Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Saturday, 2nd April 2022.
Terror Attacks: Nigeria Must Declare Thus Far, No Further
Emotions ran high as members of the House of Representatives deliberated on the recent atrocities of terrorists in parts of the country. So distraught were they about the wanton wastage of lives and properties that part of the members’ recommendations was for the chambers to be shut until President Muhammadu Buhari does better in securing the lives of Nigerians. They also recommended that Nigerians should be allowed to bear arms to defend themselves against terrorists who kill just for the fun of it.
The member representing Birnin Gwari/ Giwa federal constituency, Shehu Balarabe, had in a motion of urgent public importance, reported that between March 24 and 28, bandits invaded Birnin Gwari/ Giwa federal constituency, killed scores of people, raped women, destroyed property worth millions of naira and left many displaced. His words, “The entire communities in Giwa Local Government Area and the entire communities of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been ravaged with series of recent attacks by bandits who indulge in killings, kidnapping, raping, robbery and destruction of properties.
“Between 24th and 28th of March, over 117 people were killed and some corpses are still yet to be recovered; more than 136 people were abducted and over 10,463 people were displaced from their homes. Over 250 houses were burnt, countless cows, goats and other livestock were stolen. Several properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, including vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, grinding machines and many other households belongings.”
Leaked Memos Reveal Why FEC Rejected Amaechi’s ₦3.7bn Security Proposal
A leaked memo has revealed why the Federal Executive Council rejected a proposal for security equipment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail track presented by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Recall that the minister while reacting to terrorists attack on a train in Kaduna stated that he had predicted the attack and presented the proposal, but it was rejected.
The memo which was obtained by Punch revealed the minutes of the FEC meeting of September 24, 2021, marked EC (2021)236, which was presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, while the President Muhammadu Buhari was attending the United Nations General Assembly, Amaechi recommended that a firm, Mogjan Nigeria Limited, be given the contract worth N3.7bn.
The firm, which was incorporated on August 6, 2019, by Prince Godwin Momoh, Chioma Momoh and George Momoh, had a turnover of N84.9m.
PDP To APC: Appeal Court Takes Decision On Sack Of Ebonyi Governor, Umahi And Deputy
The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu State has overturned the ruling of an Ebonyi State High Court which ordered the sack from office of David Umahi and Kelehi Igwe as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.
The appellate court on Friday in a unanimous judgement read by Justice Alfa Belgore, dismissed the suit bought before it for being inconsistent with the Constitution and extant laws of the country.
Naija News reports the suit was instituted by Senator Sonni Ogbuoji and his running mate, Justin Ogbodo Mbam who sought a court order for Umahi and Igwe to be sacked from office following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November 2020.
Ogbuoji and Mbam were the APC candidate and running mate respectively for the 2019 governorship election in the state.
Bandit Terrorists Do Not Deserve To Live, Kill Them All, Send Them To The Devil – Presidency Blows Hot
The presidency has called on security forces to go all out and eliminate bandit terrorists making life difficult for Nigerians with their own criminal activities.
According to the special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina who made the call, the terrorists do not deserve to live.
He said they have declared a war on the country with their actions and they do not deserve to live but should all be wiped out and eliminated by security forces.
According to him, the bandit terrorists, or whatever name by which they are called need to be speedily sent to their master who is the Devil.
Bomb Explosion Rocks Imo Commissioner’s Residence
The country home of the Imo State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Ford Ozumba, was bombed by unknown gunmen on Friday.
Naija News gathered that the residence located in Umuhu, Okabia community in Orsu Local Government Area of the state was attacked with explosive materials.
As of the time of filing this report, no casualty was recorded in the attack, but the residence was razed to the ground.
This development comes two weeks after the Umuguma Divisional Police Headquarters situated at the Owerri West Local Government Area of the state was bombed.
2023: Adamu Reveals Buhari’s Marching Order To APC
The new national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu has revealed that the party has its work cut out ahead of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
The APC Chairman stated that he has an order from President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver during the forthcoming general elections in the country.
Adamu made this known on Friday while receiving his certificate of return from the Chairman of the Convention Planning Sub-Committee, Governor Mohammed Badaru of Jigawa State.
He called on the leadership and members of the APC to work with him in ensuring the directive from the President who is the leader of the party is actualized, adding that there must be no room for failure.
Marafa Urges Gov Matawalle To Settle With Gusau
The chieftain of the Zamfara State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Kabiru Marafa, has charged the state Governor, Bello Matawalle to reconcile with his deputy, Aliyu Gusau.
According to Marafa, the decision would help him (Matawalle) retain his position as the state Governor.
Marafa stated this while addressing supporters of the party during the distribution of 172 trucks of assorted grains purchased by former Governor Yari for the Ramadan fast.
He noted that he warned the state Governor not to join the ruling party but he was misled by some overzealous individuals.
Suspected IPOB/ESN Fighters Attack Imo Police Station Engage Officers In Gun Battle
Operatives of the Nigeria Police and gunmen suspected to be fighters belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ Eastern Security Network (ESN) on Friday morning engaged in a gun battle.
The IPOB/ESN fighters were said to have attacked the Mbieri Police Division but met strong resistance from operatives in the station.
According to a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, the Imo State Capital by the State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Mike Abattam on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Maman Giwa, the attackers threw explosive devices at the station before shooting sporadically.
The attack was however repelled by gallant police operatives, forcing the attacking gunmen to retreat.
Qatar: 2022 FIFA World Cup Final Draw – [Complete Group Draws]
The long-awaited draw for the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar has been made.
The pick was done today at 19:00 local time in Doha, Qatar, Naija News reports.
Countries were paired in a group and each consists of four countries as only 32 nations qualified for the world football tournament.
Naija News understands that out of the 32 teams involved, only 29 have been confirmed, as two intercontinental play-off matches will take place in June, while in Europe one of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will book their place at the tournament, too.
Nollywood Mourns As Comic Actor, Dejo Dies
The Nigerian movie industry has been thrown into mourning over news of the death of Yoruba comic actor, Dejo Tunfulu.
The sad news was broken by several colleagues of the late actor as they mourn him on their Instagram pages.
According to reports, the late Yoruba actor was said to have suffered unexpected bleeding on the set of his new movie before he was rushed to the hospital.
However, the cause of death of Kunle Mac-Tokunbo popularly known as Dejo Tunfulu cannot be ascertained at press time.
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