Nigerian Newspaper Headlines for Today, Thursday, 13th July, 2023

Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines for Thursday, July 13, 2023

Good morning Nigeria! Welcome to the roundup of today’s top newspaper headlines in Nigeria.

 

Here are the stories making the rounds:

Headlines:

 

1. President Tinubu Requests Fresh Amendment for Fuel Subsidy in National Assembly

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh request to the National Assembly, seeking an amendment to the 2022 supplementary appropriation Act. The amendment would enable the Federal Government to source N500 billion from the 2022 supplementary Appropriation Act of N819.5 billion for palliative measures to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced during Wednesday’s plenary that the House will consider Tinubu’s request on Thursday and encouraged members willing to contribute to be prepared.

 

2. Lukman Accuses APC National Chairman of Denying Financial Support to Tinubu and Party Candidates for 2023 Elections

 

Salihu Lukman, the National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the party’s National Chairman, of withholding financial support from President Bola Tinubu and other party candidates for the upcoming 2023 elections. Lukman revealed during a news conference in Abuja that despite generating over N30 billion from the sale of forms, the party failed to support Tinubu and its candidates. Lukman, who is a member of the party’s National Working Committee, called on Adamu to provide a financial account of the party’s activities since assuming leadership.

 

3. Nigeria Successfully Redeems $500 Million Eurobond Debt. 

Nigeria has successfully redeemed a $500 million Eurobond on its scheduled due date of July 12, 2023, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO). The Eurobond, which was issued in July 2018 as part of a dual-tranche of $1 billion with a ten-year tenure and a coupon of 6.375% per annum, was fully paid off. The DMO emphasized that this successful redemption demonstrates the country’s commitment to fulfilling its debt service obligations.

 

4. Ortom Reveals Reasons for Atiku’s Anger towards G5 Members in PDP Crisis.

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, is angry with him and other members of the G5 for refusing to work against the aspiration of having a president from the southern region. Ortom cited reasons such as his refusal to become a “Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)” to undermine the will of Nigerians, the enactment of the grazing law in Benue state, and speaking out against the killings of Benue people by Fulani herdsmen. Ortom’s response comes after Atiku’s aide accused G5 members of seeking personal gains and protection from prosecution for financial crimes.

 

Nigerian Newspaper Headlines for Today

 

5. APC’s Lukman Calls National Secretary Omisore a “Phenomenal Failure” in Party Crisis. 

Salihu Lukman, the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeled Senator Iyiola Omisore, the party’s National Secretary, as a “phenomenal failure” in the ongoing APC crisis.

Lukman criticized Omisore during a press conference in Abuja, responding to Omisore’s previous remarks in which he referred to Lukman as a nonentity and black sheep acting alone in the 25-member National Working Committee (NWC). Lukman argued that the APC does not have a winning team as claimed by Omisore and advised him to accept the party’s defeat in his home state of Osun.

 

6. Tinubu Government Set to Announce New Gas Prices. 

The Federal Government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu is preparing to announce a new gas pricing template, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The decision to revise gas prices comes after consultations with Olu Verheijen, the Adviser to President Tinubu on Energy. Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of NMDPRA, shared the news at the launch of the “Decade of Gas” headquarters in Abuja. The authority has engaged relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and received alignment from the commercial sector regarding the new pricing template.

 

7. Ladoja Sues Makinde and Olubadan over Elevation of New Kings

Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, has taken legal action against the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, and Governor Seyi Makinde over the chieftaincy review. Ladoja also filed a lawsuit against the ten newly elevated beaded crown-wearing Kings in the Oyo State High Court. The elevation was approved by Governor Makinde on June 22, following the recommendation of Oba Lekan Balogun, who serves as the prescribed and consenting authority. Ladoja, who had previously rejected the elevation, was absent at the ceremony where the new Obas received their Staff of Office.

 

 

8.  Lukman Accuses Adamu of Disregarding APC’s Choice of NASS Leadership

 

Salihu Lukman, the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accused National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu of mobilizing resentment against the party’s chosen leadership for the National Assembly.

Lukman stated that Adamu disregarded the decision to select Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President and Tajudeen Abbas as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Lukman claimed that Adamu never campaigned for the party’s adopted candidates for these positions and distanced himself from the party’s stance. He criticized the lack of proper guidelines and communication within the Adamu-led NWC regarding the leadership selection.

 

 

9. Chief of Army Staff Urges Governors to Allow Army to Eliminate Criminal Elements in Closed-door Meeting. 

During a closed-door meeting with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Chief of Army Staff Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja urged state governors to allow the army to eradicate terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the northwest and other regions of the country. Lagbaja emphasized that no further amnesty would be granted to the criminals and stated that they would not be allowed to enter other parts of the country as they are being chased out of the northwest. He warned them to flee the country immediately, as they would be closely monitored and blocked from entering other regions.

10. APC Chairman Defends Right to Support Lawan, Clarifies Relationship with President Tinubu. 

Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defended his right to support Senate President Ahmad Lawan as his preferred candidate for the party’s 2023 presidential ticket. Adamu stated that supporting candidates of choice is part of the democratic process and should not be condemned. He clarified that after President Bola Tinubu emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, he worked diligently to ensure Tinubu’s victory in the polls. Adamu dismissed rumors of a fight with Tinubu, emphasizing that their relationship is smooth and cordial. He also clarified his position on the emergence of principal officers in the National Assembly, stating that his concerns were about the communication process rather than the individuals selected.