Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspapers headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 3rd November 2021
1. Buhari Govt Will Continue To Respect Journalists – Presidency
The Presidency has stated that the Muhammadu Buhari government will continue to support and protect journalists in the country.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, made this known at an event to commemorate 2021 International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Adesina stated that journalists play a critical role in the development of the nation, adding that the Buhari government will continue to provide a conducive environment for them to thrive.
The presidential spokesman, however, said that the current administration does not support crime or impunity against reporters in the country, saying it has always respected the rights of journalists.
Adesina recalled how the media office intervened when Punch correspondent had issues in the villa which was resolved amicably.
2. Six People Abducted As Unknown Gunmen Attack UNIABUJA
Six people have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen during an attack on the University of Abuja on Tuesday morning.
The University, in a statement on Tuesday signed by its spokesman, Habib Yakoob, said that the gunmen abducted a Professor of Economics in the institution, Joseph Obansa, alongside his two children.
He said the gunmen gained access to the Senior Staff Quarters at Giri in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the early hours of Tuesday.
Yakoob stated that the gunmen operated undisturbed for over an hour, adding that security agents have since been deployed to track down the criminals.
The school spokesman disclosed that apart from the professor and his children, three persons were also kidnapped.
Yakoob, however, stated that efforts were being made to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped persons.
3. Ikoyi Collapse: Sanwo-Olu Suspends Lagos Building Agency GM
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has suspended Gbolahan Oki, the general manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
Naija News reports that the GM’s suspension is following the collapse of a 21-storey building in the Ikoyi area of the state which claimed the lives of at least 10 people and left many others injured.
In a statement on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, Sanwo-Olu stated that he is determined to find out what went wrong and punish those indicted in the collapsed 21-storey building.
He disclosed that the State Government will set up an independent panel to probe the collapse of the building on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi.
4. Court Fixes New Date To Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s Human Right Suit Against FG
A Federal High Court sitting in Abia State has fixed a new date to hear the human rights suit by Nnamdi Kanu against the federal government of Nigeria.
Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had through his legal team, dragged the government before the court, seeking his unconditional release.
The IPOB leader accused the government of infringing his human rights and wants the court to so declare also, arguing that security operatives maltreated him.
The hearing of the case had been scheduled for November 2, 2021, but has now been adjourned to November 19.
The change in date was confirmed on Tuesday by one of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor who told Punch that they were disappointed by the court’s decision to shift the date.
5. Unknown Gunmen Attack Prof Banji Akintoye’s Residence
Unknown gunmen have attacked the residence of the leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO), Prof. Banji Akintoye.
It was gathered that the Ado-Ekiti residence of the renowned historian was attacked over the weekend by the gunmen.
Confirming the attack, the group’s spokesperson, Maxwell Adeleye, said in a statement on Tuesday that the gunmen climbed a chair outside the fence on Saturday to access the compound.
He however stated that the professor was not at his residence when the gunmen attacked, adding that no one was hurt.
According to Maxwell, the gunmen fired several shots with the bullets seen in the compound.
6. Two ESN Top Commanders Arrested In Enugu
Two commanders of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been apprehended by the Nigerian Army in the Mgbowo community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by its spokesman, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army said the two IPOB/ESN commanders were arrested during a raid on Monday, November 1.
According to the Army spokesman, the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and would be prosecuted by the Federal Government.
Nwachukwu, however, denied IPOB’s claim that there was an incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid.
He stated that the joint operation was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved.
The Army spokesman advised members of the public to disregard the group’s claim which is intended to mislead the public.
7. Death Toll Rises To 14 As IGP Visits Scene Of Ikoyi Building Collapse
As the death toll in the Ikoyi building collapse increased to 14, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has visited the scene of the sad incident.
Naija News reports that the police boss arrived at the scene accompanied by the state Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, and other top police officers.
Baba entered the compound to check the level of damage and enquire about the update on the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the state government, on Tuesday, disclosed that 14 people have been confirmed dead in the building collapse.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, nine men were also rescued alive and have been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
The commissioner added that more equipment and personnel have been deployed to the site for the rescue mission.
8. Anambra Guber: Soludo, Uba, Others Ask Buhari To Release Nnamdi Kanu
At least nine governorship candidates in the November 6 Anambra election have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to order the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Naija News reports that the candidates are Charles Soludo (APGA); Andy Uba (APC); Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP); Ben Etiaba (AA); Obinna Uzoh (SDP); Akachukwu Nwankpo (ADC); Onyejegbu Okwudili (APM); Nnamdi Nnawuo (PRP) and Obiora Okonkwo (ZLP).
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the candidates stated that the release of the IPOB leader will bring lasting peace to Anambra and the South East as a whole.
The candidates urged the Federal Government to reduce the presence of the military in the South East in order to stem the heightened tension in the area.
However, the candidates asked IPOB to suspend its plan to disrupt the smooth running of the election, calling on the group to cancel all scheduled sit-at-home orders.
9. ‘APC Desperate To Hijack 2023 Elections’ – PDP Reacts To Raid On Justice Odili’s Residence
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the raid on the Abuja residence of Supreme Court Judge, Justice Mary Odili, last week Friday.
Naija News reports that the PDP made the condemnation in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Tuesday.
Recall that security operatives had stormed Justice Odili’s home in Maitama, acting on a purported court warrant to carry out a search on her home.
However, the Federal Government through the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, denied any involvement in the raid.
According to the PDP, the invasion of Justice Odili’s Abuja residence is part of a plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to hijack the 2023 elections.
The opposition party described the invasion as horrendous, rascally, irresponsible, and completely unjustified, adding that the raid was an assault on the judiciary.
10. Imo Assembly Deputy Speaker Impeached Under Tight Security
Members of the Imo State House of Assembly have impeached the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, during the plenary on Tuesday.
Naija News gathered that Iwuanyanwu was impeached under tight security, after a resolution for his removal was signed by 18 out of the 27 lawmakers.
Shortly after the resolution was submitted by the member representing Orlu state constituency, Hon. Ekene Nnodim, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Paul Emezim, okayed the removal of his deputy.
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly also recalled six suspended members who were controversially suspended on July 8 for “unparliamentary conduct”.
It was learned that the lawmakers were recalled by the Speaker after they reached an agreement with the House of Assembly leadership.
Those are the top Nigerian newspapers headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
This article was originally published on Naija News