1. Tinubu Expresses Deep Sorrow Over U.S. Plane Crash, Stands With America
President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the United States following a tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines commercial jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which left 67 people unaccounted for. In a statement on Thursday, Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the incident and assured the American people of Nigeria’s solidarity in this difficult time.
2. Lagos Lawmakers Insist Due Process Was Followed in Obasa’s Removal
Following their meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS), members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have reaffirmed that the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa adhered strictly to constitutional procedures. Lawmakers Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu, invited by the DSS over the crisis, were accompanied by their colleagues in a show of unity. They emphasized that Sections 92 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution guided their decision and commended the DSS for handling the matter professionally.
3. Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Silencing Opposition With Targeted Arrests
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the prosecution of Omoyele Sowore and the arrest of former NHIS Executive Secretary, Usman Yusuf. Atiku described these actions as part of a broader effort to stifle opposition and create a one-party state, warning that at this rate, everyone critical of the government might soon be imprisoned.
4. NLC Condemns Telecom Tariff Hike, Vows Nationwide Protest
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the 50% increase in telecom tariffs announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). NLC spokesperson Benson Upah labeled the move excessive, proposing a more moderate 5% increase instead. The union reaffirmed plans for a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, warning that rising energy and communication costs are driving Nigerians, manufacturers, and the middle class to financial distress.
5. Buhari Denied Backing Osinbajo Against Tinubu, Says Bisi Akande
Former APC interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, has revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari did not encourage Yemi Osinbajo to contest against Bola Tinubu for the 2023 presidential ticket. In an interview, Akande recalled asking Buhari if he influenced Osinbajo’s decision, but Buhari denied it, citing cultural values against challenging one’s mentor. Despite efforts to prevent division among Yoruba aspirants, Osinbajo refused to step down for Tinubu.
6. Atiku’s Political Ambitions Sparked PDP Crisis Since 2003 – Wike’s Aide
Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has accused Atiku Abubakar of being the root cause of the PDP’s internal crises since 2003. Speaking on Arise News, Olayinka alleged that Atiku’s actions weakened the party, from sabotaging PDP’s efforts in Lagos to leading a rebellion in 2014 that contributed to Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in 2015. He further criticized Atiku’s repeated departures from Nigeria after election losses, only to return for another attempt at the presidency.
7. Police Dismiss Sowore’s Claims, Say IGP’s Appointment Is Legal
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims by Omoyele Sowore questioning the legality of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure. Force spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi labeled the allegations as baseless and misleading, asserting that Egbetokun’s appointment is legally sound. The police warned that such statements aim to erode public trust in law enforcement.
8. CBN’s Policies Prevented Inflation From Hitting 42.81% – Cardoso
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso has disclosed that the central bank’s monetary policies prevented Nigeria’s inflation rate from soaring to 42.81% by December 2024. Speaking at the 2025 Monetary Policy Forum, Cardoso reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to orthodox economic strategies and revealed that diaspora remittances are projected to reach ₦31.79tn. The CBN’s interventions included raising the Monetary Policy Rate to 27.50% and increasing the Cash Reserve Ratio for deposit institutions to 50.00%.
9. FG Gifts ₦30 Million to Family of Late Nigerian Flag Designer
The Federal Government has honored the late Taiwo Akinkunmi, designer of Nigeria’s national flag, by donating ₦30 million to his family. The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, presented the cheque in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday. Despite an earlier promise of a state burial, Akinkunmi’s funeral was privately arranged by his family. The FG maintains that the financial support is a token of appreciation for his patriotic contributions.
10. Women Must Prioritize Themselves in Relationships – Kikelomo Atanda-Owo
Journalist Kikelomo Atanda-Owo has urged women to prioritize self-reliance in relationships while reacting to the divorce saga between singer 2Baba and his wife, Annie Idibia. Speaking on her show Real Talk With Kike, she emphasized the importance of self-love over societal pressures. She questioned Annie’s decision to stay despite warning signs and praised 2Baba for handling the situation with maturity by keeping personal matters off social media.
Connect with us on our socials: