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

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January 8, 2026

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

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ICPC Says Probe of Ex-NMDPRA Chief Continues Despite Dangote Petition Withdrawal

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Observations made by Premium Times show the ICPC says it will continue investigating allegations linked to the former head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, even after the Dangote Group reportedly withdrew its complaint.

The commission said its mandate allows it to pursue potential systemic wrongdoing irrespective of a petitioner’s withdrawal, especially where public interest is implicated.

The inquiry is expected to examine records and decisions linked to the regulator’s tenure in the oil and gas space.

**Echotitbits take:** This stance reinforces the idea that anti-corruption isn’t a private dispute to be settled quietly. Watch for legal actions if investigators identify evidence strong enough to sustain prosecution.
Source: Guardian — https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/icpc-confirms-probe-of-ex-nmdpra-boss-continues-despite-dangote-withdrawal/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: Guardian

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Super Eagles Bonus Row Sparks Boycott Threat Ahead of Key AFCON Fixture

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Information provided by Daily Post suggests tension in the Super Eagles camp in Morocco after reports that players and officials threatened to boycott movement and training over unpaid bonuses and allowances.

The dispute reportedly relates to win bonuses from earlier stages, with sources saying the team would not proceed until commitments are met.

The standoff puts the Nigeria Football Federation and sports authorities under pressure, given the timing around a crucial match.

**Echotitbits take:** Nigeria’s football brand takes a hit every time bonus disputes overshadow the pitch. Watch for last-minute intervention from the sports ministry or top government officials to avoid forfeiture and reputational damage.
Source : The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/afcon-2025-reactions-trail-super-eagles-threat-over-unpaid-bonuses/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: The Punch

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UN Urges Nigeria to Strengthen Protection for Students and Schools Amid Insecurity

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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As documented by The Punch, the United Nations has called on Nigeria to step up measures to protect students and educational institutions from persistent security threats.

The UN stressed that schools must remain safe zones and urged stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, including physical protection and surveillance where needed.

The advisory comes amid continuing attacks and displacement in parts of the country, with calls for quicker de-escalation and better protection for civilians.

**Echotitbits take:** The security of schools is foundational—loss of education today fuels instability tomorrow. Watch for any concrete rollout of dedicated campus or school protection units and measurable funding for the Safe Schools Initiative.
Source: The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/terrorism-un-urges-nigeria-to-protect-civilians-schools/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Cooking Gas Prices Hold Around ₦1,000/kg as Supply Improves

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Details shared by The Punch indicate liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices have steadied at about ₦1,000 per kilogram in several major cities, after months of volatility.

Industry sources linked the stability to improved supply conditions and more dependable local output, which has reduced pressure from imports.

Marketers, however, warned that distribution costs—driven by logistics challenges and diesel prices—remain a risk factor.

**Echotitbits take:** Stable LPG pricing is a meaningful relief for households and small businesses. The next test is infrastructure: without better distribution networks and cheaper logistics, price stability can quickly unravel.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/cooking-gas-stabilises-around-n1000-kg-as-supply-improves/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers.

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Borno Police Say 2,610 Suspects Arrested in Wide Crime Sweep, Hundreds Convicted

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Figures cited by The Guardian show the Borno State Police Command said it arrested 2,610 suspects for various offences over the period under review, including cases linked to gender-based violence and armed robbery.

Police officials also reported recoveries of arms, vehicles and drugs, adding that a large number of cases have already been prosecuted to conclusion with convictions.

The command attributed the outcomes to intelligence-led policing and community support, as the state remains under security pressure from insurgency and cross-border crime.

**Echotitbits take:** High arrest and conviction figures signal more assertive policing, but they also underline the scale of criminality in the region. Watch for stronger joint operations and border security coordination to keep networks from regenerating.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria — https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-arrest-2610-suspects-recover-arms-cash-in-borno/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: Guardian Nigeria

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

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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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

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US Rolls Out Visa Bond Pilot That Could Cost Some Nigerians $5,000–$15,000

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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Reporting by ThisDay Live indicates the United States has begun implementing a visa bond pilot that may require some B1/B2 (tourism/business) applicants from Nigeria and other countries to post financial guarantees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

The bond requirement is not expected to apply to every applicant; it will be triggered by risk-based assessments during consular processing. Payments, where required, are to be made through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.

US authorities also stressed that a bond does not automatically mean approval, and third-party payment arrangements would not be accepted.

**Echotitbits take:** This raises the cost of legitimate travel for Nigerians and could chill short-term business and tourism flows. Watch for Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry response—especially any push for diplomatic engagement or reciprocity discussions.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/us-introduces-15000-visa-bond-for-nigerians-others/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Parallel Market Pressure Deepens as Naira Slides to ₦1,490 per Dollar

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 8, 2026

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According to Vanguard, the naira came under fresh pressure in the parallel market on Thursday, weakening to about ₦1,490/$—down from roughly ₦1,470/$ earlier in the week.

Figures from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) also showed a mild softening in the official close, moving from about ₦1,416/$ to ₦1,421/$, widening the spread between official and street rates.

Market watchers linked the renewed volatility to seasonal FX demand and speculative positioning, even as the central bank has continued to signal optimism around reserve buildup and longer-term convergence.

**Echotitbits take:** The persistent gap between official and parallel rates remains a key credibility test for FX reforms. If liquidity at the retail end stays tight, expect more pressure on prices and confidence—watch closely for the CBN’s next market-facing intervention.
Source: Guardian — https://guardian.ng/business-services/naira-eyes-n1300-at-parallel-market-as-speculators-offload-fx/ 2026-01-08

Photo Credit: Guardian

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Fusengbuwa Ruling House Gets Council Clearance, Sets Jan. 12 Nomination Meeting

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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Ijebu-Ode Local Government Letter to Fusengbuwa Ruling house

Funsegbuwa Ruling house letter Inviting nominations

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House has received formal approval from the Ijebu-Ode Local Government to begin its internal selection process for nominating a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

The approval was conveyed in an official letter dated January 6, 2026, signed by the secretary to the local government, giving the ruling house the go-ahead to commence its internal nomination procedure.

In its reply, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House invited relevant local government officials to attend its nomination meeting fixed for Monday, January 12, 2026, as the next step in the succession process.

The move is part of the broader traditional succession framework for the Awujale stool, where recognised ruling houses conduct internal consultations and forward nominees through established channels toward eventual selection and formal recognition.

Ijebu-Ode Local Government / Fusengbuwa Ruling House (letters) 2026-01-06

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