Top Nigerian Newspapers Headlines for Friday, July 14, 2023.
Good morning Nigeria! Welcome to Summary of Nigerian Newspapers headlines for today.
1. Tinubu Declares State of Emergency on Food Security
President Bola Tinubu has announced a state of emergency on food security in Nigeria. The announcement was made by the Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, during a press briefing at the State House on Thursday. The President has directed the National Security Council to handle all matters related to the availability and affordability of food and water, recognizing the impact of rising food prices on the financial well-being of Nigerians. To mitigate the effects of subsidy removal, President Tinubu has ordered the prompt release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households.
2. Senate Confirms Service Chiefs Appointed by Tinubu
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of the nation’s service chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff, as appointed by President Bola Tinubu. The confirmation follows their screening before the lawmakers at the Senate Chamber. During the closed-door screening, the security chiefs briefed the Senate on their career progression and assured the lawmakers of their commitment to ensuring security and defending the nation’s territorial integrity. The appointed Service Chiefs are: Maj. Gen. C.G Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. T. A Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff, and AVM H.B Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.
3. Labour Party Demands Immediate Sack of INEC Chairman, Prof Yakubu, Festus Okoye
The Labour Party (LP) has called for the immediate removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party also demanded the sack of the INEC Federal Commissioner in charge of voter education, Festus Okoye. In a statement released on Thursday by the Labour Party Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation, the two individuals were accused of leading the commission in the manipulation of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. The LP campaign organization called for their immediate dismissal and prosecution for the alleged crimes committed.
4. Army Chief Orders Troops to Raid IPOB Enclaves.
The Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has issued an order for troops to raid areas where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) enforces sit-at-home orders in the South-East states. The order comes after a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, announced a two-week sit-at-home in the South-East region starting from July 31. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that the troops of the 82 Division have been directed to work with other security agencies to ensure that citizens can freely go about their businesses. The army spokesperson urged Nigerians in the South-East region to disregard the sit-at-home order and support the security forces in defeating IPOB.
5. House of Reps Approves President Tinubu’s Request for 500 Billion Naira Palliative Fund.
The House of Representatives has adjusted the 2022 supplementary appropriation act to accommodate President Bola Tinubu’s request. They have approved the sourcing of 500 billion naira from the approved budget to provide assistance to Nigerians affected by the removal of the petrol subsidy. The approval was granted just a day after the president’s request, with the bill passing the 2nd and 3rd readings swiftly. Lawmakers explained the urgency of the situation, citing the need to alleviate the impacts of the subsidy removal. They also urged President Tinubu to use the funds judiciously. In line with this, President Tinubu plans to provide N8,000 monthly for six months to 12 million families to lessen the hardships caused by the subsidy removal.
6. Suspended CBN Gov, Emefiele Charged to Court – DSS.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has charged the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to court. Emefiele was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after assuming office, and a probe into the apex bank under his watch was ordered. The DSS reportedly arrested Emefiele in Lagos and brought him to Abuja. However, the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, ordered the DSS to release or charge Emefiele to court. In response, the DSS confirmed that Emefiele has been charged to court in compliance with the court order.
Nigerian Newspapers headlines for today
7. Senate Approves Tinubu’s $800 Million World Bank Loan
The Senate has approved the $800 million loan request made by President Bola Tinubu. The approval came on Thursday following a motion by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. President Tinubu explained in his loan request, shared with the Senate earlier, that the funds will be used to expand the national social safety net program and mitigate the effects of the petrol subsidy removal.
The government plans to provide N8,000 monthly to 12 million households classified as poor or low-income for a duration of six months. The legislators urged President Tinubu to use the funds responsibly.
8. Peter Obi Reacts to Sit-at-home Orders in South East, Plateau Killings
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has condemned the continued disruption of business and social activities in the South East due to sit-at-home directives. In a statement issued via his Twitter handle on Thursday, Obi described the situation in the South East as a criminal activity that needs to be curbed through collaboration between security agencies and the people in the region. He commended the South East Governors for their efforts in curbing insecurity and emphasized the need for a strategic and intelligence-driven approach to reduce the suffering of innocent people. Obi also expressed concern about rising insecurity in the North Central zone, particularly in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
9. APC Women Leaders’ Meeting with Tinubu.
President Bola Tinubu has assured women leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) of his government’s commitment to liberating Nigeria from influential forces that have hindered the country’s progress. During a meeting with APC women leaders from the 36 states and Abuja, led by APC National Woman Leader, Betta Edu, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s focus on industrialization, healthcare, and security. He acknowledged the support of women during the 2023 elections and expressed gratitude, stating that they deserve recognition for their efforts.
10. ‘Continuation of Scam’ – Atiku Camp Slams Tinubu over Fuel Subsidy Palliatives.
The camp of Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized the planned fuel subsidy removal palliative by the Bola Tinubu government, labeling it as another avenue to embezzle public funds. In a statement by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the move is seen as vague and a continuation of the scam on Nigerians by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement described the plan to distribute N8,000 to 12 million households for six months through $800 million as an attempt to divert public funds, similar to previous initiatives
These are the top Nigerian Newspapers headlines for today. Stay informed and have a great day!.
