Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay updated with the top headlines making waves across Nigeria, including a major shake-up at the National Hajj Commission, a fresh controversy over petrol subsidy payments, and key investigations into corruption in Kano State. Additionally, significant judicial rulings, ongoing fuel scarcity, and alarming cases of crime and rescue operations are also making headlines today.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Newspapers: Top 10 Stories to Start Your Monday Morning
1. Tinubu Appoints New NAHCON Chairman, Sacks Jalal Arabi: President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). In his place, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been appointed to lead the agency. The decision was announced by the Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, as part of Tinubu’s ongoing administrative restructuring.
2. Atiku Questions Tinubu’s Credibility Over Petrol Subsidy Payments: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about the credibility of President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the continued payment of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy. This comes after Tinubu approved the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) request to use 2023 dividends for subsidy payments, contradicting earlier claims that the subsidy had been removed.
3. Kano Anti-Corruption Agency Investigates Multi-Million Naira Fraud: The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has initiated an investigation into allegations of procurement fraud and mismanagement of federal palliatives. Among those implicated are Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to the Kano State Governor.
4. Presidency Unveils New Airbus A330 Replacing 19-Year-Old Presidential Jet: The Nigerian Presidency has unveiled a newly acquired Airbus A330, which replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) purchased during Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed the aircraft’s images, marking a significant upgrade in the presidential fleet.
5. Fuel Scarcity Worsens as Tankers Queue at Lagos Depots: The ongoing scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has led to long queues of tankers at various depots in Lagos, waiting to load fuel for distribution across the country. Despite some tankers beginning to load, the supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) remains insufficient, exacerbating the fuel crisis.
6. Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Bayelsa and Kogi Governorship Appeals: The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the appeals challenging the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo. The apex court’s decisions are eagerly awaited as they will determine the political leadership in these states.
7. Teenager Accuses Osogbo Clergyman of Sexual Abuse and Pregnancy: A 16-year-old girl in Osogbo, Osun State, has accused her stepfather, a local clergyman identified as Femi, of impregnating her at the age of 13. The girl reported the matter to the World Institute for Peace, a Non-Governmental Organisation, seeking an Alternative Dispute Resolution for the case.
8. Niger Police Launch Operation to Rescue Kidnapped Hotel Owner: The Niger State Police Command has launched a rescue operation for the owner and manager of a hotel in Angwan Power-line, Gauraka area of Tafa Local Government Area, who were kidnapped by armed men. Contrary to reports on social media, the police clarified that only two persons were abducted, not seven.
9. Kaduna Police Arrest Gunrunners, Foil Kidnapping Attempts: The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested two notorious gunrunners and an informant for kidnappers in two separate operations. The command also successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims, furthering its efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.
10. Police Threaten Arrest Warrant for NLC Chairman Joe Ajaero: The Nigerian Police have threatened to issue an arrest warrant for Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Joe Ajaero, if he fails to appear before an investigative panel today. Ajaero has been summoned over allegations of terrorism financing, treasonable felony, cybercrime, and other related offences.
