Nigerian Newspaper Headlines – Thursday, October 12, 2023
Good morning, Nigeria! Welcome to the Ejes Gist Newspaper roundup of the top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, October 12, 2023.
1. Tinubu Appoints New Heads for Key Agencies
President Bola Tinubu has made significant appointments for key agencies and parastatals under the Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy. In a statement, Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale announced that Aminu Maida has been appointed as the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Nkechi Egerton-Idehen is now the Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT). Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has been appointed as the DG/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Dr. Vincent Olatunji as the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Additionally, Tola Odeyemi has been named the Postmaster General/CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). The President has also appointed Idris Alubankudi as the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy.
2. Certificate Controversy Surrounding Tinubu
The controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s diploma certificate continues. Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had accused Tinubu of forging a certificate from Chicago State University (CSU) submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, raised concerns about the impact this controversy is having on Nigeria’s reputation, stating that Nigerians are now seen worldwide as forgers, certificate forgers, and identity thieves because of the alleged actions of Tinubu. Obi called on Tinubu to provide detailed information about his name, education, and the certificate from CSU.
3. BBC Finds No Evidence of Tinubu’s Certificate Forgery
The disinformation team of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that there is no evidence to support the claim that President Bola Tinubu forged his Chicago State University (CSU) certificate. This follows allegations by Atiku Abubakar that Tinubu submitted a forged CSU certificate to INEC. The BBC’s findings, after contacting CSU, suggest there is no evidence of forgery.
4. State Governors Cannot Ban Mining Activities
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has emphasized that state governors do not have the authority to ban mining activities within their states. He pointed out that the mining sector falls under the exclusive legislative list, which is under the control of the federal government. Banning mining activities, according to Alake, is equivalent to banning oil exploration, and no governor has the constitutional power to take such action. Instead, he suggested that state governors interested in mining activities should create Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) and obtain mining licenses from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.
5. Atiku Clarifies Name Discrepancy
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), addressed the discrepancy between his current name and the name on his Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) certificate. He stated that both Siddiq and Atiku are names Prophet Muhammad gave to his bosom friend, Caliph Abubakar, and have a historical link to one person in Islamic theology. Atiku clarified that there is no difference between Atiku Abubakar and Sadiq Abubakar. He stated that he has all the documents linked with his official name change and criticized those who are using this issue for political gain and sentiment.
6. Chief of Defence Staff’s Call to Nigerian Army
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, urged troops of the Nigerian Army to be proactive in countering Boko Haram terrorists. He emphasized that troops should take the battle to the terrorists’ enclaves and seek them out rather than waiting to respond to attacks. Musa stated that any soldier coming to the theatre without eliminating at least one terrorist is incomplete. He stressed that actively pursuing the terrorists is the key to ending the conflict.
7. Peter Obi’s Request to President Tinubu
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, called on President Bola Tinubu to reintroduce himself to the nation. This request follows the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s diploma certificate. Obi urged Tinubu to provide detailed information about his name, education, and certificate, emphasizing that it would only take a few minutes to do so.
8. Weakening of Institutions and Political Impact
Political Economist Prof. Pat Utomi expressed concern that politics has weakened institutions in Nigeria, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He argued that values and strong institutions are essential for the growth of any society and that Nigeria is currently facing a crisis due to the weakening of these institutions and the collapse of shared values.
9. Hospitals Warned Not to Demand Police Reports
The Federal Government has issued a warning to hospitals in the country, cautioning them against demanding police reports before treating emergency patients. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that the federal government has directed all hospitals to prioritize patients’ lives and not to delay treatment while waiting for police reports.
10. Nigerian Air Force Receives New Aircraft
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received two additional aircraft to enhance air operations against insecurity in the country. The Diamond-62 aircraft were unveiled in Ilorin, Kwara State. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the deployment of these aircraft to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas. He emphasized the importance of discipline, professionalism, and proper maintenance for these aircraft.
That concludes today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more Nigerian news, visit Ejes Gist Newspaper . See you again tomorrow
