Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have insisted that impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, will continue despite growing political resistance. Lawmakers said on Friday that the process remained constitutional and unavoidable, following the Assembly’s failure to reconvene as scheduled on Thursday. Briefing journalists, the legislators dismissed criticism of the impeachment move, saying the House was acting within its legal powers to resolve what they described as a deepening political crisis in Rivers State. The Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had been expected to resume plenary exactly one week after adjourning its last sitting, but no session held, fuelling speculation of divisions within the chamber. At its previous sitting, the House initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct.  The allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex and...

The Imo State Government has approved the release of N600 million to families of soldiers who died in service and to personnel injured while defending the country, as states across the South East marked the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Governor Hope Uzodinma announced the intervention on Thursday in Owerri, shortly after laying a wreath at the ceremony held at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square.  He said the payment reflected the state’s responsibility to those who bore the cost of national security and to relatives left behind. Uzodinma said the support would be sustained, stressing that the bravery and patriotism of the Armed Forces imposed a continuing duty on government, both during service and after death.  He also commended security agencies for their professionalism, while praising President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the country’s security framework. In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah said honouring fallen soldiers must extend beyond annual cer...

Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has issued a blistering and emotional rebuke to the Super Eagles following their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final exit, warning players to fully appreciate the national responsibility that comes with wearing Nigeria’s colours. In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, Bovi reacted to Nigeria’s 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat, a result that ended the team’s bid for a fourth AFCON title after a goalless draw through extra time. The entertainer said football remains Nigeria’s most powerful unifying force, cutting across religion, politics and ethnicity in a way few other institutions can. “ If there is anything that unites Nigeria as a nation, it’s football. Mark my words ,” he said, arguing that while religion and politics often divide the country, football consistently brings Nigerians together. “ Football is the only thing that brings Muslims and Christians, North, South, East and West together .” Addressing bot...

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate employment of children of fallen servicemen in the state, as part of measures to support families of personnel who died in the line of duty. The directive was announced on Thursday during the Armed Forces Remembrance ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Fubara said the decision reflected the state government’s commitment to the Armed Forces, other security agencies and the families of deceased personnel.  He instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, to ensure the directive was implemented without delay. “ I want to mention here that in line with our support, the secretary to the state government has been given a marching order to ensure that the employment promised by the State Government for the children of our veterans would be immediately attended to . “ This is part of our way of showing socio-economic support to the families ,” ...

A long-running paternity dispute involving Afrobeat star David Adeleke , known professionally as Davido , resurfaced on Thursday after a 12-year-old girl publicly appealed to the singer for a DNA test , prompting a sharp denial from the musician. The girl, Mitchelle Anuoluwapo , who says she is Davido’s daughter, posted an open letter on Instagram describing years of distress linked to the contested claim.  Identifying herself as the singer’s “ oldest daughter ,” she said she wanted clarity as she approaches her teenage years and asked that a DNA test be conducted to “ establish my identity .” In the post, Anuoluwapo said she had endured bullying since the age of six, alleging that classmates mocked her whenever she claimed Davido was her father.  She wrote that the situation had caused grave emotional strain and led her to seek professional help to protect her mental wellbeing.  The 12-year-old added that she had focused on her education and was performing well aca...

Abba Abubakar , son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar , has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and pledged to work for President Bola Tinubu ’s re-election in 2027. The defection was announced on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja , where Abubakar was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate , Senator Barau Jibrin , alongside senior APC figures from the North-East . Known simply as “ Abba ,” the younger Abubakar told party leaders and supporters that he had resigned from the PDP and aligned with the APC, describing the decision as historic and personal.  He said he was directing all coordinators and members of his political structure, the Haske Atiku Organisation founded in 2022, to immediately join the APC and mobilise support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda . “ I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC...

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to introduce Samuel Chukwueze for Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco, insisting the winger was selected on the basis of training performance and statistical data. Nigeria crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday, losing 4–2 on penalties after a tense, goalless draw that stretched through 120 minutes. Chukwueze, who was introduced late in extra time specifically for the shootout, missed his spot-kick, while Bruno Onyemaechi also failed from the penalty mark as Morocco sealed a place in the final. The substitution sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many fans questioning Chelle’s decision to bring on Chukwueze, whose only involvement in the match was the missed penalty. Addressing the issue at his post-match press conference, Chelle said the choice was informed by repeated penalty drills during training and a review of players’ conversion rates. READ ALSO :  Morocco Def...

The European Union (EU) has officially removed Nigeria from its list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorism financing, ending years of heightened financial scrutiny that weighed on cross-border trade and investment. The designation had required European banks and business partners to apply enhanced due diligence and stricter documentation to transactions involving Nigerian individuals and companies.  It was said that the measures slowed trade, raised compliance costs and discouraged some foreign investors. The EU’s decision is expected to ease transaction bottlenecks, reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global financial system. It follows a major milestone in October 2025, when Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list of countries under increased monitoring for weaknesses in financial oversight.  That delisting came after more than two years of reforms across the banking sector, law ...

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it is optimistic that a newly signed agreement with the Federal Government could prevent industrial action in Nigeria’s public universities for at least the next three years. The agreement was signed and unveiled on Wednesday following negotiations between the union and the government, with both sides describing it as a framework aimed at improving the quality and stability of the university education system. ASUU has a long history of strikes, often triggered by disputes over inadequate funding, lecturers’ welfare, and the government’s failure to fully implement previous agreements. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, said the latest pact contains measurable commitments that would allow the union to monitor progress and address problems before they escalate into industrial disputes. “ There are measurable aspects of the agreement, and we believe we can monitor it th...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dropped the Federal Government’s defamation case against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Udughan , following the prosecution’s decision to discontinue the matter. Justice Chizoba Orji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court made the order after the government’s lawyer, Aderonke Imana, applied to withdraw the suit.  Counsel to the senator, West Idahosa, subsequently asked the court to formally strike out the case and order the release of all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties. The prosecution raised no objection to the defence application. In a brief ruling, Justice Orji struck out the suit, discharged the sureties and directed that all documents submitted by them be returned. READ ALSO :  Bayelsa to Bury Late Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo on 30 January The Federal Government had filed the case in May 2025, accusing Akpoti-Udughan of making defamatory statements during a live television inte...

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has denied reports suggesting that Value Added Tax (VAT) has been newly introduced on banking services, describing the claims as misleading and incorrect. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the revenue authority said VAT has long applied to fees, commissions and charges for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions under Nigeria’s existing tax framework.  It stressed that no new tax obligation has been imposed on customers and that recent media narratives linking VAT on banking charges to the Nigeria Tax Act are inaccurate.  “ The Nigeria Tax Act did not introduce VAT on banking charges ,” the agency said, adding that the law merely sustains a long-established VAT regime rather than creating new levies. The clarification follows public confusion over charges on electronic money transfers and other banking services, with some reports claiming a fresh tax had been approved.  The NRS said such assertions were " categorical...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s absence at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, saying the occasion should go beyond ceremonial observance and reflect responsible, people-centred leadership. In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief is a crucial symbol of solidarity with serving personnel, fallen soldiers and their families. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually on January 15 to honour members of the Nigerian military who died in the line of duty and to recognise those currently serving. The ADC described the day as a solemn national moment requiring visible leadership and reflection, particularly as troops remain overstretched across multiple fronts battling insurgency, banditry and violent crime. “ It is deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to ...

Morocco have reached the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw that extended into extra time. The semi-final, officiated by Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, was loaded by defensive discipline and tactical restraint, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes. Nigeria enjoyed periods of possession and attacking intent through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, but were unable to find a way past a well-organised Moroccan defence.  Morocco posed the greater threat in open play, forcing several interventions from Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who denied Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli. At the other end, Bono remained alert to keep out Lookman’s first-half effort. The pattern of the match remained largely unchanged in extra time, despite substitutions aimed at injecting fresh energy.  Osimhen was withdrawn late on for Paul Onuachu as Nigeria searched for a breakthrough, b...

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to traditional rulers across the state, describing the move as a strategic investment in grassroots governance and community stability. The presentation took place on Wednesday at Government House, Asaba, where 60 Toyota Prado SUVs and five Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles were handed over to royal fathers drawn from various parts of Delta State. Oborevwori said the vehicles were intended as “ tools of service ” to strengthen the capacity of traditional rulers, whom he described as a vital but often underappreciated layer of leadership within the state’s governance structure. Calling the occasion “ a very important and symbolic day in the life of this administration ,” the governor said royal fathers were more than custodians of culture and tradition, and that they served as critical intermediaries between government and local communities. “ They are not merely custodians of our custo...

Nigerians will begin paying a 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on selected banking services, including mobile transfers and USSD transactions, from January 19, 2026, following a new regulatory directive backed by the Federal Government. The development was disclosed in a customer notice issued on Wednesday by Moniepoint, which said the measure stems from a directive by tax authorities mandating financial institutions to begin collecting and remitting VAT on specified electronic banking charges. According to the notice, banks and other financial service providers have been instructed to commence VAT deductions on applicable services from the stated date, in line with national tax regulations. “ From Monday, 19 January 2026, we are required to collect a 7.5% VAT, to be remitted to the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service ,” Moniepoint said. The company explained that the tax would apply to “ certain banking services ,” including electroni...

The remains of Bayelsa State’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, will be laid to rest on 30 January 2026, the state government has announced. Governor Douye Diri disclosed the burial arrangements on Wednesday during the 179th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at Government House in Yenagoa. Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who died on 11 December 2025 at the age of 60, will be honoured with a four-day funeral programme beginning on 27 January. According to the governor, the programme was agreed by a government-appointed committee working with the family and the Catholic Church, the committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayawei. Activities will commence with sporting events on 27 January, reflecting the late deputy governor’s oversight role in the Ministry of Sports. A Day of Tributes is scheduled for 28 January at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa. On 29 January, special valedictory sessions will be held in two phase...

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a fresh agreement aimed at improving the quality of university education and reducing industrial disputes across Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The agreement was signed and formally unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, in the presence of senior government officials and union leaders. Among those in attendance were the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad. Speaking at the event, the ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, said the union remained cautiously optimistic that the new agreement would be fully implemented, despite past experiences with successive governments. He said ASUU hoped the era of threats of industrial action as a trigger for government compliance would come to an end. “ We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but...

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Lt Gen Christopher Musa has warned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and others against framing bandits and terrorists as part of any northern “ brotherhood ,” insisting that such rhetoric amounts to complicity in crime. In a statement released on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Musa said Nigerians must draw a clear line between lawful society and criminality, declaring: “ A friend of a thief is a thief .” The minister stressed that the remark was neither casual nor symbolic, but a direct response to past comments attributed to Gumi, who has described armed bandits hiding in forests as “ our brothers ” and suggested that society cannot function without them. Musa said while compassion has its place, portraying or justifying violent groups only emboldens criminal networks that have ravaged communities, displaced families and claimed innocent lives across the country. “ Labelling bandits as brothers does not reduce violence. It legitimises it and undermines national ...

Nigeria’s pursuit of a fourth TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations title reaches a critical juncture on Wednesday, as the Super Eagles take on hosts Morocco in a semi-final clash at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.  With kick-off set for 9pm local time (20:00 GMT), the Super Eagles enter the match in imperious form, having won all five of their games in the tournament so far.  Morocco remain unbeaten as well, with four victories and a draw, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter. This meeting is the sixth Africa Cup of Nations clash between the two nations, and their first in 22 years.  Historically, encounters have been decisive: Morocco claimed the two early meetings in 1976, while Nigeria triumphed in 1980 and 2000.  Their most recent AFCON meeting came in 2004, when Morocco edged Nigeria 1-0 in the group stage. The only previous semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco was in 1980, when a ninth-minute strike from Felix Owolabi secured a 1-0 win for the...

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF)  has said it is aware of the United States (US) air strikes carried out against suspected terrorists in Sokoto State but will not disclose details of the operation to the public. The police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated this on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today, a political and current affairs programme on Channels Television. “ We engage a lot in intelligence gathering, not just intelligence sharing. As the Police Force, we know certain things about the strikes, but we don’t want to talk about them. We decline to talk about that particular operation ,” Hundeyin said on the programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. He added that while there had been inter-agency cooperation, the matter fell squarely within the remit of the defence authorities. “ There was a cooperation, but we would rather leave it as a defence matter that the defence would talk about ,” the police spokesman said. The remarks follow confirmation by the United States Dep...