Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigeria politics

  • Supreme Court Bench Nears Full Strength as Tinubu Nominates Justice Oyewole

    Supreme Court Bench Nears Full Strength as Tinubu Nominates Justice Oyewole

    In an update published by Premium Times, President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The nomination follows a recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and is intended to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the former Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola. Justice Oyewole, who currently serves in the Court of Appeal, is widely regarded for his judicial experience and previous high-profile rulings.

    If confirmed, the appointment will bring the Supreme Court bench closer to its full constitutional complement of 21 justices. This move is seen as a critical step in reducing the massive backlog of cases that has plagued the apex court for years. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has referred the nomination to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for immediate screening.

    ThisDay reported on the constitutional significance of the move, noting that “the appointment restores the South-west geo-political zone’s representation on the bench.” Daily Post also highlighted the NJC’s role, quoting a judicial officer who said, “This nomination is a boost for the efficiency of the highest court in the land.”

    Echotitbits take: Filling the Supreme Court bench is a technical necessity that has been delayed for too long. A full complement of justices is essential for the timely delivery of justice, especially as the country approaches the next political cycle.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/tinubu-seeks-senate-confirmation-of-oyewole-as-justice-of-supreme-court/ January 28, 2026

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Rivers State Political Turmoil Intensifies as Fubara Faces Third Impeachment Move

    Rivers State Political Turmoil Intensifies as Fubara Faces Third Impeachment Move

    Premium Times reports that Rivers State’s House of Assembly has served a fresh impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, marking the third impeachment attempt in under three years. The Assembly reportedly asked the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a seven-member investigative panel.

    The latest escalation follows a Friday ruling by the Rivers State High Court, which suspended an earlier order restraining the Chief Judge from acting on the Assembly’s request. The Assembly—described as largely aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—alleges gross misconduct and constitutional violations, amid a prolonged power struggle between the governor and his predecessor’s political bloc.

    ThisDay and The Nation also reported the judicial and legislative back-and-forth, including concerns raised by legal practitioners over the uncertainty created by repeated reversals.

    Echotitbits take: With the restraining order suspended, the procedural path for lawmakers to advance the impeachment appears clearer. Expect urgent appellate filings by the governor’s legal team, but the risk of administrative paralysis in Rivers State is now materially elevated.
    Source : The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/just-in-impeachment-of-fubara-deputyll-continue-rivers-lawmakers/%3famp 2026-01-24

    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

  • Zamfara Government Accuses Defence Minister Matawalle of Politicising Security Operations

    Zamfara Government Accuses Defence Minister Matawalle of Politicising Security Operations

    Insights shared by Daily Post indicate the Zamfara State Government has accused Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle of using federal security agencies to intimidate political opponents.

    State officials claimed recent operations disproportionately affected opposition figures, while the minister reportedly denied wrongdoing and said actions were focused on tackling banditry.

    The dispute reflects deeper political rivalries within the state as insecurity remains a major public concern.

    **Echotitbits take:** When security becomes politicised, citizens lose. Watch for any presidential mediation, independent oversight of operations, and whether state–federal cooperation on intelligence and enforcement deteriorates or improves.
    Source: TheSun – https://thesun.ng/zamfara-govt-accuses-defence-minister-nsas-office-of-hounding-opposition/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: TheSun

  • 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

  • Atiku Abubakar Rules Out Stepping Down for ADC Presidential Ticket

    Atiku Abubakar Rules Out Stepping Down for ADC Presidential Ticket

    In an update published by The Punch, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed claims that he might withdraw from the contest for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, insisting he remains committed to the race.

    Through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the ruling APC of attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of opposition coalitions and urged Nigerians to resist moves aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Daily Post and Tribune Online also reported the stance, noting Atiku’s rejection of calls to step aside and pointing to heightened interest in the ADC following recent political realignments.

    Echotitbits take: Atiku’s refusal to step aside sets up a high‑stakes internal contest. Peter Obi may bring youth momentum, while Atiku brings structure and experience—how the party manages competing ambitions will shape whether it unifies or fractures ahead of 2027.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/adc-presidential-ticket-no-one-is-stepping-down-atiku/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Former President Goodluck Jonathan Pledges Active Role in PDP Rebirth

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan Pledges Active Role in PDP Rebirth

    Figures cited by Leadership show former President Goodluck Jonathan met with the Tanimu Turaki‑led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP and pledged a more active role in the party’s reorganization ahead of the next electoral cycle.

    Jonathan urged party members to avoid divisive tendencies and focus on rebuilding unity and a platform that resonates with Nigerians, as the PDP battles internal crises and defections.

    The Nation and Daily Post also tracked the development, reporting on Jonathan’s engagement with party leadership and his call for unity and discipline as a pathway to a stronger opposition.

    Echotitbits take: Jonathan’s entry could help stabilize the PDP and slow defections, but his effectiveness will depend on balancing governors’ interests with emerging power blocs. Expect internal negotiations to intensify as 2027 draws closer.

    Source: BusinessDay— https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/politics/article/jonathan-pledges-active-role-in-pdp-meets-turaki-led-nwc/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Presidency Rebutts Critics Over Tinubu’s Paris Lunch Photographs

    Presidency Rebutts Critics Over Tinubu’s Paris Lunch Photographs

    According to Vanguard reporting on January 7, 2026, the Presidency defended President Bola Tinubu after opposition leader Atiku Abubakar criticized photographs of the President dining in Paris, framing the images as a symbol of misplaced priorities.

    Presidential aides described the criticism as tone‑deaf and said the President remains engaged with national issues, adding that online claims alleging the photos were AI‑generated or manipulated are unconvincing.

    Premium Times and Channels TV also covered the dispute, reporting on the Presidency’s explanation of the photo quality and continued opposition claims that the images were selectively edited amid insecurity concerns.

    Echotitbits take: In a high‑inflation environment, luxury imagery carries political costs. The administration may be better served shifting from image defense to clearer, measurable messaging on how policies are improving everyday living conditions.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/nigeria-burns-while-presidency-defends-lunch-photos-in-paris-atiku/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: Vanguard