Nigerian Newspapers: 10 Things You Need to Know this Thursday, May 11, 2023

1. The Budget Office of the Federation has warned Nigeria about its “limited borrowing space” due to its poor debt-to-revenue ratio. This means that the country’s ability to borrow money is becoming increasingly restricted, and if it exceeds its borrowing limits, trouble could be on the horizon. The Director-General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, emphasized the need for the government to exercise caution when borrowing and to prioritize revenue generation to avoid getting into further debt. This warning comes as the Nigerian government grapples with the economic impacts of falling oil prices, which have significantly reduced government revenue.

2. According to Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) needs to make significant investments in oil and gas to meet the rising demand for these commodities. As the chairman of the Dangote Group, Africa’s wealthiest man, Dangote believes that the national oil firm should invest more because there are numerous off-takers who are interested in purchasing products from the company. This suggests that there is a potential market for the NNPC, and if it were to invest in expanding its operations, it could reap significant profits. Therefore, it is important for the NNPC to heed Dangote’s advice and make strategic investments in oil and gas to cater to the growing demand for these resources.

3. Sale Mamman, a former Minister of Power, has been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N22 billion fraud. This development comes as a shock to many, as Mamman was a minister under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021.

According to sources, he was arrested and detained at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. This arrest sends a strong message that the Buhari administration is committed to fighting corruption and holding public officials accountable for their actions. It is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent to other public officials who may be engaging in fraudulent activities.

4.  The Federal Government of Nigeria has continued its efforts to bring its citizens back home from countries facing political unrest and violence. In the latest move, 254 Nigerians who were fleeing the insurrection in Sudan have been brought back home.

The evacuees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and were received by officials from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. The government’s swift action to bring back its citizens from conflict zones is commendable, and shows its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians, both at home and abroad.

5. The news of the murder of Umaru Aliu, a herder, has sent shock waves across the country. The barbaric act of dismembering his body is a clear indication of the level of cruelty and inhumanity that exists in our society. It is heartening to know that the suspects have been apprehended and will face the full wrath of the law.

The Amotekun Corps Commander, David Akinremi, and his team deserve commendation for their swift action in bringing the perpetrators to justice. This incident highlights the need for us to promote peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups and address the underlying causes of conflict in our communities. We must work together to build a society where everyone can live in safety and harmony.

6. The Nigerian Air Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire that broke out at its facility in Abuja. The investigation aims to uncover both the immediate and remote causes of the fire.

The Head of Operations for Federal Fire Fighters in the Federal Capital Territory, Amiola Adebayo, praised the hard work of firefighters who were able to completely extinguish the fire. The Nigerian Air Force is committed to ensuring that its facilities remain safe and secure for its personnel and the public. The investigation is an important step in understanding what caused the fire and identifying measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
 

7. The Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu has strongly denounced the All Progressives Congress zoning formula for the 11th National Assembly. He has expressed his complete disapproval of the proposed formula, calling it an “insidious permutation and disservice” designed to harm Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chance at the presidency.

In his statement, he has highlighted the importance of meritocracy and urged the party’s leadership to focus on selecting the best candidates for the job, rather than indulging in political gamesmanship. His outspoken criticism of the party’s zoning formula has sparked a debate about the future of the APC and the importance of transparency and fairness in politics.
 

8.  The allegations against Ayodele Joseph, the Chief Medical Director of Ayodele Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State, are deeply disturbing. It is deeply concerning that a medical professional, who is entrusted with the care of vulnerable patients, could allegedly commit such a heinous act. The fact that the victim was seeking medical treatment at the time of the alleged rape only compounds the gravity of the accusations.

It is important that the legal process is allowed to run its course, and that all parties involved are given a fair hearing. If the allegations are proven to be true, it is imperative that justice is served and appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The suspect was arraigned on a two-count charge of gross indecency and rape, contrary to sections 285 and 283 of the penal code.

9. President-elect Bola Tinubu has left Nigeria for Europe, according to his media aide, Tunde Rahman. The incoming president departed from Abuja on Wednesday afternoon with some of his key aides. It is not clear what Tinubu’s itinerary is or how long he will be away from the country.

His departure comes as the country prepares to transition to a new government, with Tinubu set to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

The trip may be an opportunity for Tinubu to meet with leaders and officials from other countries, or to attend to personal or business matters.

10. President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Nigerian Senate to approve a new borrowing request of $800 million. The request was made in a letter read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan during Tuesday’s plenary. The President’s request follows the country’s current economic challenges and the need for funding for key infrastructure projects. This request, if approved, will add to the country’s already high debt burden. However, Buhari believes that the borrowing will help stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. The Senate will deliberate on the request and make a decision in the coming weeks.

1. The Budget Office of the Federation has warned Nigeria about its “limited borrowing space” due to its poor debt-to-revenue ratio. This means that the country’s ability to borrow money is becoming increasingly restricted, and if it exceeds its borrowing limits, trouble could be on the horizon. The Director-General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, emphasized the need for the government to exercise caution when borrowing and to prioritize revenue generation to avoid getting into further debt. This warning comes as the Nigerian government grapples with the economic impacts of falling oil prices, which have significantly reduced government revenue.

2. According to Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) needs to make significant investments in oil and gas to meet the rising demand for these commodities. As the chairman of the Dangote Group, Africa’s wealthiest man, Dangote believes that the national oil firm should invest more because there are numerous off-takers who are interested in purchasing products from the company. This suggests that there is a potential market for the NNPC, and if it were to invest in expanding its operations, it could reap significant profits. Therefore, it is important for the NNPC to heed Dangote’s advice and make strategic investments in oil and gas to cater to the growing demand for these resources.

3. Sale Mamman, a former Minister of Power, has been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N22 billion fraud. This development comes as a shock to many, as Mamman was a minister under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021.

According to sources, he was arrested and detained at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. This arrest sends a strong message that the Buhari administration is committed to fighting corruption and holding public officials accountable for their actions. It is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent to other public officials who may be engaging in fraudulent activities.

4.  The Federal Government of Nigeria has continued its efforts to bring its citizens back home from countries facing political unrest and violence. In the latest move, 254 Nigerians who were fleeing the insurrection in Sudan have been brought back home.

The evacuees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and were received by officials from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. The government’s swift action to bring back its citizens from conflict zones is commendable, and shows its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians, both at home and abroad.

5. The news of the murder of Umaru Aliu, a herder, has sent shock waves across the country. The barbaric act of dismembering his body is a clear indication of the level of cruelty and inhumanity that exists in our society. It is heartening to know that the suspects have been apprehended and will face the full wrath of the law.

The Amotekun Corps Commander, David Akinremi, and his team deserve commendation for their swift action in bringing the perpetrators to justice. This incident highlights the need for us to promote peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups and address the underlying causes of conflict in our communities. We must work together to build a society where everyone can live in safety and harmony.

6. The Nigerian Air Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire that broke out at its facility in Abuja. The investigation aims to uncover both the immediate and remote causes of the fire.

The Head of Operations for Federal Fire Fighters in the Federal Capital Territory, Amiola Adebayo, praised the hard work of firefighters who were able to completely extinguish the fire. The Nigerian Air Force is committed to ensuring that its facilities remain safe and secure for its personnel and the public. The investigation is an important step in understanding what caused the fire and identifying measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
 

7. The Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu has strongly denounced the All Progressives Congress zoning formula for the 11th National Assembly. He has expressed his complete disapproval of the proposed formula, calling it an “insidious permutation and disservice” designed to harm Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chance at the presidency.

In his statement, he has highlighted the importance of meritocracy and urged the party’s leadership to focus on selecting the best candidates for the job, rather than indulging in political gamesmanship. His outspoken criticism of the party’s zoning formula has sparked a debate about the future of the APC and the importance of transparency and fairness in politics.
 

8.  The allegations against Ayodele Joseph, the Chief Medical Director of Ayodele Hospital in Ilorin, Kwara State, are deeply disturbing. It is deeply concerning that a medical professional, who is entrusted with the care of vulnerable patients, could allegedly commit such a heinous act. The fact that the victim was seeking medical treatment at the time of the alleged rape only compounds the gravity of the accusations.

It is important that the legal process is allowed to run its course, and that all parties involved are given a fair hearing. If the allegations are proven to be true, it is imperative that justice is served and appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The suspect was arraigned on a two-count charge of gross indecency and rape, contrary to sections 285 and 283 of the penal code.

9. President-elect Bola Tinubu has left Nigeria for Europe, according to his media aide, Tunde Rahman. The incoming president departed from Abuja on Wednesday afternoon with some of his key aides. It is not clear what Tinubu’s itinerary is or how long he will be away from the country.

His departure comes as the country prepares to transition to a new government, with Tinubu set to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

The trip may be an opportunity for Tinubu to meet with leaders and officials from other countries, or to attend to personal or business matters.

10. President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Nigerian Senate to approve a new borrowing request of $800 million. The request was made in a letter read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan during Tuesday’s plenary. The President’s request follows the country’s current economic challenges and the need for funding for key infrastructure projects. This request, if approved, will add to the country’s already high debt burden. However, Buhari believes that the borrowing will help stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for Nigerians. The Senate will deliberate on the request and make a decision in the coming weeks.