Top Nigerian Newspapers Headlines for Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Good morning Nigeria! Welcome to Summary of Nigerian Newspapers headlines for today.
1. EFCC Denies Authorization of Charges Against Former Aviation Minister, Oduah
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, has distanced itself from the actions of police lawyer Ibrahim Mohammed, who filed criminal charges against former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Adaeze Oduah.
During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, the EFCC’s counsel, Helen Okonofua, made it clear that Mohammed, a Superintendent of Police, had no authority to press charges against Mrs. Oduah. She stated that Mohammed, who claimed to be acting on behalf of the EFCC’s Legal Department, was not authorized to represent the agency in prosecuting any criminal matter involving Mrs. Oduah.
Okonofua explained that Mohammed had previously worked with the EFCC but had been reassigned to the police force on November 4, 2022, and since then had no association with the EFCC.
The EFCC’s legal representative further clarified that the criminal charges filed by the police lawyer on June 22, 2023, did not have the agency’s approval or authority.
She also informed Justice James Omotoso that the EFCC had been investigating Mohammed as ordered by the judge. The findings of this investigation will be submitted to the court registry and presented to the court at a later date.
2. ECOWAS: President Tinubu Discusses Security Challenges with Colleagues from Benin, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, announced on Tuesday that security challenges in the West Coast have been extensively reviewed. A well-funded strategy will be implemented to address terrorism, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake.
The statement revealed that President Tinubu held a meeting at the State House with the Presidents of Benin, Patrice Talon; Guinea-Bissau, Umaru Sissoco Embalo; and Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, to discuss a new approach by ECOWAS leaders to tackle security issues with more tangible outcomes.
President Tinubu assured reporters that raising funds to combat terrorism in the sub-region would not be a problem, stating, “We have no problems raising funds. We believe we have the instruments to do that. We believe we are capable of raising necessary funds to combat terrorism in the sub-region.”
The West African leaders engaged in extensive deliberations on sustaining democracy along the West Coast and developing a framework to confront security challenges. This meeting signifies a concerted effort by ECOWAS leaders to address the pressing security issues in the region and work towards a more secure and stable West Africa.
3. NLC Reacts as FG Increases Petrol Price
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the new pump price of petroleum products and the Federal Government’s plan to distribute N8,000 to 12 million Nigerians. In a statement released on Tuesday, NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero described the new pump price as anti-people.
4. CBN Revokes Licenses of Bureau de Change Operators as naira continues free fall
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reduced the number of authorized Bureau de Change (BDC) dealers to 2,991. In a document titled “Approved BDCs” published on Tuesday, the CBN revealed that licenses of 2,698 BDCs have been revoked.
5. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), attributed the increase in petrol pump price from N540 to N617 per liter to market forces. He made these comments on Tuesday after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
6. The House of Representatives is initiating a probe into appointments made during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The House has requested the Federal Character Commission to submit a report on appointments in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies between 2015 and 2023.
7. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the arguments put forth by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) regarding President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 election. In their final written addresses filed with the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), the APC described the contentions as baseless and absurd.
8. The Northern Alliance for Citizens Freedom, a group advocating for citizens’ rights, has demanded the immediate release of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President General of the Alliance, Lawal Ibrahim Jamaare, condemned Bawa’s detention as unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental rights under the 1999 Constitution.
9. The House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday, urging security agencies to refrain from setting ablaze vessels carrying stolen crude oil. Additionally, an ad hoc committee will be established to investigate the whereabouts of the 150,000 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil from the recently burnt vessel, MT TURA, in the Escravos River, Warri, Delta State.
10. Major General G.U. Chibuisi, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North-East Operation (Hadin Kai), has urged the air component of the military to maintain the momentum of operations and defeat the terrorists in the entire North-East region. Major General Chibuisi delivered this charge during his visit to the Air Command Component in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of his ongoing familiarization tour of formations and units under the theatre command.
11. Tinubu Bows to Pressure, Makes U-turn on N8,000 Cash Transfer
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of the N8,000 conditional cash transfer program, which was initially proposed to alleviate the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal. The President’s directives were communicated through a statement issued on Tuesday evening by Mr. Dele Alake, his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy.
12. Senate President Godswill Akpabio is expected to present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s list of ministerial nominees in a letter to be read on Wednesday. A reliable source close to the Senate leadership disclosed this information on Tuesday.
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Thanks for readung, that is all for now on the top Nigerian Newspapers headlines for today. Stay informed and have a great weekend.
