Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Reuters

  • Greenland Leaders Reject Trump Takeover Talk: ‘We Don’t Want to Be Americans’

    Greenland Leaders Reject Trump Takeover Talk: ‘We Don’t Want to Be Americans’

    According to The Guardian (UK), Greenland’s party leaders jointly rejected takeover rhetoric linked to President Donald Trump, stating: “We don’t want to be Americans,” while emphasizing self-determination.

    The controversy sits at the intersection of Arctic strategy, security narratives, and sovereignty, raising tensions for Denmark and Greenland’s autonomy politics.

    Leaders used the moment to reaffirm unity on self-rule even as internal factions differ on the pace and pathway to independence.

    AP reported Greenland’s leaders “firmly rejected” the push for U.S. control, while Reuters noted parliament moved to address “U.S. threats” and party leaders reiterated opposition to pressure.

    Echotitbits take: Watch U.S.–Denmark–Greenland diplomacy and NATO reactions—this could reshape Arctic security posture and autonomy debates.

    Source: WFSB — https://www.wfsb.com/2026/01/10/greenlands-party-leaders-firmly-reject-trumps-push-us-control-island/ January 10, 2026

    WFSB 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: ITVX

  • Tinubu Insists New Tax Laws Stay on Track Despite Discrepancy Dispute, Reuters Reports

    Tinubu Insists New Tax Laws Stay on Track Despite Discrepancy Dispute, Reuters Reports

    Reporting by Reuters indicates President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria would implement new tax laws from January 1 despite calls for delay, describing the reforms as a major reset even as critics raised concerns about discrepancies and administrative powers.

    The dispute centers on trust in the legislative process, enforcement safeguards, and the practical impact on households and businesses facing inflation pressure.

    Government posture suggests implementation will proceed while flagged issues are addressed through engagement and clarifying measures.

    KPMG’s note said certified versions were meant to address discrepancy allegations but still contain “errors, inconsistencies, gaps, and omissions,” while Taiwo Oyedele’s public messaging insisted there is “No Going Back” on implementation.

    Echotitbits take: Watch for clarifying circulars and early enforcement restraint. The first quarter will reveal whether compliance rises—or resistance spreads.

    Source: Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-implement-new-tax-laws-january-1-despite-calls-delay-tinubu-says-2025-12-30/ January 10, 2026

    Reuters 2026-01-10

    Photo Credit: Reuters

  • UN Security Council splits over US raid that captured Venezuela’s Maduro

    UN Security Council splits over US raid that captured Venezuela’s Maduro

    According to Premium Times, the UN Security Council session on the US operation that captured Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro exposed sharp divisions, with some delegations questioning legality and others framing it as a response to alleged criminal conduct.

    The dispute is about precedent: whether a powerful state can use force across borders for an arrest operation without multilateral authorization—and what that does to the post-1945 rules-based order.

    The backlash is already geopolitical, shaping alliance politics, regional responses in Latin America, and Venezuela’s internal transition dynamics.

    Even for states far from the theatre, the episode raises practical questions about sovereignty, reciprocity, and the credibility of international law when major powers act unilaterally.

    Reuters quoted UN concerns that the intervention “violates international law” and “sets a dangerous precedent.” AP reported the US envoy defended it as a “surgical law enforcement operation” at the UN.

    Echotitbits take: Watch three things: war-powers pressure inside the US, regional responses in Latin America, and any sanctions/asset moves tied to Venezuela’s oil and leadership transition. The bigger story is how “law enforcement” narratives collide with sovereignty norms at the UN.

    Source: Timesofisrael – https://www.timesofisrael.com/splits-emerge-over-venezuelas-future-as-un-security-council-meets-to-discuss-us-raid/ January 6, 2026
    Premium Times January 6, 2026

    Photo Credit: Timesofisrael

  • Donovan Mitchell’s 33-point night powers Cavs past Nuggets as NBA chatter heats up

    Donovan Mitchell’s 33-point night powers Cavs past Nuggets as NBA chatter heats up

    According to Reuters, the Cavaliers closed strong to beat an injury-hit Nuggets team 113–108, with Donovan Mitchell dropping 33 and Darius Garland hitting a key late three.

    The win is already feeding NBA social discussion, especially around Cleveland’s late-game execution and Denver’s injury situation.

    It’s the kind of January result that can shape All-Star narratives and contender talk.

    • Cavs.com (team recap): ““a 33-point effort.””
    • NBA.com (highlight framing): ““Donovan Mitchell finishes with 33 points…””

    Echotitbits take: Early-year momentum matters in the NBA because storylines harden quickly. Watch Denver’s injury updates and whether Cleveland sustains fourth-quarter discipline against top competition.

    Source: Reuters — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/cavaliers-use-late-run-beat-banged-up-nuggets–flm-2026-01-03/

    Reuters
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Reuters

  • New Year tragedy in Switzerland: deadly blaze at Crans‑Montana bar leaves about 40 dead

    New Year tragedy in Switzerland: deadly blaze at Crans‑Montana bar leaves about 40 dead

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    As reported by Punch, a devastating fire tore through a packed bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans‑Montana during New Year celebrations, leaving about 40 people dead and more than 100 injured, according to authorities.

    Witnesses described panic and frantic escape attempts as flames spread rapidly, with emergency services distributing the injured across hospitals as local capacity was overwhelmed.

    Investigators say it is too early to provide full details on victims’ identities, and the cause remains under examination, though officials have indicated there is no immediate evidence of an attack.

    Associated Press reports the venue “morphed from a scene of revelry into the site of one of Switzerland’s worst tragedies,” while Reuters quotes the cantonal police commander saying it was “too early to give details on the identity of the dead and injured,” as identification work continues.

    Echotitbits take: This disaster will trigger a hard look at fire-safety enforcement in high-traffic venues—especially basement clubs and bars with narrow exits. Watch for Switzerland’s investigative findings, any policy moves on venue inspections, and whether tourist-resort operators across Europe tighten safety protocols ahead of peak seasons.

    Source: Radio-Canada — January 2, 2026 (https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2217288/around-40-dead-more-than-100-injured-in-blaze-at-swiss-ski-resort-bar-during-new-years-eve-party)

    Radio-Canada 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: Radio-Canada

  • Brigitte Bardot dies at 91, closing a polarising chapter in French celebrity history

    Brigitte Bardot dies at 91, closing a polarising chapter in French celebrity history

    2025-12-28 09:00:00
    An update from Punch says French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot has died at 91, describing her as a defining face of a generation of film and celebrity culture.

    Her legacy runs in two lanes: global stardom and later decades as an animal-rights campaigner, alongside controversies tied to politics and repeated public backlash over her rhetoric.

    The renewed attention following her death is likely to reopen debates in France over celebrity influence, activism, and the boundaries of public speech.

    The Guardian quotes Emmanuel Macron calling Bardot a “legend of the century,” while AP reports Bardot once said, “Man is an insatiable predator.”

    Echotitbits take: When cultural icons die, countries argue over what to keep and what to discard. Watch how France’s media frames the balance between Bardot’s cultural impact, activism, and controversies.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/french-film-legend-brigitte-bardot-dies-at-91/)
    The Punch 2025-12-28

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Russia unleashes huge drone-and-missile barrage on Ukraine as diplomacy accelerates

    Russia unleashes huge drone-and-missile barrage on Ukraine as diplomacy accelerates

    Photo Credit: Reuters
    2025-12-27 07:08:00

    According to Reuters, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile assault on Ukraine just before Zelensky’s expected meeting with Trump, striking energy and civilian infrastructure as temperatures dropped.

    The report said the attack involved waves of drones and missiles, intensifying pressure on Kyiv and sending a signal about Moscow’s readiness to escalate even as peace discussions gather pace.

    Ukrainian officials linked the barrage to negotiation manoeuvres, arguing that infrastructure targeting is used to shape political outcomes by raising humanitarian costs.

    With diplomacy and warfare now running in parallel, the risk is that any peace framework becomes hostage to real-time battlefield escalations.

    The Washington Post said the assault left “a third of the capital without heating,” while The Guardian reported Zelensky is moving into talks insisting the plan is “90% ready,” but with core territorial issues unresolved.

    Echotitbits take:
    This is coercive bargaining—strike hard, then negotiate from a position of fear. Watch whether talks produce immediate de-escalation steps (like grid-protection commitments) or whether infrastructure attacks continue to force concessions.

    Source: Reuters — December 27, 2025 (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-drones-missiles-pound-ukraine-before-zelenskiy-trump-meeting-2025-12-27/)
    Reuters December 27, 2025

  • Five killed in Maiduguri mosque blast as officials warn of revived suicide-attack risk

    Five killed in Maiduguri mosque blast as officials warn of revived suicide-attack risk

    Photo Credit: Reuters
    2025-12-27 07:09:00

    In an update published by Reuters, an explosion during prayers at a mosque in Maiduguri killed worshippers and injured others, with authorities treating the incident as a likely suicide bombing as investigations continue.

    The blast reinforces a troubling security pattern: even as the frequency of suicide attacks had reduced compared with earlier years, insurgent networks appear capable of reactivating tactics when pressure eases.

    Authorities urged calm and vigilance while bomb disposal and investigative units worked the area, and leaders renewed calls for tighter protection around worship centres during festive periods.

    The incident adds urgency to hospital readiness, trauma support, and intelligence coordination in Borno—given Maiduguri’s long-standing position as a focal point of the insurgency.

    AP reported officials found “fragments of a suicide vest” at the scene, while Nigeria’s State House said the federal government “remains resolute in its duty to protect lives and property” following the bombing.

    Echotitbits take:
    The immediate story is casualties; the deeper story is capability. Watch for who claims responsibility, whether arrests follow, and whether security upgrades at mosques and markets become visible and sustained beyond a short post-attack surge.

    Source: Reuters — December 25, 2025 (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/five-killed-nigeria-mosque-attack-police-say-2025-12-25/)
    Reuters December 25, 2025

  • US immigration freeze hits Nigerians as new travel-ban list expands to 19 countries

    US immigration freeze hits Nigerians as new travel-ban list expands to 19 countries

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons — Flag of the United States
    2025-12-20 11:10:00

    In a report published by The Punch, a US official said the Trump administration has directed USCIS to suspend green card and citizenship applications for nationals of newly added countries on an expanded travel-ban list, including Nigeria.

    The development is tied to a security-driven review of screening and vetting, with affected applicants facing uncertainty over processing timelines and eligibility across immigration categories.

    For Nigerian families, students and professionals, the immediate impact is a backlog effect—cases already in the pipeline may slow as adjudications are paused or subjected to heightened scrutiny.

    NPR reported USCIS would pause reviewing pending applications for green cards, citizenship, or asylum for immigrants from the listed countries, noting it “would pause reviewing all pending applications.” Reuters also reported the policy shift as part of a broader tightening, describing it as a “pause” tied to national security screening.

    Echotitbits take:
    Diaspora communities should expect rapidly evolving guidance. Watch for official USCIS notices, legal challenges, and any changes to country lists or categories—plus what US consulates communicate about downstream impacts.

    Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/full-list-us-stops-nigerians-others-from-applying-for-green-card-citizenship/)
    The Punch 2025-12-20

  • Zelensky urges stronger US pressure on Russia as new talks format is floated

    Zelensky urges stronger US pressure on Russia as new talks format is floated

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-20 19:15:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says only the United States has enough leverage to pressure Russia toward ending the war, as diplomats hold renewed discussions on possible talks.

    Zelensky’s comments reflect Kyiv’s insistence that negotiations must be backed by meaningful pressure—sanctions, security guarantees, and sustained military support—rather than vague concessions or frozen conflict lines.

    The statement comes amid signals of a US-proposed talks format that could include Ukraine, the US and Russia, with possible European participation, though Zelensky voiced skepticism about quick breakthroughs.

    Reuters quoted Zelensky calling for pressure, saying, “America must clearly say: if not diplomacy, then there will be full pressure.” AFP also reported Zelensky urged Washington to “put more pressure on Russia,” linking his remarks to fresh talks in Miami.

    Echotitbits take:
    Ukraine is signalling that any deal must be enforceable and backed by deterrence. Watch the next US steps on sanctions, arms deliveries, and whether the proposed talks format becomes formalised with agreed agendas and timelines.

    Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/zelensky-says-only-us-can-pressure-russia-to-end-war/)
    The Punch 2025-12-20