Nigerian News Roundup: Top Headlines for Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Top Stories Today: Nigerian News (January 7, 2025).
Good morning, Nigeria! Here is a roundup of the top headlines making waves across the country today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025:
1. Tinubu Attends John Mahama’s Inauguration in Ghana
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Accra, Ghana, for the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama. The historic ceremony marks Mahama’s return to office after winning the December 2024 election. Tinubu, serving as the Chairman of ECOWAS, is joined by other African leaders to witness the event.
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Key Details:
- Mahama previously served as Ghana’s president from 2011 to 2017.
- Tinubu was accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other senior officials.
2. National Assembly Targets January End for Passage of 2025 Budget
The Senate and House of Representatives aim to pass the ₦49.7 trillion 2025 national budget by January 31, 2025. Budget defence sessions commenced today, as lawmakers work to ensure timely approval.
Highlights:
- Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are currently defending their allocations.
- Senate plenary resumes January 14, followed by a two-week recess for further budget deliberations.
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3. Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Threats to Life and Family
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has disclosed receiving threats following his critical New Year message about Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic state. Obi questioned claims by APC spokesperson Felix Morka that he had “crossed the line,” urging Nigerians to review his statements.
Obi’s Key Remarks:
- “We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian regime suppressing freedom of expression.”
- Criticized Nigeria’s economic decline, citing a fall from Africa’s largest economy in 2014 to fourth place today.
4. EFCC Dismisses 27 Officers Over Fraud, Misconduct
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sacked 27 officers for involvement in fraudulent activities and other forms of misconduct. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption, warning that disciplinary measures apply to all staff.
5. Governor Makinde Vows Accountability in Oyo Stampede Tragedy
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has pledged to hold all those involved in the December 2024 stampede that claimed 35 lives accountable. Speaking at the 2025 Annual Inter-Faith Service, Makinde emphasized his administration’s commitment to justice, regardless of the social status of those implicated.
6. PDP Youth Leader Blames Labour Party for APC’s 2023 Victory
Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, has accused the Labour Party of splitting opposition votes in the 2023 presidential election, paving the way for APC’s victory. Osadolor urged opposition parties to collaborate more effectively ahead of the 2027 polls.
7. Military Weakens Bello Turji’s Bandit Network in Zamfara
Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji is reportedly in hiding as military forces intensify operations in Zamfara State. Recent air and ground offensives have dismantled Turji’s camps, neutralizing dozens of fighters, including fellow bandit leader Sani Rusu.
8. Senator Abaribe Offers to Stand as Guarantor for Nnamdi Kanu
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has declared his readiness to serve as a guarantor for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Abaribe urged President Tinubu to heed calls from stakeholders advocating Kanu’s release to address insecurity in the Southeast.
9. Sokoto Mourns Tragic Fire Incident Killing SSG’s Daughter, Grandchildren
A fire outbreak in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of the Secretary to the State Government’s (SSG) daughter and her three children. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The sole survivor is her husband, Muhammadu Yusuf Bello, a Permanent Secretary in the state.
10. CBN Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Wrongful Dismissal of 33 Staff
The Central Bank of Nigeria is in a legal battle with 33 former employees who allege wrongful termination in 2024. The dismissed staff claim the process violated the CBN’s internal policies and labour laws.
Legal Claims:
- Violations of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN’s Human Resources Policy Manual.
- Dismissed staff were given only three days to vacate their positions.
Stay informed with TJ News Nigeria for more updates on these and other developing stories!