Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Politics

  • Strike Action Cripples FCTA as Workers Demand Removal of Minister Wike

    Strike Action Cripples FCTA as Workers Demand Removal of Minister Wike

    Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have commenced an indefinite strike in Abuja. Protesters gathered at the National Industrial Court on January 26, 2026, demanding the removal of the FCT Minister amid unresolved labor disputes.

    Workers cite unpaid promotion arrears and insufficient working tools, framing the situation as a violation of their rights and welfare. The industrial action has reportedly disrupted administrative activities across the FCT, with labor leaders insisting the strike will continue until meaningful concessions are achieved.

    Separate coverage also referenced court-related developments and included statements supporting the legitimacy of the protest action. The “Wike must go” demand, however, elevates the dispute beyond a standard wage-and-welfare negotiation and into a politically sensitive confrontation.

    Echotitbits take: Minister Nyesom Wike is known for his hardline approach to administration, but this labor confrontation could slow down his ambitious infrastructure projects in Abuja. Negotiation is likely, but the “Wike must go” demand makes it a high-stakes political standoff.
    Source: TVC News – https://www.tvcnews.tv/wike-takes-striking-fcta-workers-to-court/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: TVC News

  • Sunday Igboho Set for Hero’s Return to Nigeria Following Exile

    Sunday Igboho Set for Hero’s Return to Nigeria Following Exile

    Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has reportedly been cleared to return to Nigeria from self-exile. The breakthrough follows interventions from prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who are said to have negotiated his safe reintegration without fear of prosecution.

    Punch Newspapers quoted Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, saying he is a free man and would soon return to Ibadan. The Cable also reported that authorities are no longer seeking his arrest, signalling a major shift from the tension that forced him into exile.

    Echotitbits take: Igboho’s return is a major cultural and political development for the South-West. While his homecoming is being framed as a move toward peace, it will be telling whether his presence reignites Yoruba Nation advocacy or evolves into a more traditional role under the guidance of the monarchs who helped secure his freedom.
    Source: MatazaRising – https://matazarising.com/2026/01/25/sunday-igboho-set-to-fully-return-to-nigeria-from-self-exile/#google_vignette 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: MatazaRising

  • Rivers Assembly Re-ignites Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

    Rivers Assembly Re-ignites Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara

    In a report by The Punch, the political crisis in Rivers State intensified as the State House of Assembly reportedly commenced a third attempt at impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. The development follows months of fragile calm that appears to have broken down.

    Lawmakers divided into rival factions cited alleged “gross misconduct” as the basis for the move. Security personnel were reported around the assembly complex as members met to consider formal notices.

    Legal observers have raised questions about constitutionality given earlier court actions, while pro-Fubara supporters described the effort as a political vendetta meant to destabilize governance and disrupt projects.

    Channels TV and The Sun also reported heightened tension in Port Harcourt and security presence around the assembly.

    Echotitbits take: Rivers remains a flashpoint for Nigerian political volatility. Expect prolonged litigation and political brinkmanship, potentially escalating to higher courts in 2026.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/breaking-rivers-assembly-begins-impeachment-proceedings-against-fubara/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Peter Obi Slams ₦8 Trillion NNPCL Debt Write-Off as ‘Fiscal Recklessness’

    Peter Obi Slams ₦8 Trillion NNPCL Debt Write-Off as ‘Fiscal Recklessness’

    Reporting by The Nation indicates Labour Party leader Peter Obi criticized the federal government’s reported write-off of roughly ₦8 trillion in debts linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), calling it fiscally reckless.

    The write-off reportedly includes a mix of naira and dollar liabilities, which the presidency framed as a balance-sheet cleanup ahead of a potential public listing. Obi argued that such a large cancellation should be backed by transparent audits and accountability.

    He called for full disclosure on how the liabilities accumulated and suggested recovered sums should be reinvested into critical sectors like infrastructure and education.

    Daily Post and Tribune Online also reported responses, including claims by government spokesmen that the step is standard corporate restructuring rather than impropriety.

    Echotitbits take: This could become an early flashpoint in Nigeria’s next economic-political cycle. Balance-sheet cleanup is normal, but scale demands transparency—watch for legislative hearings or audit calls.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/obi-condemns-%E2%82%A68tr-nnpc-debt-write-off-warns-of-fiscal-recklessness/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Senate President Akpabio Withdraws ₦200 Billion Defamation Lawsuits

    Senate President Akpabio Withdraws ₦200 Billion Defamation Lawsuits

    According to Leadership, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said he would withdraw defamation and libel suits against individuals and media outlets, including a widely discussed ₦200 billion case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Akpabio announced the decision during a church service in Uyo, saying he was influenced by a message on forgiveness and national reconciliation, and wanted to lead by example as a senior public official.

    Legal commentators described the move as a strategic de-escalation that could reduce internal tensions in the National Assembly and allow lawmakers to focus on pressing policy issues.

    The Nation and Daily Post also reported reactions, including statements welcoming the withdrawal as a win for dialogue and democratic culture.

    Echotitbits take: This looks like a political reset that clears distractions and could smooth legislative relationships. Watch whether it translates into a more cohesive Senate agenda in 2026.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/why-i-withdrew-defamation-case-against-natasha-others-akpabio/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • APC in Lagos Backs Tax Reforms, Says Low-Income Earners Will Be Shielded

    APC in Lagos Backs Tax Reforms, Says Low-Income Earners Will Be Shielded

    In an update published by The Nation, the Lagos chapter of the APC defended the Federal Government’s tax reform agenda, arguing that the framework is intended to protect vulnerable citizens while improving compliance and collection.

    Party officials said the reforms aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax architecture, reduce duplication, and expand the tax base through technology rather than imposing heavier burdens on struggling households.

    The debate has drawn reactions from labour and other stakeholders amid cost-of-living concerns and broader fiscal pressures.

    **Echotitbits take:** The policy battle will be won or lost on trust and implementation. Nigerians will watch for real relief—especially any clearly defined exemptions for low-income earners and visible service improvements tied to the extra revenue.
    Source: Independent — https://independent.ng/new-tax-reform-not-weapon-against-the-poor-apc-clarifies/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: Independent

  • Kano Politics on Edge as Gov. Yusuf Hints at Possible APC Switch

    Kano Politics on Edge as Gov. Yusuf Hints at Possible APC Switch

    Per the coverage by Daily Post, Kano State’s political temperature rose after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf addressed rumours of a possible move to the APC, telling supporters he prefers action over talk.

    Yusuf currently governs under the NNPP, and speculation around a defection has triggered reactions among party stakeholders and allies, including those aligned with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    Analysts say any cross-carpeting in Kano could reshape regional alliances ahead of the next election cycle.

    **Echotitbits take:** Kano remains pivotal to northern politics, so any defection would have outsized ripple effects. Watch for signals from the Kano assembly and the Kwankwasiyya base, and whether federal-level political bargaining accelerates.
    Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/06/apc-move-gov-yusuf-secures-backing-of-kano-lawmakers-other-stakeholders/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Court Grants Bail to Ex-AGF Malami, Wife and Son in ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case

    Court Grants Bail to Ex-AGF Malami, Wife and Son in ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case

    A briefing from Premium Times reports a Federal High Court granted bail to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son, in a case involving alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering.

    The court reportedly set bail conditions at ₦500 million each, with sureties and passport surrender requirements as proceedings continue.

    The defence has disputed the allegations, while prosecutors insist the evidence is strong.

    **Echotitbits take:** Bail isn’t a verdict, but the conditions signal the court sees the allegations as serious. Watch for the next hearing dates and whether prosecutors bring key witnesses and financial trail evidence promptly.
    Source: X – https://x.com/TheNationNews/status/2008881048998822179 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: X