NAIJA NEWS
1. ‘Bola Tinubu Is His Own Cabal, He’s Behaving Like An Alpha Male’ – Segun Sowunmi
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has submitted that President Bola Tinubu operates a structure that does not allow his appointees to be fully effective in their roles.
Dismissing insinuations of a cabal within the Tinubu government, Sowunmi accused the President of doing everything by himself and limiting those assigned to different roles from delivering their mandates.
According to him, President Tinubu is the only cabal within his administration because everything starts and ends at his table, and nobody can take responsibility for actions or inactions.
Speaking during an interview appearance with TVC on Tuesday, the former governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, said things need to change before it gets too messy.
He specifically mentioned that President Tinubu is clipping the wings of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, making it difficult to execute the functions of the office.
2. Senate Adjourns Plenary For 2025 Budget Defence, Eyes Electoral Reform
The Senate has adjourned plenary for two weeks to allow lawmakers to focus on the defence of the 2025 budget by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the adjournment on Tuesday, stating that plenary will resume on January 28, when the budget report will be presented.
In his opening address, “Rising to the Greatness of Our Calling,” Akpabio urged his colleagues to recommit to the transformative task of nation-building.
The Senate President described the 2025 budget as more than just a financial document, emphasizing its role as a “blueprint of the aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerians.”
He urged lawmakers to ensure that the budget serves as a catalyst for development, equity, and justice, aligning with the collective dreams of the Nigerian people.
Naija News gathered that Akpabio also highlighted electoral reform as a critical agenda for the legislative year, noting its importance as the nation prepares for the next electoral cycle.
3. CBN Sanctions Banks For Failing To Make Naira Notes Available At ATMs
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has levied a penalty of ₦1.35 billion on nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for their failure to ensure the availability of naira notes through automated teller machines (ATMs) during the holiday season.
Each institution has been fined ₦150 million for not adhering to the CBN’s cash distribution regulations following inspections conducted at their branches.
Naija News reports that this enforcement action comes after the CBN issued multiple warnings to financial institutions to ensure the uninterrupted availability of cash, especially during peak demand periods.
The fines will be deducted directly from the banks’ accounts held with the central bank.
The Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali, confirmed this development to journalists on Tuesday.
4. Simon Ekpa’s Arrest, Operation Udoka Reducing South-East Tension — CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, on Tuesday, disclosed that the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland has significantly reduced tension in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the 2025 budget, Musa attributed the reduction in violence to Ekpa’s arrest and the ongoing military operation, Operation Udoka, launched by the Defence Headquarters.
Musa noted that Ekpa’s arrest, coupled with targeted operations against separatist leaders, has calmed the once-volatile region.
He said, “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension.
“Also, with Operation Udoka, we’re picking up most of the leadership there, taking them out, and ensuring that the place is peaceful. The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing.”
Naija News gathered that Operation Udoka, designed to eliminate banditry and the disruptive sit-at-home orders in the South-East, is yielding positive results. Musa emphasized the importance of working closely with local communities and political leaders to maintain stability.
5. 2027: ‘When Politicians Start Greeting Each Other, Something Is Definitely In The Offing’ – Sowunmi Opens Up On Atiku, El-Rufai, SDP Alliance
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has hinted at the possibility of a fresh alliance among opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that Sowunmi, who was part of a recent meeting at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and others, stated that something is likely to happen.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview appearance on TVC, the former governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun State, who spoke against the backdrop of the meeting at the SDP secretariat, disclosed that opposition members need to banter and see where the discussions end.
He added that the idea to sit together and discuss was the brainchild of the SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, whom he described as a friend.
He noted that to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, opposition parties must be proactive, restrategize and engage Nigerians effectively.
6. We Will Prioritize Tax Reform Bill – Reps
The House of Representatives has assured efforts would made to ensure timely attention is given to the Tax Reform Bill and 2025 budget as sitting resumed on Tuesday.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said the two bills which were in the House before the Christmas and New Year recess, were critical to the economic growth of the nation.
Abbas stated this on Tuesday through the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who delivered the resumption speech on his behalf.
7. “We Did Not Spend Any Humongous Money In 2024” – JAMB Registrar Responds To Criticisms
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has declared that there is a mix-up in the media regarding the details of his interaction with lawmakers in the National Assembly regarding the board’s expenses and 2025 budget figures.
Oloyede, who spoke on Tuesday on the sidelines of an event in Abuja, said he never discussed JAMB’s 2024 budget performance with the lawmakers on Monday.
He also denied reports making rounds that the Board spent a huge amount on fumigation, meals, and other items in 2024.
The JAMB Registrar submitted that discussions with the lawmakers were strictly about the board’s 2025 budget proposal.
According to him, allegations of overspending by the commission under his watch are totally unfounded and he expressed hope that the National Assembly committee would allow him to provide further clarifications on the budget to resolve any lingering misunderstandings.
8. Ndume Identifies Inadequate Equipment, Low Morale As Obstacles In Fight Against Boko Haram
The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has stated that the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast will reduce with the provision of more attack helicopters.
The lawmaker expressed confidence in the Nigerian Army’s capability to eradicate the terrorists but demanded more funding.
Ndume stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He cited inadequate equipment and low morale as some factors mitigating the terror fight in the country.
According to him, the average soldier in the theatre of operation receives ₦1,500 as a daily allowance.
9. FG To Deploy Drone Technology To Boost Agriculture In Nigeria – Kyari
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on Tuesday disclosed that the federal government is set to introduce drone technology to enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
He submitted that the drone technology will fast-track agricultural activities and make harvest quicker.
Naija News reports Kyari made the disclosure during a press conference at the State House in Abuja.
The Minister said farmers would also be educated on the new steps targeted at ensuring farming throughout the year and boost agricultural productivity in the country.
10. Ex-Sokoto Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa Resigns From PDP
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to dedicate himself to a youth-focused empowerment initiative.
In a letter dated January 8, 2025, addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Bafarawa described his decision as “deeply personal and challenging. ”
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