Nigerian Newspapers: 10 Things You Need to Know this Tuesday, May 16, 2023

1) Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, did not make a statement on his first day in detention, according to information gathered by Ejes Gist News Nigeria. The musician, who is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for assaulting a police officer in Lagos State, insisted on seeing Femi Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), prior to writing a statement.

2) President Muhammadu Buhari has instructed newly-elected and returning governors to fulfil their campaign pledges or prepare to be voted out of office in the upcoming elections. Buhari spoke on Monday at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) induction ceremony held in advance of the May 29 inauguration.

3) The governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has requested that President Muhammadu Buhari cancel the alleged study leave granted to the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. The Governor stated in a statement that Emefiele does not merit such leave due to his monetary policy.

4) The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called for a five-day warning strike because the Federal Government has failed to meet its demands. The resident doctors stated that the strike will begin on May 17 and end on May 22.

5) On Monday, the military and the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, warned individuals and groups opposed to the May 29 inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu. The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, reiterated the military’s warning to dissident groups that any threat to the transition programme will be repressed.

6) On Monday, the Federal Government deemed “unworkable” a bill currently being considered by the National Assembly that seeks to restrict the migration of Nigerian physicians to regions deemed to offer “greener pastures.” Senator Chris Ngige disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists following the extraordinary meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the State House in Abuja.

7) The North Central governors have rejected the All Progressive Congress’ zoning plan for the 10th National Assembly leadership. In addition, the governors have scheduled a meeting with President-elect Bola Tinubu and party chairman Abdullah Adamu.

8) The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has declared the suspension of former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi null and void. Sunday, the PDP ward of Tudun-Wada in Kaduna State suspended Makarfi for alleged anti-party activities.

9) The United States has imposed visa restrictions on politicians and individuals involved in subverting the Nigerian elections of 2023. According to a statement released by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Monday, the United States is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to consolidate the democratic process and rule of law.

10) Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef, has set a new world record for the longest cook-a-thon, clocking in at 100 hours. In 2019, the most recent Guinness Book record holder surpassed the 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds record set by chef Lata Tond on in Rewa, India.