Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Tinubu

  • Makinde dares Fayose: ‘Bring proof’ over alleged ₦50bn Tinubu payout claims

    Makinde dares Fayose: ‘Bring proof’ over alleged ₦50bn Tinubu payout claims

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde challenged former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose to provide evidence for claims that ₦50bn was paid to him in connection with the aftermath of the 2024 Ibadan explosion.

    Makinde’s camp described the allegation as baseless and insisted government actions around the explosion response were transparent.

    The exchange adds to widening PDP infighting and raises questions about how emergency support funds are tracked and communicated in politically heated periods.

    PUNCH quoted Makinde’s spokesperson saying, “If he (Fayose) has proof… he should provide it,” while The Nigerian Voice quoted the aide: “He who makes an allegation must provide evidence.”

    Echotitbits take: Allegations like this thrive when public finance reporting is weak. A routine, publishable disaster-response ledger—covering inflows, approvals, and disbursements—would reduce rumor cycles and sharpen accountability.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/prove-i-took-n50bn-from-tinubu-makinde-tells-fayose/

  • Tinubu’s Eyo appearance puts Lagos culture—and tourism politics—back in spotlight

    Tinubu’s Eyo appearance puts Lagos culture—and tourism politics—back in spotlight

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    According to PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu attended the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos and used the moment to emphasize culture as a lever for tourism and destination branding.

    The event, held at Tafawa Balewa Square, also honored notable late Lagos leaders and featured traditional processions that draw local and diaspora audiences.

    Stakeholders see the festival’s revival as part of Lagos’ broader push to convert heritage into year-round tourism revenue and global attention.

    GazetteNG reported Tinubu describing the carnival as “a great rekindling of our culture,” while The Nation quoted him saying, “The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos.”

    Echotitbits take: Beyond pageantry, Lagos can turn cultural “peaks” into consistent visitor flows with safety planning, transport coordination, and curated diaspora packages. Watch for how the state markets Eyo alongside other heritage assets in 2026.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-joins-lagos-eyo-festival/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/tinubu-joins-lagos-eyo-festival/

  • Tinubu backs US precision strike on Sokoto terror camps as debris sparks questions

    Tinubu backs US precision strike on Sokoto terror camps as debris sparks questions

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    According to The Nation, President Bola Tinubu approved a US precision air strike targeting terrorist camps in Sokoto State, in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

    The report situates the operation within a broader push to degrade armed groups operating in remote border and forest areas.

    TheCable’s newspaper review said US congressman Riley Moore claimed the strikes “prevented planned Christmas attacks,” and also noted government statements that debris from precision‑guided munitions fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara.

    Echotitbits take: Joint operations raise legitimate questions: oversight, civilian harm monitoring, and whether follow‑on operations actually degrade networks or merely displace them. Watch for casualty transparency, follow‑up arrests, and community reassurance measures.

    Source: The Nation — December 28, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-okays-us-air-strike-on-terrorists-in-sokoto/)

    The Nation 2025-12-28

  • Christmas-day U.S. strike jolts Sokoto as Abuja tightens counter‑terror coordination

    Christmas-day U.S. strike jolts Sokoto as Abuja tightens counter‑terror coordination

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-27 06:00:00

    According to Punch, residents in parts of northern Nigeria reported heightened anxiety after U.S.-linked strikes were announced against suspected ISIS camps in Sokoto State, with local authorities urging calm and continued vigilance.

    The report said the operation was framed as a coordinated effort with Nigerian authorities amid concerns about cross‑border militant movement from the Sahel and the growth of terror logistics in forest corridors.

    Security analysts quoted in the coverage warned that kinetic operations can disrupt camps but also trigger displacement of fighters, making intelligence‑driven follow‑up and community protection measures critical in the weeks ahead.

    Echotitbits take:
    Beyond the headline drama of “Christmas‑day” strikes, the key story is the evolving Abuja‑Washington security alignment. Watch for: official briefings on targeting safeguards, clearer rules for joint operations, and what Nigeria does next on ground‑holding after air action.

    Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/trumps-christmas-missiles-strike-fear-in-northern-nigeria/)
    The Punch December 27, 2025

  • Veteran Nigerian Diplomat Arthur Mbanefo Dies at 95 as Tributes Pour In

    Veteran Nigerian Diplomat Arthur Mbanefo Dies at 95 as Tributes Pour In

    Photo Credit: Premium Times
    2025-12-25 10:45:00

    In an obituary report by Premium Times, renowned Nigerian diplomat Arthur Christopher Izuegbunam Mbanefo has died at the age of 95, with his family announcing his passing in a statement.

    The report notes Mbanefo served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also held leadership and philanthropic roles linked to education and institutional development.

    In the family statement quoted by Premium Times, his son said: “With heavy hearts and profound gratitude… the Mbanefo family announces the passing of our beloved patriarch,” adding that burial arrangements would be communicated later.

    Separately, Punch reported President Bola Tinubu’s condolences, describing Mbanefo as a former UN envoy and noting tributes from public officials as the country marked the loss of an experienced elder statesman.

    Echotitbits take: Mbanefo’s passing is a reminder of a generation of diplomats who helped define Nigeria’s international posture. Watch for institutional tributes—especially from universities and professional bodies connected to his philanthropy—and how the state honours his diplomatic legacy.

    Source: Premium Times — December 24, 2025 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/845292-nigerian-diplomat-christopher-mbanefo-is-dead.html)

    Premium Times 2025-12-24

  • U.S. Ramps Up Recon Flights Over Nigeria After Trump Threat Talk

    U.S. Ramps Up Recon Flights Over Nigeria After Trump Threat Talk

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    A Reuters dispatch referenced by The Punch says the U.S. has been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria since late November 2025, signalling deeper intelligence cooperation amid worsening security fears.

    The report says the flights are linked to reconnaissance priorities—tracking extremist networks and gathering actionable intelligence—while also reflecting Washington’s broader posture toward countries it deems failing on security outcomes.

    For Nigeria, the optics are sensitive: foreign surveillance can help operations, but it also exposes how international partners perceive Abuja’s capacity to contain violence.

    The development lands alongside fresh diplomatic pressure—from religious-violence narratives to travel restrictions—raising the stakes for Nigeria’s security messaging and results on the ground.

    Validation: Reuters wrote that “the U.S. has been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria” since late November. Guardian Nigeria echoed that “The United States has been carrying out intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November.”

    Echotitbits take: Intelligence support is useful, but Nigeria still needs domestic coordination: clearer command structure, rapid response, and accountability. Watch whether this becomes a joint-task-force outcome—or just headlines without measurable security improvements.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/killings-us-conducts-surveillance-flights-over-nigeria-report/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • Local Councils Press Tinubu for Direct Allocations as States Hold Trillions

    Local Councils Press Tinubu for Direct Allocations as States Hold Trillions

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates local government stakeholders are intensifying calls for direct disbursement of council allocations, arguing that state-level handling of the funds weakens grassroots service delivery.

    The push is framed as a continuation of the post–Supreme Court autonomy debate—demanding that councils receive money straight from the federation account rather than through state intermediaries.

    Supporters say direct access will improve accountability and ensure funds go to primary healthcare, rural roads, sanitation, and local economic activity instead of being diluted by state politics.

    State governments, however, have historically resisted reforms that reduce their control over local funding structures, meaning enforcement mechanisms—not just court rulings—remain the key battleground.

    Validation: Daily Times recalls the Supreme Court position, stating it is “unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils.” Meanwhile, ABN TV repeats the core claim: “state governments received control over at least N7.43tn meant for local government councils…”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s local governance problem isn’t only “how much money,” but “who controls it.” Watch for enforcement: executive orders, FAAC remittance redesign, and whether states respond with political workarounds.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/autonomy-battle-lgs-demand-direct-funds-as-states-receive-n7-43tn/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • Eyo season message: Tinubu urges calm celebration and warns against alcohol-fuelled disorder

    Eyo season message: Tinubu urges calm celebration and warns against alcohol-fuelled disorder

    Photo credit: The Nation

    2025-12-22 09:00:00

    In a statement reported by *The Nation*, President Bola Tinubu has urged Eyo festival organisers and participants to keep the celebration peaceful, specifically cautioning against alcohol-fuelled disorder and any conduct that risks lives.

    The message comes as Lagos ramps up “Detty December” activity—when concerts, tourism, and street festivals raise both economic activity and public safety concerns.

    Tinubu’s appeal frames the Eyo festival as a shared civic moment, with organisers expected to manage crowd behaviour and ensure the cultural event doesn’t become a security problem.

    With Lagos drawing visitors, the festival’s handling will influence perceptions of the city’s readiness for large-scale public events—especially amid ongoing national security pressures.

    Legit.ng quoted Tinubu’s warning: “Stay in peace… No alcohol, no danger to anybody’s life,” while a post attributed to presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga also amplified the “No liquor” message in the context of keeping the festival calm and safe.

    **Echotitbits take:** Lagos’ festive season is now an economic asset—so security, crowd control, and emergency readiness are part of protecting livelihoods. Watch for policing plans, traffic control, and whether organisers enforce rules without turning the festival into a flashpoint.

    Source: The Nation — December 22, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/sanwo-olu-promises-memorable-eyo-festival/)

  • Presidency dismisses calls to pause new tax reforms as political backlash grows

    Presidency dismisses calls to pause new tax reforms as political backlash grows

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-18 05:55:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the Presidency has rejected demands to suspend Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws, insisting implementation will proceed from January 1, 2026.

    Officials argue the reforms are meant to simplify compliance, reduce overlapping taxes, and modernise revenue collection. Critics, however, warn the changes could worsen hardship if rollout is rushed or unclear.

    The debate has intensified amid claims by some lawmakers that the gazetted copies differ from what the National Assembly approved—an allegation that could raise legal questions and slow compliance.

    Premium Times reported Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced an ad hoc committee, stating, “I’m happy to announce to you that the following members have been appointed to the committee.” Vanguard also quoted a lawmaker complaining, “I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The policy risk is less about headlines and more about trust: investors and taxpayers need certainty on the final text. Watch for certified copies, a clear implementation guide, and whether the legislature confirms (or disputes) the gazetted versions before take-off.

    Source: The Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fresh-storm-brews-over-new-tax-law/)
    The Punch 2025-12-18