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Nigerian-American author Chimamanda Adichie loses son

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Renowned Nigerian-American author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, have suffered a tragic loss with the death of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.

The child reportedly passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

According to The Guardian, the family confirmed the development in a statement, describing the loss as devastating. They appealed to the public and the media to respect their privacy as they navigate the painful period of mourning.

The family also requested prayers and understanding, noting that they would not be making any further statements on the matter.

They expressed gratitude to everyone for honoring their wish for privacy during this time of grief.

‘Fubara’s mistake to democracy’ – Rivers Speaker says as Assembly serves Gov impeachment notice 

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved to serve impeachment notices on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, within the next seven days.

The decision followed the commencement of impeachment proceedings against the governor during an emergency plenary session held on Thursday.

During the session, the leader of the House, Major Jack, read out allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Fubara and his deputy. The move reportedly gained the support of at least 26 lawmakers, who backed the motion for the governor’s impeachment.

Speaking at the plenary, the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, confirmed that the formal notice of gross misconduct would be served on both the governor and his deputy within the stipulated seven-day period.

“Fubara is a mistake,” the Speaker declared, accusing the governor of deliberately undermining constitutional governance and legislative authority.

Amaewhule lamented that Rivers State is yet to present its 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing the situation as unprecedented and embarrassing.

According to him, no other state in Nigeria and possibly across West Africa has failed to present a budget for the coming fiscal year at this time.

“It is unbelievable that in the 21st century, a state like Rivers has neither presented nor passed an appropriation bill for 2026,” he said, adding that nothing constitutionally

 

The development further heightens political tension in the state as the impeachment process moves to the next stage.

 

Tension as Rivers Assembly begins Impeachment plenary against Governor Fubara

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, further heightening political tension in the state.

The process was launched during a plenary sitting of the Assembly, where lawmakers pointed to alleged constitutional breaches and administrative lapses as grounds for the move.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that the impeachment plenary is currently broadcast live on TVC as of filing the report.

The move comes as the Assembly resumed plenary earlier than scheduled, bringing forward its planned return date from January 26 to address the matter.

The development comes amid an ongoing power struggle between former governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara, a crisis that has continued to fuel uncertainty and anxiety across the oil-rich Niger Delta state.

Recall that in March 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the state amid political tension before it was suspended in September.

Police arrest 24-Year-Old accused of rape in Imo after Viral Video

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The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Wisdom Onyeaju, from Umuekweye, Irete, in the Owerri West Local Government Area, over an alleged case of defilement.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to DSP Henry, the arrest followed credible information provided by the victim’s family, who had earlier drawn public attention to the incident through a video that circulated widely on social media.

He said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing detailed investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Upon the conclusion of the investigation, Onyeaju will be charged to court accordingly.

DSP Henry also revealed that police officers accused of professional misconduct in the handling of the case have been identified and detained.

He added that an orderly room trial has been scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026, to address the alleged misconduct in line with existing police regulations.

“The Command remains committed to professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Justice will be served in this matter,” he assured.

Naira gains against US dollar

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The naira continued its modest appreciation against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Wednesday.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the local currency strengthened to N1,418.26 per dollar on Wednesday, improving from N1,419.07 recorded on Tuesday. This reflects a marginal gain of 80 kobo on a day-to-day basis.

In contrast, the naira remained stable at the parallel market, exchanging at N1,480 per dollar, the same rate seen the previous day.

The latest movement comes amid a further increase in Nigeria’s external reserves, which rose to $45.62 billion as of January 6, 2026.

It will be recalled that the naira had posted a stronger performance on Tuesday, appreciating by N10.24 against the dollar at the official market.

AFCON: Payment approved, CBN already on it—Nigerian govt on Super Eagles’ match allowances

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President Tinbu

The Nigerian government confirmed that all financial entitlements owed to Super Eagles players and officials have been approved and are currently being processed for payment.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, gave the assurance following reports that players were considering boycotting training and travel plans ahead of Saturday’s AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against Algeria in Marrakech.

Dikko disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 budget as far back as November 14, 2025, stressing that funding issues had been resolved between the NSC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the players.

“The President approved the entire AFCON budget on November 14, 2025. From our end, funding has been fully cleared,” Dikko said.

He, however, explained that while approval had been granted, administrative processing was still ongoing.

“Approval and processing are two different stages, but the players are aware that the funds have been approved and are being released,” he added.

According to the NSC Director-General, meetings were held with the NFF, team captain, co-captain, and senior players to agree on bonuses for the tournament.

“We sat down, negotiated, and agreed on the players’ entitlements up to the final. Everyone is clear on the terms,” he stated.

Dikko noted that the players accepted the agreed incentives before the tournament began and were fully aware of their bonuses at every stage.

“The players know exactly what they are playing for and what they will earn at each stage of the competition,” he said.

He further revealed that the only cash request made by the team was for daily allowances, which have already been settled.

“The daily allowances requested in cash have been sorted and made available,” he confirmed.

Match bonuses, he said, have also been approved and are currently undergoing payment processing.

“The bonuses have been approved. The process is ongoing, and the money will be paid,” Dikko assured.

He added that the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were working to ensure timely disbursement of the funds.

“The Ministry of Finance and the CBN are on this, so everything will be released on time,” he said.

The Super Eagles have enjoyed an impressive AFCON campaign, winning all their matches so far and scoring 12 goals en route to the quarter-finals.

Nigeria will face Algeria’s Desert Foxes for a place in the semi-finals and are expected to travel from Fès to Marrakech on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s high-profile encounter at the Stade de Marrakech, scheduled for 5 pm.

AFCON: ‘When Will This Embarrassment End?’ — Peter Obi condemns non-payment of Super Eagles’ match allowances

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the non-payment of match allowances to Super Eagles players, describing it as an unnecessary embarrassment to the country.

In a statement shared on his verified X account on Wednesday, Obi expressed disappointment that the national team is being subjected to avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final encounter.

The former Anambra State governor said the Super Eagles, who have been lifting the nation’s spirit through their performances, do not deserve such treatment, stressing that Nigeria must learn to honour its commitments.

 

Obi questioned why the country continues to generate negative headlines, especially at a time when Nigerians are in need of unity and positive news.

 

According to him, it is unacceptable that a nation capable of writing off trillions of naira in debts for government agencies and political allies, and spending heavily on self-serving projects, is unable to pay basic match bonuses owed to its players.

 

He added that Nigeria’s international image is being damaged by the continued failure to settle agreed allowances before major tournaments, noting that the situation reflects poorly on the country’s priorities and governance.

Adekunle Gold, Simi welcome twins

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Popular Nigerian music stars, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, and his wife, Simi, have welcomed twins, expanding their family.

Adekunle Gold shared the joyful news on Wednesday via his Snapchat story, expressing gratitude for the new additions. “Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” he wrote.

Although the couple is yet to reveal the gender of the twins, the announcement has been met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues, and fellow celebrities across the entertainment industry.

Speculation about Simi’s pregnancy had gained momentum in December after she posted a video on Instagram showing a noticeable baby bump, captioned, “From my baby, for my babies,” which sparked excitement among fans.

The arrival of the twins comes weeks after Simi promoted a scene from Adekunle Gold’s recently released music video, My Love is the Same, further fueling public anticipation.

Adekunle Gold and Simi, who got married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration, are regarded as one of Nigeria’s most admired celebrity couples. Both artistes were formerly signed to X3M Music before achieving mainstream success.

The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, popularly known as Deja, in May 2020.

2027: I’ve no price tag, I can’t be bought—Kwankwaso reveals next move against Tinubu

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The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has declared that he cannot be bought in politics, insisting that he has no “price tag.”

Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, made the statement while reflecting on recent political developments, issues of loyalty and betrayal, and the state of politics in Kano.

He acknowledged that politics naturally comes with gains and losses but cautioned that betrayal often attracts public resentment, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are dissatisfied with governance.

According to Daily Trust, Kwankwaso said betrayal weakens public trust, noting that some political parties are steadily losing the sympathy of the people, especially due to challenges related to insecurity and the economy.

“Life is like that; one loses, another gains. Of course, he entered a system that has no exit point,” he said.

Dismissing the belief that all politicians can be induced with money, Kwankwaso stated that he remains an exception.

“People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for someone who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he said.

He also stressed that politics in Kano is unique, describing the electorate as politically aware and resistant to financial inducements.

“Kano politics in Nigeria is different. If not in Kano, where is it that someone will meet you with a bag of money and expect to buy your conscience?” he asked.

Kwankwaso added that if money were his motivation, he could easily put a value on himself but insisted that his principles were not for sale.

He warned politicians and voters against accepting short-term inducements during elections, saying such practices only lead to prolonged hardship.

 

“You will spend four years suffering, and one day they will come and give you peanuts, and then you suffer for another four years,” he said.

The NNPP leader urged political actors to remain principled and focus on the long-term interests of the people, warning that leadership built on inducement and betrayal cannot deliver sustainable development.

EPL: Guardiola explains Man City couldn’t defeat Brighton 

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Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has blamed his side’s inability to convert chances for their 1-1 draw against Brighton on Wednesday night.

The result marked a third straight Premier League draw for City, further denting their title ambitions.

Erling Haaland put the champions ahead from the penalty spot in the first half, but Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma pulled the visitors level after the break with a low finish.

Speaking after the match, Guardiola praised his team’s overall performance but expressed frustration over their poor finishing.

“I liked the way we played a lot — really a lot,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “There were many new players and many positive things, but we didn’t score goals.

“We had too many clear chances. It wasn’t just one, two or three players — it was everyone in the attacking areas. We created a lot.”

The City boss added that his side showed strong commitment, especially in defence, but failed to capitalise on their dominance.

“We played exceptionally well and did many good things. Defensively, the team was incredibly committed and defended very well.

“But we created many chances, even inside the six-yard box, and couldn’t score. Not just today, not just one player — it’s everyone,” he said.

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