Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspapers headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 9th May 2022
1. ‘Killings Condemnable’ – Buhari Reacts To Zamfara Massacre
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killings of fifty persons in three communities in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Naija News had earlier reported that bandit terrorists invaded Sabon Garin Damri, Damri and Kalahe communities on Friday afternoon and killed the residents including security operatives.
The daredevils also injured several residents of the three communities and burnt down many houses during the invasion.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, President Buhari ordered the military to secure rural areas in the state and stop further killings.
The Nigerian leader expressed condolences to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of the Zamfara over the killings of the innocent victims.
2. Airline Operators In Nigeria Suspend Planned Strike Action
Passengers and other stakeholders that would have been affected by the planned strike action can now heave a sigh of relief as airline operators in Nigeria have suspended their planned withdrawal of services.
The suspension was announced on Sunday in a statement by the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Abdulmunaf Sarina who is the Managing Director of Azman air.
The association revealed that they suspended their planned strike after the government promised to intervene as well as their own consideration of the impact on the general populace as well as the economy.
The statement said further engagement will be carried on with the government.
3. 2023: I Am Sure I Will Win APC Presidential Ticket – Tinubu Boasts
Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence about clinching the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 presidential ticket.
The APC National Leader who spoke in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital on Sunday said he has an edge over other aspirants.
Speaking with newsmen after a consultative meeting with party stakeholders and delegates in the state, Asiwaju Tinubu said his chances of emerging as the eventual APC candidate for 2023 are very high.
The APC chieftain added that he prefers that every aspirant test their popularity at the polls than for the party to opt for a consensus candidate in choosing its flagbearer.
4. 2023: INEC Chairman Speaks On Joining Presidential Race
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Yakubu Mahmood has distanced himself from the report linking him to the 2023 presidential race.
Mahmood noted that he has no intention to purchase the N100 million presidential nomination and expression of interest form of the All Progressives Congress.
The INEC Chairman in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Yekanmi said Mahmood remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) had earlier stated that it would not be surprising if he picks the presidential form of the ruling party.
5. More Woes For Kano APC As House Of Reps Member, Rurum Dumps Party
The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be grappling with more defections in the coming days as a former speaker of State House of Assembly, Alhassan Rurum becomes the latest member to announce he is leaving the ruling party.
Naija News reports that this is coming barely 24 hours after a former House of Representatives member, Abdulmumin Kofa Jibrin announced his resignation in a post on Twitter
It was gathered that Jibrin decided to leave the party after failing to resolve his rift with Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
However, the state chapter has began moves to halt Jibrin’s defection from the party.
But Rurum, speaking to newsmen on Sunday, announced he is also leaving the party.
Rurum, who currently represents Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya federal constituency in the House of Representatives, was making a move for the APC governorship ticket.
6. Buhari Departs Abuja For UN Conference In Abidjan
President Muhammadu Buhari is set to depart Abuja for a United Nations organised conference in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
In a statement on Sunday by the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, the conference will take place from May 9th-10th, 2022 at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan.
He added that the theme of the 15th session of the Conference Of the Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is ‘Land. Life. Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity.”
Shehu said the president would join other African leaders to discuss the problem of desertification, drought, degradation, rights, restoration and implications for national and world economies.
7. 2023: No Igbo Man Contesting Presidency – Uwazuruike
The Leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, on Sunday claimed that he is yet to see a serious presidential aspirant from the South-East.
According to Uwazuruike, many of the presidential aspirants in the region have the intention to emerge as Vice Presidential candidates.
Uwazuruike stated this while reacting to the criticism of his decision to support the presidential ambition of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
He said as a Nigerian and as an adult, he has the fundamental right to support whoever he wants.
8. Biafra: Buhari Govt Behind Fake UK Proscription – IPOB
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government of been behind false reports of its proscription by the United Kingdom.
Naija News reports that the British government had denied proscribing the pro-Biafra group.
In a statement on Sunday by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the present administration should be ashamed of sponsoring fake news against IPOB.
The accused the federal government of sponsoring hoodlums to carry out killings on the southeast.
While mocking the Buhari administration for rushing to celebrate the false proscription, IPOB noted that the UK is not like Nigeria “where there is no rule of law and due process”.
9. Why It Is Better For APC To Lose Honourably – Senator Ndume
Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) has stated that it is better for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to lose the 2023 presidential election honourably, than dishonourably.
Ndume, who is leading the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi’s presidential campaign, stated this while making a case for the presidency to be zoned to the south.
He told The PUNCH that it would be unfair for the north to retain power after eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Recalling that former President Goodluck Jonathan defeated Buhari, then a strong northern candidate, in 2011, Ndume said the Peoples Democratic Party zoning their presidential ticket to the North will not stop APC’s victory.
10. 2023 Elections: INEC Rejects 124 Political Party Applications
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has confirmed the rejection of no fewer than 124 political groups from joining the list of parties already on the country’s ballot paper.
The electoral body had earlier declared in its 2023 General Elections Project Plan that only 18 political parties would participate in next year’s elections.
However, some groups have applied to the commission seeking licenses to establish various parties to appear on the next election’s ballot paper.
INEC has, however, maintained its verdict that l only 18 parties that survived the commission’s last deregistration in 2020 will participate in the forthcoming elections.
Naija News understands the hopeful political associations numbering about a hundred and one (101) had submitted their applications in December 2021, for registration.
The Deputy Director, SERVICOM at INEC, Olayide Okuonghae, in his response to a Freedom of Information request sent by Sunday PUNCH, said the 101 associations applied between 2019 and December 14, 2021.
Those are 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