Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: National Assembly

  • Senate Reopens Electoral Act Talks Amid National Outcry Over Data Transmission

    Senate Reopens Electoral Act Talks Amid National Outcry Over Data Transmission

    In an update published by The Punch, the Nigerian Senate is set to convene an emergency plenary session today, February 10, 2026, to address the heated controversy surrounding the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The legislative move follows a week of intense public backlash after lawmakers removed the requirement for “real-time” electronic transmission of election results, a decision that critics argue could undermine the transparency of the 2027 general elections.

    The session, directed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, aims to harmonize the Upper Chamber’s position with that of the House of Representatives. Tension has mounted as civil society organizations and opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, led “Occupy National Assembly” protests in Abuja to demand a reversal of the clause. Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on whether to reinstate the “real-time” terminology to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

    Beyond the electoral dispute, the Senate is also facing internal shifts following the recent loss of two members and the appointment of another to a diplomatic role. This emergency sitting is viewed as a critical moment for the 10th Assembly to prove its commitment to legislative integrity and respond to the demands of a restive citizenry.

    Validating reports from Channels Television and Daily Post confirm the legislative urgency. Channels Television noted that “security operatives have been placed on high alert around the National Assembly complex as protesters gather,” while Daily Post reported that the Senate Spokesman stated the chamber is “not averse to public criticism and will resolve the issue in the interest of the nation.”

    Echotitbits take: The Senate’s decision to backtrack and hold an emergency session suggests that the pressure from “Occupy National Assembly” is working. If the “real-time” transmission clause is not reinstated, expect a further breakdown in trust between the youth-led electorate and the ruling class ahead of 2027.

    Source: TribuneOnline – https://tribuneonlineng.com/updated-electoral-act-senate-summons-emergency-plenary/, February 10, 2026

    Photo credit: TribuneOnline

  • Senate Faces Public Backlash Over Controversial Electoral Act Amendments

    Senate Faces Public Backlash Over Controversial Electoral Act Amendments

    Reporting by Leadership indicates a growing wave of public anger directed at the Nigerian Senate following the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026. Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, admitted during a television appearance that lawmakers have been subjected to insults because the version of the bill passed—specifically regarding the electronic transmission of results—did not reflect the expectations of the citizenry.

    The legislative tension was further highlighted by Daily Trust and Sahara Reporters, both of whom documented the disconnect between the Senate’s “transmission” versus “transfer” terminology. Daily Trust noted that “voters feel betrayed by the lack of real-time upload requirements,” while Sahara Reporters quoted Senator Umeh saying, “We have to take the insult because we have disappointed the people with the news they got.”

    The controversy centers on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is mandated or merely permitted to use electronic means to transmit results. Civil society organizations have already begun mobilizing for a protest, demanding a further review of the bill before it receives presidential assent.

    Echotitbits take: The “transmission vs. transfer” debate is more than semantics; it is the frontline of Nigeria’s democratic transparency. Expect legal challenges to follow if the President signs the bill without clarifying these controversial clauses.

    Source: Vanguard — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/electoral-act-senate-passes-bill-rejects-mandatory-electronic-transmission-of-results/, February 6, 2026

    Photo credit: Vanguard

  • Controversy Swirls Around Federal Government’s New Tax Reform Law

    Controversy Swirls Around Federal Government’s New Tax Reform Law

    Vanguard reports that controversy is growing over the exact version of a tax reform law signed by President Bola Tinubu, with claims that the enacted document contains “differentials” from the version debated and passed by the National Assembly.

    The reforms aim to simplify the tax code and improve collection efficiency, but some lawmakers and critics argue alleged discrepancies could impose undue burdens on small businesses and the middle class.

    The Nation and Daily Trust also reported on the dispute, including claims of administrative discrepancies in the final draft and legislative concerns about possible alterations before presidential assent.

    Echotitbits take: If the alleged differentials are material, implementation will face legal and political headwinds—potentially including injunctions and corporate challenges. The fastest de‑risking move is immediate publication of the clean legislative text trail (passed version vs assented version) and an agreed correction mechanism to preserve reform credibility.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/tax-laws-that-split-abuja-how-tinubus-reforms-sparked-governance-storm/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Federal Government Proposes New Wealth Tax for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals

    Federal Government Proposes New Wealth Tax for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals

    The Ministry of Finance is reportedly drafting a Wealth Tax bill targeting Nigerians with assets above N5 billion, including luxury real estate and private jets, as part of a drive to increase non-oil revenue.

    The government says the proposal is designed to fund social safety nets and reduce the budget deficit without raising burdens on poorer citizens, with projections of significant annual revenue if implementation is effective.

    Business groups have raised concerns about capital flight and compliance complexity, while experts warn the policy only works if authorities can accurately track luxury holdings and offshore assets.

    Echotitbits take: Bold, controversial, and easy to politicize. The wealthy are skilled at loopholes, so enforcement capacity will determine success. Without credible asset tracking and compliance systems, the tax risks becoming symbolic—or investment-deterring.
    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/fg-proposes-25-tax-rate-on-wealthy-nigerians-earning-n100-million-monthly/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Fiscal Responsibility: Experts Warn Against ‘Frivolous’ Insertions in 2026 Budget

    Fiscal Responsibility: Experts Warn Against ‘Frivolous’ Insertions in 2026 Budget

    Fiscal Responsibility: Experts Warn Against ‘Frivolous’ Insertions in 2026 Budget

    Nigeria’s proposed N58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill is facing scrutiny over reports of N3.5 trillion in new projects, amid warnings that fresh insertions could worsen debt dynamics and undermine priority sectors.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: This tension between the Executive and the National Assembly over project padding is a recurring theme. The real test will be whether the Senate resists these insertions or if they are passed in exchange for political concessions.

    Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/adc-blasts-2026-budget-as-quicksand-debts-fantasy/ (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: Arise

    2026-01-22 10:00:00

     

  • Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment

    Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment

    Federal Government Defends Constitutional Legitimacy of Budget Re-enactment

    The Attorney-General says the National Assembly can repeal and re-enact budgets as a ‘clean slate’ approach to reduce legal risk and improve transparency.

    Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.

    Echotitbits take: This ‘clean slate’ approach to budgeting is a tactical move to prevent the executive-legislative friction seen in previous years. The success of this N48.31 trillion plan will depend entirely on the transparency of the newly introduced ‘Renewed Hope’ ward projects.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fg-defends-overlapping-budgets-as-budgit-raises-concerns/ (2026-01-21)

    Photo credit: The Punch

    2026-01-21 12:00:00

     

  • 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

  • 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

  • Senator says subsidy removal saves Nigeria ₦10tn yearly, urges patience with reforms

    Senator says subsidy removal saves Nigeria ₦10tn yearly, urges patience with reforms

    Figures cited by Punch show Ogun West senator Solomon Adeola says removing petrol subsidy is saving Nigeria over ₦10tn annually, arguing the funds can support economic predictability and infrastructure.

    Adeola also defended tax-law implementation, insisting the versions being rolled out align  what lawmakers passed and were not altered after signing.

    The remarks reflect the government’s broader reform narrative—short-term pain for medium-term fiscal stability—though citizens continue to weigh claims against lived inflation pressures.

    Echotitbits take: The savings claim will be tested by transparency: where exactly does the money go, and can Nigerians see it in services and inflation relief? Watch for audited baselines, monthly fiscal reporting, and how palliatives/infrastructure spending track against ‘savings’ narratives.

    Source: The Punch — January 3, 2026 (https://punchng.com/subsidy-removal-saving-nigeria-over-n10tn-annually-adeola/)

    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Tinubu insists new national tax laws start January 1 despite calls for delay over “gazette” dispute

    Tinubu insists new national tax laws start January 1 despite calls for delay over “gazette” dispute

    2026-01-02 09:00:00
    In a report filed by Reuters, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria will proceed with implementing new tax laws from January 1, 2026, despite criticism and calls for delay tied to disputes over the gazetted text versus what lawmakers passed.

    The dispatch notes that opponents have alleged unauthorized insertions and warned about expanded enforcement powers, while the presidency argued there was no substantial issue that should pause the reforms and described the change as a major fiscal reset.

    The controversy is unfolding alongside broader reforms, with the government leaning on a tax overhaul as a revenue and efficiency lever.

    Validation: TheCable reported legislative voices urging suspension until allegations are resolved, noting the rollout is “scheduled to begin in January.” Reuters quoted Tinubu’s framing of the reform as a “once-in-a-generation” fiscal reset.

    Echotitbits take: The reform will be judged by whether it reduces friction (harmonisation, clarity, lower compliance pain) or becomes an enforcement brawl. Watch the implementation guidelines, dispute-resolution mechanics and whether businesses see predictable rules rather than surprise powers.

    Source: Reuters — 2025-12-30 (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-implement-new-tax-laws-january-1-despite-calls-delay-tinubu-says-2025-12-30/)
    Reuters 2025-12-30

    Photo Credit: Reuters