Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 9th January, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 9th January, 2026

1. Rivers Assembly Begins Impeachment Moves Against Governor Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

During plenary presided over by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, read out the notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Fubara.

The impeachment motion, based on Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, lists seven allegations of gross misconduct including unauthorized demolition of the Assembly Complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding funds from the Assembly Service Commission, and failure to comply with Supreme Court rulings on the House’s financial autonomy.

Twenty-six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly signed the notice which they alleged was against the Nigerian Constitution.

Amaewhule said the notice will be served to Fubara in the next seven days.

2. Failed Airtime, Data Purchases To Be Refunded Within 30 Seconds – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new operational framework that will ensure customers are refunded withing thirty seconds where a purchaser is debited but fails to receive value for airtime or data.

The Commission noted that the exception would be in circumstances where the transaction remains pending, of which the refund can take up to 24 hours.

According to the NCC in a statement made available to Naija News on Thursday by its Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the new frame work is being rolled out in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The statement noted that the two regulators drew up the framework to address consumer complaints arising from unsuccessful airtime and data transactions during network downtimes, system glitches, or human input errors.

The framework further mandates operators to notify consumers via SMS of the success or failure of every transaction. It also addresses erroneous recharges to ported lines, incorrect airtime or data purchases, and instances where transactions are made to the wrong phone number.

3. Must You Weaponise Every Issue? – Onanuga Blasts Peter Obi Over Remarks On Super Eagles’ Bonuses

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his criticism of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following reports of unpaid match bonuses to the Super Eagles.

Naija News reports that Peter Obi, in a post via 𝕏, said the failure to honour agreed bonuses was damaging Nigeria’s image and demoralising players who have continued to give the country reasons to celebrate through their performances on the pitch.

Expressing frustration, Obi wondered why Nigeria continued to generate negative headlines even at moments when citizens needed unity and positive distractions.

According to him, the Super Eagles have remained a major source of national pride at home and in the diaspora, especially through their recent victories, but are now being subjected to avoidable distractions due to administrative failures.

Reacting to the post, Onanuga described Peter Obi as a ‘bitter’ person and questioned his choice of weaponising every matter.

He wrote, “Mr Bitter Peter, must you weaponise every issue?”

4. January 15 No Longer Just Armed Forces Remembrance Day – Says Defence HQ

The Defence Headquarters has announced that January 15, previously observed as Armed Forces Remembrance Day, will now be officially known as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

Naija News reports that this was announced in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.

The new designation is meant to honour both the serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The Federal Government set aside this day each year to recognize the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of the nation’s military personnel in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The change in name reflects the dual purpose of the occasion: celebrating the ongoing service of military personnel while remembering the fallen heroes.

The event has traditionally included a week of activities that end with a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on January 15.

The Defence Headquarters has called on the media and the public to use the updated name in all references and coverage going forward.

5. Peter Obi Is Not Number One On List Of Potential ADC Presidential Candidates – Dele Momodu

Veteran publisher and politician, Dele Momodu, has countered submissions that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi is the best among prominent political figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He also dismissed the push from some supporters of the former Labour Party presidential candidate including the Odidient Movement that Obi must compulsorily emerge as the 2027 presidential candidate of the ADC.

Speaking on Thursday during a Channels Television interview, Momodu argued that the ADC has several prominent politicians who could emerge as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.

According to the Ovation publisher, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tops the list of such potential candidates with experience, followed by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, before Peter Obi and many other credible potential candidates.

He also listed other figures in the coalition, including former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

6. Rivers Assembly Rejects Fubara’s Plan To Submit 2026 Budget

The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected plans by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2026 Budget.

The Assembly noted that it won’t receive the appropriations bill until allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara are concluded.

Recall that the Rivers Assembly had earlier on Thursday commenced impeachment proceedings against the state governors and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

During plenary presided over by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, read out the notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Fubara.

Twenty-six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly signed the notice which they alleged was against the Nigerian Constitution.

7. My Mum Is Battling An Ailment Money Can’t Solve – Tiktoker Jarvis Cries Out

Popular Nigerian TikToker Amadou Elizabeth, known online as Jarvis, has spoken about her mother’s worsening health and her fear of how social media users may react if the situation becomes public.

Naija News reports that the content creator shared her concerns in an emotional video posted on Instagram on Wednesday.

She said she has been worried that people might secretly record her sick mother and later use the footage to attack her online.

According to her, the online space can be harsh, and she fears her mother’s condition could be turned into a tool for criticism.

Jarvis explained that she already expects people to question her care for her mother, especially because of her online success.

8. Tears As Nollywood Stars Gather For Allwell Ademola’s Service Of Songs

Actors and filmmakers in the Nollywood industry came together on Thursday for a prayer session and Service of Songs held in honour of late actress and producer, Allwell Ademola.

Naija News reports that videos shared online showed several industry colleagues taking part in the wrap prayer, including Afeez Abiodun, Rotimi Salami and Kunle Afod.

The gathering was marked by prayers, tears,tributes and moments of reflection as friends and colleagues remembered the late filmmaker.

Rotimi Salami, known to be one of Ademola’s closest associates in the industry, addressed those present during the event.

He appealed for forgiveness on her behalf and urged everyone to continue praying for her soul.

He also called on colleagues to stay united and preserve the work and impact she left behind in Nollywood.

9. I’ll Pay Super Eagles Bonuses If FG Fails To Pay It By Saturday – Ndidi

Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has promised to pay all the match bonuses for the Super Eagles players and coaching staff if the federal government of Nigeria fails to settle it before Saturday.

According to Ndidi, he doesn’t want the unpaid bonuses to affect the preparations for the team’s next games at the ongoing AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

The midfielder was quoted to have made the commitment by sports journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji on Thursday.

Naija News recalls that fresh rows surfaced ahead of the Super Eagles’s quarter final clash against Algeria on Saturday, with the players reportedly deciding to boycott travel to Marrakech and skipped training on Thursday over unpaid bonuses for their three group stage fixtures and the round of 16.

10. Super Eagles Of Nigeria Depart For Marrakech

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have left their Fes camp and are en route to Marrakech ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against Algeria.

“Players and officials are now departing for Marrakech,” confirmed the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe earlier today, January 8.

The move also signals the resolution of earlier concerns over unpaid tournament bonuses, clearing the path for the national team to focus solely on their quest for continental glory.

Naija News reports that the Federal Government has officially confirmed that all outstanding match bonuses owed to the Super Eagles have been released. The announcement came from the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, via her verified 𝕏 account on Thursday.

According to Uzoka-Anite, delays in bonus payments were linked to administrative and foreign exchange processing challenges.

The minister added that all group-stage bonuses had now been approved and cleared through the necessary regulatory channels, with transfers already underway.

Reports had earlier suggested that the Super Eagles were considering a protest, including a refusal to travel to Marrakech unless all outstanding bonuses were paid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.