Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Monday, 28th June 2021
1. Your Threats ‘Unnecessary’ – Buhari Replies Niger Delta Avengers
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday reacted to threats by the Niger Delta Avengers to attack oil installations in the south-south region.
In a statement to newsmen through his Special Adviser on Media, Femi Adesina, Buhari described the threats as “unnecessary”.
Buhari noted that the issues raised by the group had been responded to when he met with the leadership of the Niger Delta and Ijaw National Congress (INC), at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
2. The Population Of Nigeria Is Becoming A Liability – Obasanjo Warns
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that the country’s geometric increase in population could become a full liability if not properly managed.
Obasanjo who observed that population could be an asset or a liability depending on how it is managed said except Nigeria begins to turn things around, its growing population could be a problem in the nearest future.
The former president made the submission in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital during a mentoring session with students of some selected schools across the country tagged “raising the next wave of innovative leaders through entrepreneurship.”
He stated that Nigeria may become the third-largest country in the world by 2050 and the largest in the world by 3000 if current projections are considered.
Obasanjo however warned that if there is no corresponding socio-economic development, the population explosion can become a curse rather than a blessing for Nigeria.
3. Military Bombs Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders During Meeting
The Nigerian Military has bombed Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) commanders and leaders during a meeting around the Lake Chad axis.
Naija News gathered that Nigeria Air Force jets targeted Boko Haram and ISWAP camps in Sabon Tumbu, Jibularam and Kwalaram.
An officer told PRNigeria that the coordinated airstrikes destroyed the strongholds of the sects’ commanders and their guards.
The source added that NAF jets also destroyed the spiritual base and training camps around the fringes of Lake Chad.
Confirming the bombardment, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the military launched the devastating intelligence-led aerial attacks targeting the terrorists and killed many of them.
4. Why We Organized Gun-Shooting Training In Borno Hotel – Suspended NGO Speaks
An international non-governmental organization (iNGO), ACTED has explained why it recently organized a simulated gun-shooting training in Borno State.
The NGO in a statement on Sunday said the training was for some of its staff in preparation for self-defense in the course of carrying out their duties.
It explained that some of its staff members have found themselves in very dangerous situations in the past where their safety was seriously compromised.
Naija News recalls ACTED was suspended by the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum.
The Governor suspended the organization from carrying out any humanitarian activity for organizing a shooting training for some people at a hotel located off circular road in Maiduguri.
5. It’s Ridiculous To Believe Buhari Was Cloned – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says it is ridiculous that Nigerians believe the rumor that President Muhammadu Buhari had died and was cloned by somebody else from Sudan.
The former president said this in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital during a mentoring session with students of some selected schools across the country tagged “raising the next wave of innovative leaders through entrepreneurship.”
Obasanjo said the rumour became popular through the abuse of social media, expressing surprises that many Nigerians believed the lies.
The former President explained that he was approached by a very important person, who asked him about the truth about Buhari’s rumoured death.
According to him, the person told him that the information had gone viral on social media.
He wondered how Buhari could have died and be replaced with someone from Sudan without him knowing about it.
6. SERAP Asks African Commission To Order NASS To Withdraw Bills To Gag Media
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to order the federal government to withdraw the bill seeking to gag the media.
In a statement on Sunday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, asked the commission-based in Banjul, The Gambia to issue provisional measures to urgently stop the government from pushing through the bills to gag the media.
SERAP added that the federal government and national assembly have failed to produce any evidence that the bills are necessary or lawful, adding that a free press is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy.
7. APC: Why Buhari Extended Tenure Of Buni-Led Caretaker Committee
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari extended the tenure of the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee.
Recall that Buhari had on Friday granted an extension to the committee to remain in office until it can conduct a national convention for the party.
The Buni-led committee came on board in June 2020 after the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC).
In a statement on Sunday, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, said Buhari extended the timeline of the party’s caretaker team because of its strength to make future elections a walk-over for the party.
According to Nabena, the Caretaker Committee had stabilized the party and rescued it from life-threatening crisis across the country.
8. Bello Matawalle Dumps PDP, Defects To APC
Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Personal Assistant to Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Digital and New Media, Bashir Ahmed disclosed this on his verified Facebook page on Sunday morning.
The presidential aide wrote ‘’So Zamfara is back home! Welcome, Matawalle’’.
However, the Governor is yet to confirm his defection officially.
9. ‘I Want Him To Succeed’ – Ortom Denies Insulting Buhari
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has declared that he has never insulted President Muhammadu Buhari despite a face-off with the presidency.
In a 24-second video posted on his official Facebook page on Sunday morning, the governor said his criticism of the president over the security reality in his state was misconstrued by some Nigerians.
According to him, he criticizes the president to ensure that his administration succeeds.
He said, “Sometimes I talk about the presidency and at one point some ignorant people said that I was castigating President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Some were so ridiculous to the extent of saying that I insult Mr President, I did not insult him. It is true that as a leader, I want him to succeed so I criticize”.
10. Troops Repel Bandits Attack In Kaduna Community
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have averted an attack by armed bandits in Gidan Zaki, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a statement on Sunday by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the armed bandits invaded farmlands in the village and destroyed crops with cutlasses.
The bandits went on to vandalize the home of one Joseph Aboi, a resident of the village, and also damaged a nearby vehicle, before storming a phone charging shop belonging to another resident and carted away phones and chargers.
Aruwan said that the swift response of the troops repelled the attack early, as the bandits retreated from the area in disarray.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News