudden departure a significant blow to the opposition and the Senate at large.

    The news was also reported by Daily Post and Leadership. Daily Post noted that the ‘SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo pays tribute’ to the late senator, while Leadership cited the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, who stated that ‘Akwashiki’s demise is an irreparable loss to the state and the nation.’

    Echotitbits take: The death of a sitting senator often triggers a high-stakes by-election. Beyond the personal tragedy, Akwashiki’s passing will likely lead to a political scramble in Nasarawa North. Watch for how the SDP and the ruling APC position themselves for the upcoming contest to fill the vacant seat.
    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/senator-godiya-akwashiki-dies-in-indian-hospital-at-52/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Fresh Turmoil in Rivers as Wike Challenges APC National Leadership

    Fresh Turmoil in Rivers as Wike Challenges APC National Leadership

    Reporting by the Nigerian Observer indicates that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to stay clear of the political affairs of Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike described Rivers as a ‘no-go area’ for external meddlers, signaling a deepening rift within the political alliances supporting the current administration.

    The friction intensified after the APC secretariat cautioned against the ‘disrespect’ of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by some party members. Wike countered this by claiming that those now intervening were absent when the struggle to support the Presidency was ‘hot,’ and accused them of only showing interest now that ‘food is ready’ in the form of state resources.

    The political spat was further validated by Premium Times and Channels TV. Premium Times noted the ‘APC national secretary calls for Wike’s resignation as minister,’ while Channels TV reported that ‘Wike accuses Rivers political leaders of misleading Fubara,’ emphasizing that existing political agreements must be honored to maintain order in the state.

    Echotitbits take: The Wike-Fubara feud has evolved from a local state crisis into a national party headache. Wike’s public rebuke of his own party’s national secretary shows he is unwilling to cede his role as the ultimate power broker in Rivers. Watch for how the Presidency manages this ‘civil war’ to prevent it from affecting the stability of the ruling coalition.
    Source: Guardian  – https://guardian.ng/news/apc-draws-battle-line-with-wike-over-rivers-political-control/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Guardian

  • Lagos Governor Donates N100 Million and Housing to Nigerian Legion

    Lagos Governor Donates N100 Million and Housing to Nigerian Legion

    Figures cited by The Guardian show that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has donated N100 million to the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Legion to launch the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund. In addition to the cash donation, the Governor provided four sets of two-bedroom apartments, utility vehicles, and 500 bags of rice to support the families of fallen heroes and surviving veterans. During the launch at Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that honoring those who paid the supreme price is a national tradition and a constitutional responsibility. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of veterans, stating that their sacrifices remain the foundation of the nation’s peace. The event was also reported by Vanguard and Channels TV. Vanguard noted that ‘Sanwo-Olu gifts N100m apartments to Nigerian Legion,’ while Channels TV highlighted that the Governor called for ‘increased public support’ for the emblem appeal ahead of the January 15 commemoration.

    Echotitbits take: This gesture serves a dual purpose: social welfare and a morale booster for active-duty personnel. By providing housing and cash, Lagos is setting a high bar for other states. Expect similar launches across the 36 states as the country prepares for the main Remembrance Day ceremony on January 15.

    Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/06/sanwo-olu-donates-n100m-houses-food-items-to-nigerian-legion/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: ThisDay

  • 2026 Budget Aimed at Locking in Economic Reform Gains, Minister Says

    2026 Budget Aimed at Locking in Economic Reform Gains, Minister Says

    According to The Nation reporting on January 6, 2026, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has clarified that the federal government’s current fiscal plan is designed specifically to cement the benefits of ongoing structural reforms. The Minister highlighted that the ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ represents a commitment to double down on effective policies while ensuring that improved economic indicators—such as easing inflation and strengthened external reserves—translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Idris acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians over the past 31 months but maintained that the difficult decisions were necessary to end long-standing stagnation. He emphasized that recent expansions in business activity and improved investor confidence serve as the foundation for lasting national improvement. The fiscal strategy has been validated by other major outlets including Vanguard and The Punch. According to Vanguard, the budget focuses on ‘strengthening the economy, boosting jobs, and infrastructure.’ In a parallel report, The Punch noted the government’s stance that the ‘2026 budget to strengthen economy, boost jobs, infrastructure – FG’ is a pivotal move for the current administration.

    Echotitbits take: This move signals the government’s shift from ‘survival mode’ to ‘consolidation mode.’ By focusing on infrastructure and job creation in the 2026 cycle, the Tinubu administration is attempting to lower the high cost of living before the next electoral cycle gains full momentum. Watch for how the National Assembly prioritizes capital expenditure in the coming weeks.

    Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/2026-budget-to-consolidate-tinubus-reform-gains-minister/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: ThePunch

  • Fresh Leadership Nominated for Nigeria’s Petroleum Regulatory Agencies

    Fresh Leadership Nominated for Nigeria’s Petroleum Regulatory Agencies

    Reporting by Leadership indicates that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm 21 nominees to the boards of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Leading the list for the NUPRC is Senator Magnus Abe, a former NNPC board member, while Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, an energy lawyer with over three decades of experience, has been tapped to chair the NMDPRA board. The nominations aim to provide stable regulatory oversight as Nigeria seeks to increase its daily crude oil production and modernize its midstream infrastructure. The President urged the nominees to maintain professional standards and act as transparent regulators to attract much-needed foreign investment into the energy sector. The development was also corroborated by The Punch and Tribune Online. The Punch confirmed that ‘Tinubu nominates Magnus Abe, 20 others to NUPRC, NMDPRA boards,’ while Tribune Online noted that the request seeks ‘Senate’s swift confirmation’ to avoid regulatory gaps in the oil sector.

    Echotitbits take: The appointment of Magnus Abe and other industry veterans suggests a desire for political and technical synergy in the oil sector. With Nigeria aiming for a 1.8 million bpd target, these regulators will face immediate pressure to resolve pipeline security issues and finalize long-standing investment agreements.

    Source: TheCable – https://www.thecable.ng/senate-panel-screens-tinubus-nominees-for-nmdpra-nuprc-leadership/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Wike Warns APC National Secretary to Stay Out of Rivers Politics

    Wike Warns APC National Secretary to Stay Out of Rivers Politics

    Reporting by the Nigerian Observer (via Leadership/The Nation feeds) indicates that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a stern warning to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to refrain from interfering in the internal politics of Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo, Wike cautioned that the support given to President Tinubu should not be taken for granted and described the state as a ‘no-go area’ for external meddlers. The friction arose after Basiru reportedly warned APC leaders in Rivers to stop ‘disrespecting’ Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike countered by challenging ‘greedy politicians’ who he claims are only interested in the state’s treasury now that ‘food is ready,’ referencing the political stability and resources he helped secure. The political spat was also tracked by The Nation and Daily Post. The Nation reported that ‘Wike accuses Rivers political leaders of misleading Fubara,’ while Daily Post noted the APC scribe’s call for ‘Wike’s resignation as minister’ to face Rivers politics squarely.

    Echotitbits take: The ‘cold war’ in Rivers has now turned into a multi-party proxy battle. Wike’s warning to the APC national leadership shows he is still the primary power broker in the state, despite his cabinet role in Abuja. Watch for whether this internal friction forces the presidency to mediate between its minister and the party’s secretariat.

    Source: TheCable –  https://www.thecable.ng/your-hands-will-burn-wike-warns-apc-national-secretary-basiru-to-steer-clear-of-rivers-politics/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: TheCable

  • Renewed Voter Registration Exercise Kicks Off Across Nigeria

    Renewed Voter Registration Exercise Kicks Off Across Nigeria

    In an update published by Vanguard, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially resumed its nationwide continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise today, January 6, 2026. This phase is intended to capture new voters, allow for transfers of registration, and enable the replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls. INEC officials emphasized that the process has been streamlined with more digital touchpoints to reduce queuing times at local government offices. The commission urged citizens who have turned 18 since the last exercise to take advantage of this window to ensure their participation in the democratic process. The resumption was also validated by Channels TV and Daily Post. Channels TV reported that ‘INEC resumes second phase of continuous voter registration,’ while Daily Post highlighted the importance of the exercise for the ‘Ekiti 2026’ off-cycle governorship election.

    Echotitbits take: By starting the CVR early in 2026, INEC is attempting to avoid the last-minute rush that usually plagues Nigerian elections. The focus on Ekiti is a strategic test run for the commission’s new logistics and digital registration platforms. Expect civil society groups to ramp up mobilization campaigns this quarter.

    Source: InsideBusiness – https://insidebusiness.ng/237638/inec-restarts-nationwide-voter-registration-as-second-phase-of-cvr-begins/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: InsideBusiness

  • Anglican Bishop Urges Credible and Bloodless Ekiti and Osun Elections

    Anglican Bishop Urges Credible and Bloodless Ekiti and Osun Elections

    In an update published by The Punch, an Anglican Bishop has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties to ensure that the upcoming off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun are free, fair, and devoid of violence. Speaking at a New Year service, the cleric emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford another ‘flawed electoral exercise’ which further erodes public trust in democratic institutions.

    The Bishop also called on the youth to resist being used as ‘political thugs’ by candidates who keep their own children safely abroad. He urged the electorate to focus on ‘issue-based voting’ rather than ‘stomach infrastructure,’ noting that the economic choices made during these state elections will have long-term consequences for regional development.

    Corroborating details from The Nation and Leadership highlight the religious focus on politics. The Nation noted that ‘other religious bodies are planning a joint peace accord,’ while Leadership quoted the Bishop: ‘The ballot must be more powerful than the bullet in Ekiti and Osun.’

    Echotitbits take: Off-cycle elections are often ‘test runs’ for the general election. With Ekiti and Osun coming up, the Church is positioning itself as a moral watchdog. Watch for whether INEC introduces new ‘anti-rigging’ technology specifically for these two states to address the ‘judicial technicalities’ Falana recently complained about.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/anglican-bishop-calls-for-credible-ekiti-osun-polls/  January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • SDP National Chairman Warns Tinubu Over Extravagant Lifestyle Amid Poverty

    SDP National Chairman Warns Tinubu Over Extravagant Lifestyle Amid Poverty

    According to The Authority, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has issued a scathing assessment of the Tinubu administration. Gombe warned that the ‘extravagant lifestyle’ of those in power, contrasted with the rising poverty and ‘policy somersaults’ affecting ordinary Nigerians, poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic stability.

    The SDP leader criticized the removal of fuel subsidies without what he called ‘adequate social cushioning,’ arguing that the current tax reforms are being introduced at a time when most citizens are struggling to afford basic meals. He positioned the SDP as the ‘rescue mission’ for 2027, promising a return to people-centered governance and fiscal accountability.

    Validation of this political critique came from Tribune Online and Daily Post. Tribune Online reported that ‘SDP is mobilizing a third-force coalition for 2027,’ while Daily Post quoted Gombe: ‘A hungry population cannot be patriotic; the government must lead by example in cutting costs.’

    Echotitbits take: This is the beginning of the ‘2027 Campaign’ narrative. By attacking the government’s ‘extravagance,’ the SDP is tapping into widespread public frustration over the high cost of governance. While the SDP is currently small, watch for whether disaffected members of the APC or PDP begin to coalesce around this ‘rescue mission’ banner.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/new-year-sdp-chair-tasks-tinubu-on-security-economy/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Femi Falana Slams Judges for Granting Bail to Alleged Security Fund Looters

    Femi Falana Slams Judges for Granting Bail to Alleged Security Fund Looters

    Reporting by The Punch indicates that human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized the Nigerian judiciary for using ‘legal technicalities’ to release individuals accused of stealing billions intended for arms procurement. Falana argued that while soldiers are being sent to the frontlines with inadequate equipment, those responsible for diverting the funds are enjoying freedom and ‘obstructing justice’ through prolonged bail and stay-of-proceedings.

    The senior advocate called for a dedicated ‘Anti-Corruption Court’ to fast-track cases involving national security funds. He emphasized that the current judicial system is too slow and susceptible to influence from wealthy defendants. Falana’s critique comes amid fresh reports of military casualties in the North-East, which he links directly to the ‘financial sabotage’ of the defense budget.

    Supporting reports from Premium Times and Channels TV validate Falana’s stance. Premium Times noted that ‘Falana’s call for special courts is gaining traction among activists,’ while Channels TV quoted him directly: ‘Technicalities should not be a shield for those who leave our soldiers vulnerable.’

    Echotitbits take: Falana is highlighting the ‘disconnect’ between the courtrooms and the trenches. The Nigerian judiciary is often criticized for being ‘pro-defendant’ in high-profile corruption cases. Watch for whether the National Judicial Council (NJC) issues a new directive on ‘priority corruption cases’ to counter this narrative.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/treasury-looters-dont-deserve-bail-says-falana/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch