Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Governance

  • Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis

    In an update published by The Punch on February 1st, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains the dominant political force in Rivers State. Speaking at a civic reception in his honor, Wike assured his supporters that they could “sleep with both eyes closed” because his camp remains firmly in control of the state’s political structure despite his role in Abuja.

    According to Vanguard News, Wike’s comments have reignited the cold war between his loyalists and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The report highlights that Wike used the event to showcase his influence, including his role in recommending top officials for federal appointments. “I have always said that appreciation is the currency of loyalty, and we will continue to reward those who stand with us,” Wike reportedly told the crowd.

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains tense following the Minister’s pronouncements. The outlet quoted a local activist who warned: “The continued power struggle between the FCT Minister and the Governor is distracting from governance and could lead to further instability in the Niger Delta region.”

    Echotitbits take: The Rivers crisis is no longer just a state matter; it is a significant government policy and security headache for the presidency. Wike’s “I am in charge” stance suggests that no reconciliation is in sight, which could impact the 2027 presidential calculations for the South-South region.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-were-in-charge-says-wike/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • South-East APC leaders signal early backing for Tinubu’s second-term bid

    South-East APC leaders signal early backing for Tinubu’s second-term bid

    According to The Nation, South-East leaders within the APC have publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, framing it as a political strategy to consolidate the party’s position ahead of 2027.

    The report says the endorsement is tied to promises of mobilisation and vote delivery, signalling early alliance-building and intra-party positioning.

    Political analysts note endorsements this early can be as much about negotiating access and policy priorities as about the final electoral map, which will depend on security, economy and coalition dynamics.

    The development also raises questions about regional bargaining: representation in appointments, infrastructure commitments and inclusion in national decision-making.

    Echotitbits take: Early endorsements are leverage plays. Watch what specific policy asks follow—projects, appointments, or legislative priorities—and whether other blocs counter with alternative coalitions.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/uzodimma-others-back-tinubus-re-election/ 11 January 2026

    The Punch 2026-01-11

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Cross River Revenue Service Suspends New Assessments as It Tightens Reform Processes

    Cross River Revenue Service Suspends New Assessments as It Tightens Reform Processes

    Reporting by Tribune indicates Cross River’s revenue administration paused new tax assessments while it reviews and tightens processes linked to reform-era enforcement changes.

    The policy logic is consistent with crackdowns aimed at reducing leakages, standardizing assessments, and limiting opaque cash collection practices.

    Short-term disruptions are possible if taxpayers and businesses lack clear guidance on what applies, when, and how disputes will be handled.

    Radio Nigeria also reported the suspension directive as part of process tightening, while GazetteNGR highlighted the state’s push toward reform-aligned, cashless tax practices, noting “end cash tax payments” in its summary.

    Echotitbits take: Watch for published taxpayer guidelines and a credible appeals mechanism—those separate reform from confusion.

    Source: Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/tax-reform-act-crirs-suspends-tax-assessment-process-for-review/ January 10, 2026

    Guardian 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: Guardian

  • Osun Payroll Audit Flags 8,452 ‘Ghost Workers’ as State Tightens Wage Controls

    Osun Payroll Audit Flags 8,452 ‘Ghost Workers’ as State Tightens Wage Controls

    Reporting by The Punch indicates a payroll audit uncovered 8,452 alleged ghost workers in Osun State, raising fresh questions about payroll controls and wage leakages.

    The report suggests the finding emerged from a verification process aimed at tightening wage administration in a period of fiscal pressure.

    If the clean-up is sustained, it could free funds for public services, though disputes may follow over wrongful deletions and labour politics.

    Premium Times also reported the “8,452 ghost workers” figure, while The Guardian similarly described the discovery within a payroll clean-up narrative for the state.

    Echotitbits take: The real test is enforcement—publishing an audit trail, recovering funds where possible, and sanctioning those who enabled payroll fraud.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/consultant-uncovers-8452-ghost-workers-in-osun/ January 10, 2026

    The Punch 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • 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

  • 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

  • Governor Fubara Assures Residents of Stability Amid Heightened Political Rhetoric

    Governor Fubara Assures Residents of Stability Amid Heightened Political Rhetoric

    According to Premium Times, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has addressed the state, urging calm in the face of what he termed ‘sounds of war’ coming from political opponents. The Governor’s broadcast was a direct response to recent threats of administrative disruption by factions loyal to the former Governor, Nyesom Wike.

    Fubara maintained that his administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure and social services, despite the intense political friction within the state assembly. He also announced the appointment of new special advisers aimed at strengthening his team’s ‘execution capacity’ for the 2026 budget.

    The Guardian Nigeria reported that ‘Fubara tells new special advisers to strengthen teamwork,’ reinforcing his message of administrative continuity. Daily Post also highlighted the tension, quoting the Governor’s speech where he sought to ‘assure Rivers people of peace’ despite the political climate.

    Echotitbits take: Fubara is attempting to project the image of a focused leader unbothered by ‘distractions,’ but the underlying struggle for control of the Rivers State treasury is far from over. Investors will be watching the state assembly closely to see if political deadlock stalls the N1.8 trillion budget.

    Source : The Punch — https://punchng.com/ignore-sounds-of-war-fubara-tells-rivers-people/
    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Ramaphosa appoints new leadership for South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission (2026–2030)

    Ramaphosa appoints new leadership for South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission (2026–2030)

    Ramaphosa appoints new leadership for South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission (2026–2030)

    According to a statement carried via Africa Newsroom, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed leadership and members of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the 2026–2030 term.

    The PCC sits at the centre of high-stakes policy trade-offs—how to cut emissions while protecting jobs, ensuring energy security, and maintaining industrial competitiveness.

    Leadership choices here often shape which transition priorities move fastest: just-transition financing, sector pathways, and the pace of regulatory implementation.

    The Presidency’s official release confirms the appointment set and is dated “Friday, 2 January 2026.” SABC News also reported the development, stating Ramaphosa “has appointed” a new slate of climate commissioners.

    Echotitbits take:
    South Africa’s climate governance signals often ripple across Africa’s energy debates. Watch the first 90 days: priority workstreams, how labour and industry respond, and whether financing commitments match the ambition of the policy language.

    Source: The Presidency — January 2, 2026 — https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/president-ramaphosa-appoints-new-leadership-presidential-climate-commission
    The Presidency 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Presidency