Top News Highlights from Nigerian Newspapers – December 15, 2023
1. NLC Warns Against Fuel Price Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, cautioning against heeding the World Bank’s advice to raise the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to N750/litre. NLC’s Head of Information, Benson Upah, stated that any further increase could lead to anarchy in the country.
2. Tragic Accident Claims Lives in Plateau State
A devastating accident occurred in Hawan-Kibo community, Plateau State, resulting in 12 confirmed deaths and 30 injuries. The incident involved a truck loaded with grains and passengers, descending a hill on a deteriorated road when it crashed into a ditch.
3. Rivers State Crisis Deepens with Four Commissioner Resignations
The political crisis in Rivers State escalates as four commissioners resign from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet. Those who stepped down include the Commissioner for Works, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Commissioner for Finance, and Commissioner for Special Duties.
4. WIC Urges Supreme Court for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
The World Igbo Congress (WIC) urges the Supreme Court to affirm earlier judgments and order the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the court prepares to decide on his fate.
5. Financial Constraints Threaten Edo and Ondo Elections
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, warns of possible financial constraints affecting the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states next year unless budgetary allocation increases from N40 billion to N89 billion.
6. Ondo State Acting Governor Advocates Peace for Development
Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emphasizes the importance of peace and unity for accelerated development in Ondo State, echoing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s vision for the Sunshine State.
7. Mass Directorial Changes in Aviation Agencies
The Federal Government dismisses all directors of aviation agencies in the Ministry of Aviation Aerospace Development, following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of heads of aviation agencies and suspension of the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
8. Jigawa State Uncovers 240 Ghost Workers
Jigawa State Government reveals the discovery of 240 ghost workers among the 4,500 temporary teachers under the J-Teach program, following a staff validation report conducted in May.
9. Mother Condemns Detention of 10-Year-Old Over Alleged Theft
The mother of a 10-year-old boy criticizes the Niger State Police Command for keeping her son in custody over the alleged theft of maize in Kontagora. The minor was apprehended for allegedly stealing maize and selling it to another person.
10. President Tinubu Highlights Key Partnerships for Success
President Bola Tinubu expresses confidence in the partnership with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during a colloquium marking Akpabio’s 61st birthday in Abuja, describing Akpabio as committed to national development values.
