Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay informed with the top headlines making waves across Nigeria, including rising tensions in Rivers State, a Supreme Court showdown over EFCC powers, and a major $50 billion oil sector investment push. Plus, critical updates on nationwide nutrition programs, local governance reforms, and significant security warnings.
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1. Wike blames Fubara’s disobedience for Rivers State unrest: In a recent TV interview, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike attributed the ongoing mayhem in Rivers State to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s disregard for court orders. Wike alleged that Fubara admitted to a deteriorating rule of law in the state, which Wike believes is contributing to the unrest.
2. Supreme Court to decide EFCC’s authority to investigate states: The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for October 22 to determine whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has the legal right to investigate state governments. Sixteen state governments have challenged the constitutionality of the law that empowers the EFCC.
3. Nigeria expects $50bn oil investment as sector prepares for deregulation: Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, announced plans for a $50 billion investment in the oil sector by the end of 2024. He also highlighted the government’s goal to increase oil production to 2.7 million barrels per day and hinted at full deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector to attract more investors.
4. Nationwide nutrition program launched to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity: Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched the ‘Nutrition 774 Initiative,’ aimed at improving nutrition across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. The program, approved by the National Economic Council (NEC), seeks to address malnutrition and food insecurity, which remain pressing challenges in many parts of the country.
5. Federal Government begins process to appoint new Permanent Secretaries: The Federal Government has begun appointing new Permanent Secretaries in eight states. The process, overseen by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, excludes officials facing disciplinary action. The appointments aim to fill vacancies and enhance government efficiency.
6. INEC to provide PDP electoral materials for Edo governorship poll: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will provide the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with electoral materials for the September 21 Edo State governorship election. INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Augbum Onuoha, confirmed that the materials will be made available on Wednesday, addressing the PDP’s complaints of delays.
7. Head teacher sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling two minors: Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced Benjamin Ogba, a head teacher, to life imprisonment for defiling two seven-year-old girls. The court found the prosecution had successfully proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
8. Ondo man calls for investigation into family’s death from alleged food poisoning: An Ondo resident, Mr. Ademola Adeola, has urged the state government to investigate the deaths of his mother and four children, allegedly due to food poisoning. The victims, including Mrs. Esther Adeola and four grandchildren, reportedly died after consuming liquid pap in Akure, Ondo State.
9. Governor Fubara warns oil production may halt over rising violence in Rivers: Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned that oil production in the state could be jeopardized if the ongoing violence persists. He expressed concern over attacks by political thugs and vowed to protect the state’s resources from further destruction.
10. Senate urges Tinubu to dredge Rivers Niger and Benue to prevent flooding: The Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the dredging of the Niger and Benue rivers as a preventive measure against flooding. The Senate also urged the inclusion of this project in the 2025 national budget to mitigate future flood risks.
