Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. I did not betray Peter Obi, he was the one who betrayed Atiku —Okupe
Former Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign in the 2023 presidential election, Doyin Okupe, has responded to accusations by supporters of Peter Obi generally known as Obidients, that he betrayed his principal before and after the election.Read more
2. ‘You have become a blind defender of Tinubu’, Dele Momodu blasts Omokri
Veteran journalist and one time presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu has accused former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri of being a blind supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s policies that have plunged the country into an economic crisis.Read more
3. ‘They want to tarnish my father’s image,’ Gov Zulum’s son speaks on murder allegation (Video)
Umara Babagana Zulum, son of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has broken his silence over an allegation that he killed a fellow student in Indian during a fight over a woman.Read more
4. Reps warn against lopsided recruitment in varsities
The House of Representatives Committee on University Education on Friday warned against lopsided recruitment in the country’s universities.Read more
5. ‘I stand by my statements on Tinubu’s interview,’ Ndume reacts to removal as Senate Chief Whip
The sacked Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has reacted to his removal from the position.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, July 18, 2024
6. APC, police disagree over attack on Okpebholo, Shaibu in Edo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has accused the state police command of complicity in the attack on its governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and the reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.Read more
7. Tinubu vows Nigeria will become global investment destination
President Bola Tinubu said on Friday his administration would make Nigeria a global investment destination.Read more
8. CBN finally takes over dormant accounts, to invest funds in treasury bills
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh directive to banks and financial institutions operating in Nigeria about dormant accounts.Read more
9. Police dismisses report on abduction of 11 passengers in Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has dismissed as misleading a report on the abduction of 11 people at the Amechi-Idodo area of the Enugu/Abakaliki Expressway on Wednesday.Read more
10. Actor Chinedu Ikedieze unveils new wife
Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze aka Aki has presented his new wife, Stephanie Promise, to the public.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Saturday, July 20, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Saturday, July 20, 2024
US election: Democrats pressure Biden to drop presidential race
More pressure mounts on President Joe Biden of the United States, US, to drop out of the presidential race.
Five more House Democrats on Friday joined the growing number of congressional lawmakers who asked Biden to drop out of the 2024 election.
The lawmakers are Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., Marc Veasey, D-Texas, Chuy Garcia, D-Illinois and Marc Pocan, D-Wisc.
In a joint statement, they urged Biden to “pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders.”
According to the lawmakers, “Mr. President, with great admiration for you personally, sincere respect for your decades of public service and patriotic leadership, and deep appreciation for everything we have accomplished together during your presidency, it is now time for you to pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders.
“We must defeat Donald Trump to save our democracy, protect our alliances and the rules-based international order, and continue building on the strong foundation you have established over the past four years.
“At this point, however, we must face the reality that widespread public concerns about your age and fitness are jeopardizing what should be a winning campaign.
“These perceptions may not be fair, but they have hardened in the aftermath of last month’s debate and are now unlikely to change.
“We believe the most responsible and patriotic thing you can do at this moment is to step aside as our nominee while continuing to lead our party from the White House.”
Another House Democrat, Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois, separately urged Biden to drop out of the race.
“It’s time for Joe Biden to pass the torch,” Casten wrote.
“Politics, like life, isn’t fair. And as long as this election is instead litigated over which candidate is more likely to be held accountable for public gaffes and ‘senior moments,’ I believe that Biden is not only going to lose but is also uniquely incapable of shifting that conversation.”
US election: Democrats pressure Biden to drop presidential race
US election: I’ll defeat Trump – Biden boasts amid pressure to step down
President Joe Biden of the United States, US, has vowed to defeat his Republican rival, Donald Trump in the November presidential election.
Biden urged members of his party, Democrats, to rally around him to defeat Trump.
This is coming amid pressure by lawmakers for him to step down from the presidential race.
On Friday, five lawmakers of the Democrats joined the growing number of those asking Biden to drop out of the 2024 election.
The lawmakers are Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., Marc Veasey, D-Texas, Chuy Garcia, D-Illinois and Marc Pocan, D-Wisc.
In a joint statement, they urged Biden to “pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders.”
However, Associated Press, AP, quoted Biden as saying: “Together, as a party and as a country, we can and will defeat him at the ballot box.
“The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.”
US election: I’ll defeat Trump – Biden boasts amid pressure to step down
Endless attacks, humiliation of Nigerians abroad raise concerns
There are concerns over the incessant attacks and humiliation of Nigerians in foreign lands.
This is as citizens continue to move out of the country in droves amid the prevailing hardship in the country.
In the last few months, there have been reports of maltreatment of many Nigerians abroad, even by fellow African countries.
However, despite the cries for justice from their loved ones, they hardly get one.
Reports show that over the past seven years, more than 350 Nigerians have been murdered extrajudicially in foreign countries.
Most of them fell victim to non-state actors with no justifiable reason for their deaths.
Most recently, precisely on June 26, 2024, a wave of protests broke out outside the Republic of Benin Embassy in Abuja, as Nigerians, particularly youths, rallied to demand the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji.
The Nigerian cleric, who is a native of Cross River State, has been detained in Benin for over a year.
Pastor Egbaji, who heads a church, Église De Miracle Et Action Du Saint Esprit in Benin, was accused of rape by Pede Victoire, a citizen of Benin.
Egbaji has remained in detention without trial. He is said to be subjected to harsh conditions, including being chained in a hospital.
The protesters decried the prolonged detention of Pastor Egbaji without due process and the lack of a fair trial.
Recall that in response to these injustices, the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari established the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), tasked with addressing the mistreatment and welfare of Nigerians abroad, with a particular focus on those unjustly imprisoned.
Chronicles of Nigerians killed in foreign lands
NiDCOM’s chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in 2022 revealed the alarming rate of killing of Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus.
According to her, over a span of six years, 13 Nigerians had been slain.
In July 2022, the murder of 39-year-old Nigerian, Alika Ogorchukwu, by an Italian man shocked the nation.
Ogorchukwu was beaten to death on a busy street, in full view of onlookers.
In the same month, two Nigerian security guards, Tosin Amos-Arowoshegbe and Chibueze Momah, were gunned down while on duty in Vaughan, Canada.
Another citizen, Chizoba Favour Eze died in an Ethiopian prison after being brutally beaten by prison officials. Chizoba was left untreated for days, eventually succumbing to her injuries.
Nigerians in South Africa have faced relentless xenophobic attacks. Since 2016, over 200 Nigerians have been killed extrajudicially.
Others remain in jail without trial
Sadly, many Nigerians have continued to languish in various prisons abroad due to minor offenses or no offence at all.
In 2021, data published by Patriotic Citizens Initiatives, a civil society group, indicated that 170,000 Nigerians were serving terms for drugs/human trafficking and other minor offences across the world.
This reflected a sharp rise from the 16,300 recorded in 2012, out of which 6,500 were on death row.
PCI also said that as many as 8,000 Nigerians were incarcerated in Chinese prisons, 3,719 in Canadian prisons, while British jail houses were home to some 750 Nigerian inmates.
India also held about 1,000 Nigerian prisoners. Indonesia imprisoned 200 Nigerians, with 40 of the inmates on death row.5 Oct 2023.
Even in neighbouring Benin Republic, over 3,000 Nigerians are being held behind bars.
Ayobamidele Kehinde, the International Director for Dynamic Ambassadors For Social Transformation and Orientation Initiative, told TVN that the story of Benjamin Egbaji is one of many among the attacks on Nigerians in the neigbbouring West African nation.
He said, “I want the Nigerian people, the good people in Benin Republic and indeed the people of the world to rise up; this thing I am telling you is not just about Benjamin Egbaji, but Benjamin Egbaji’s case is just like a case that is opening up a can of worms that we have.
“There are thousands of Nigerians in Benin Republic prisons who have not committed any offence or committed minor offences and they are sentenced to prison just because they are Nigerians.
“I want to give you an instance; when this whole thing started, I called a prominent businessman in Benin Republic and said please one of our prominent brothers is having a case, how can you help.
“The man pleaded with me, he said ‘here, don’t just by mistake get into any trouble, they will finish you and every of your investment they will go with it’”.
Also speaking with TVN, Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun of the Media and Public Relations Unit of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, attributed most of the cases to what he described as “communication gap” and lack of respect for rules to foreign lands.
According to him, “Whenever we hear of any case, we link up with our embassy’s interesting countries.
“And then to do a total investigation. Because in most cases, like I said, we discover that some of our nationals are at fault. In some cases we discover that it is a communication gap.
“Look at the case in Dubai. There was a law that says you should not be taking pictures of the airport.
“A lady got there and saw a scene and started recording. They got her arrested and sentenced her to prison.
“They have their own law and if you get there, you have to obey.”
In the case of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, Balogun said the Nigerian government was interested in the case and was making necessary efforts to make sure his rights were not trampled upon.
“Yes, we received a letter dated March 5, 2024, from his lawyer over the issue. We reached out to our ambassador in Benin Republic, who is also on the matter.
“The matter is already in court. But notwithstanding, we sent some lawyers there to make sure they didn’t trample on his fundamental human rights,” he revealed.
When informed that the pastor is currently being chained to bed and his health is failing, Balogun said he was just hearing that for the first time
“Well, I am just hearing that for the first time. He has a lawyer. It is when you don’t have a lawyer that you will panic.
“Apart from his lawyer, we also supported him with two lawyers,” he added.
Endless attacks, humiliation of Nigerians abroad raise concerns
Hardship: Planned protest can destroy Nigeria – Cleric cautions youths
The Chairman, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’kamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Katsina State, Sheikh Yakubu Musa, on Friday, called on the youths to shun the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship for peaceful coexistence in the country.
Musa believes the protest could end up destroying the nation.
The cleric made the appeal while addressing the Muslim faithful shortly after prayer at Al-Sanawiyya Mosque, Katsina.
“Like here in Katsina, we are also disturbed by insecurity.
“We should shun the planned protest. We should not be part of it, our youths should also shun from being part of it.
“Because it could destroy the nation, we have seen what happened in some countries where as a result of protest, the countries had been thrown into war and total destruction,” Musa warned.
Hardship: Planned protest can destroy Nigeria – Cleric cautions youths
NBTE suspends controversial new scheme of service for polytechnics
The National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, has suspended the implementation of the new revised scheme of service for polytechnics in the country.
TVN reports that the suspension of the scheme of service is coming on the heels of the warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, as the ultimatum issued to the Federal government on the matter to withdraw the scheme ends on Monday.
ASUP had deplored some areas in the scheme and called for its withdrawal.
The suspension of the scheme of service was contained in a circular dated July 19, 2024, and signed by the Executive Secretary of the board, Professor Idris Bugaje.
The circular, which was made available to TVN in Ilorin on Friday, was addressed to the Governing Council, Rectors and Provosts of federal and state polytechnics in the country.
It read in part; “further to the many issues raised on the June 2024 schemes of service earlier circulated, I wish to convey approval of suspension of implementation until all grey areas are addressed.”
NBTE suspends controversial new scheme of service for polytechnics
Knocks, kudos as LP lawmaker commissions waste bins as constituency project
The member representing Aba Central constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Ucheonye Stephen Akachukwu has come under verbal attack for commissioning waste bins he donated as a constituency project.
The waste bins, which were positioned at Azuka Road in Ogbo Hill area and at Ekeoha Market, Ehi Road in Aba, were commissioned by top staff of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) who were invited as special guests.
Also, supporters and friends of the lawmaker were present to witness the commissioning of the waste bins.
However, the lawmaker has come under attack from many critics in the state, for promoting the waste bin as a big achievement.
Some of the critics who have taken to social media and radio programs to criticize the lawmaker, said that such a donation should not have attracted a large crowd.
According to the critics, Akachukwu should not count the donation of waste bins as a big achievement.
But, an environmental activist, Chizobendum Elias has defended the Aba Central lawmaker, saying that what he did was for the overall interest of his people.
Elias, who spoke on the matter, said that the health benefits of what the lawmaker did were more important to the Aba population than sharing of money or food items.
“The attack on the lawmaker is uncalled for. Some of those who in the past described Aba as the dirtiest city are still the people criticising the legislator now for promoting a good environment,” said Elias.
Knocks, kudos as LP lawmaker commissions waste bins as constituency project
Tinubu vows Nigeria will become global investment destination
President Bola Tinubu said on Friday his administration would make Nigeria a global investment destination.
The president, according to a statement on issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this when a delegation from an international energy company, ENI, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Claudio Descalzi, visited him in Abuja.
Tinubu said his administration was determined to turn the country into a force on the global stage with strategic thinking, planning, and implementation.
He added that his administration’s reforms aim to reposition the Nigerian economy by exploring the possibilities of innovative thinking, strategic planning, new technology, and research into best practices.
The president stressed that the
the reforms would be sustained for the mutual benefit of investors and Nigerians.
He said: “I have seen the need for us to continue to be leaders in this reform and create opportunities for attracting investments because the basket is getting bigger, and the participants are getting larger and more resilient.
“The fossil fuel problem is there; science and technology is taking over.
“We will still continue to assure you that we are going to be the global investment destination and I will encourage you, as one of the progressive leaders in the industry, on what our reforms have achieved.
“Please, put a timeline on that investment strategy. It will be a stimulant for the rest of the world when you put a timeline on it.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu sets up committee to tackle food crisis
He commended ENI’s confidence in the country for many years and for diversifying into other areas like agriculture.
Tinubu added: “ENI, we welcome your team again. Claudio, it is an honour for me to welcome you back to your second home, Nigeria.
“Welcome back after many years. Nigeria has improved, and I am glad that you noted that we are making changes, not because of anything else but because of a very long-term vision on our investment strategy.
“Gone are the days when we feel like the captain in several ships. We have seen conflicting strategies around the world, and we are determined to champion these changes or take ourselves ahead of those changes and make reforms a priority.
“We cannot grow today’s seed with yesterday’s belief system. We have to continuously be intellectually inquisitive and reform ourselves and our way of doing things. We count on your efforts.
“And we see the effect of your belief in our partnership, not for exploitation, but for investable development. Africa is not in a begging mode but in an accelerated mode to compete and take its place with the rest of the world.
“We are open; we are ready. We are working hard on infrastructural development and to make arable land available for planting, and we are ready to partner you in every aspect of that and in innovative research.”
On his part, Descalzi said ENI would invest more in the country, particularly in the agricultural sector.
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Shaibu re-appoints aides in Edo
The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has reappointed Kingsley Ehigiamusoe as his Chief of Staff.
He also reappointed Musa Ebomhiana as Chief Press Secretary.
In a statement issued by the CPS, the deputy governor also returned seven other persons to their positions.
He said the reappointments took immediate effect.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday nullified Shaibu’s impeachment by the State House of Assembly.
He also restrained Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Assembly from preventing Shaibu from performing the functions of his office.
The judge equally directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to restore the deputy governor’s security details.
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BREAKING: DSS kills, arrests kidnappers who abducted mother of Hausa singer Rarara
Operatives of the Department of State Security, DSS, have killed one of the kidnappers who abducted the mother of the famous Hausa singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, while a second kidnapper was reportedly arrested after a gun duel.
A DSS source in Kano said the operatives stormed the den of the kidnappers deep in Makarfi Forest in Kaduna State early on Friday and took them by surprise while they were sharing the ransom they collected.
According to the source: “The operatives were able to overpower the kidnappers, killing one instantly and arresting another who is receiving treatment from gunshots he received, while the N26.5 million paid to them was recovered.”
He said the operation was carried out after careful intelligence traced the kidnappers to Makarfi Forest.
He said: “The operation was so successful that the other kidnapper who is receiving treatment is helping the operatives with some credible information on how they kidnapped innocent Nigerians.”
He added: “I can confidently tell you that the kidnappers, Hamisu and Bature, are Fulanis. The one receiving treatment, Bature, is helping the operatives with information on their activities.”
BREAKING: DSS kills, arrests kidnappers who abducted mother of Hausa singer Rarara
