Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Thursday, 1st April 2021
1. Presidency Reveals Sponsors Of Boko Haram Insurgents, Bandits
The Presidency has revealed the sponsors of Boko Haram insurgents and bandits terrorising the North and the entire nation.
During an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday night, Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, said sponsors of insurgents and bandits include some bureau de change operators with contacts abroad.
He added that there is evidence that money is being sent from United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Boko Haram leaders in the country.
The Presidential aide noted that the evidence shows that there is a link between kidnapping for ransom, banditry, and Boko Haram.
Shehu stated that security agencies have arrested some suspects and that after investigation, those involved will be exposed and prosecuted.
He, however, warned that there would be no sacred cows even if those involved were found to be politicians.
2. North vs South: APC In Major Crisis Over Presidential Candidate – Buba Galadima
A former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, Buba Galadima has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was divided over the selection of its presidential candidate in the 2023 election.
Speaking while featuring on AIT’s ‘Focus Nigeria’ programme on Wednesday, the former APC stalwart said the ruling party cannot reach a consensus on its candidate for the election.
Galadima said four members of the political party, two each from the north and south, have made an agreement to support each other.
3. Anambra 2021: I Have No Anointed Aspirant – Peter Obi
A former Governor of Anambra State and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general elections, Peter Obi, on Wednesday said he does not have an anointed aspirant in the state governorship election.
Obi while speaking at the party’s interactive meeting with state officials, local government officers, wards chairmen and secretaries, said that every aspirant must go for primary.
He said: “If anybody comes to you and tells you that he has my blessing or he has paid me anything to support him or her, please ignore the person.”
4. Why Fulani Bandits Are Now Helping Military Kill Islamist Terrorists – Gumi
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, on Wednesday, disclosed that Fulani bandits are at war with Ansaru terrorist group who are attacking the northern part of Nigeria.
According to the Guardian, the cleric noted that the ideology of terrorist groups is different from the plans of terrorist groups, adding that Fulani man is concerned about survival.
Gumi further stated that the bandits have given the Ansaru terrorists 10 days to vacate their territory.
The cleric urged the government to quickly intervene, noting that their visits to the forests were yielding positive results.
He added that his meeting with the bandits made them resist attempts by the Ansaru terrorists to indoctrinate them.
Gumi claimed that the bandits are carrying out the duties of the military, which is to fight and kill terrorists.
5. Court Bars FG From Blocking SIM Cards Not Linked To NIN
A Federal High Court in Lagos State has barred the Federal Government from blocking SIM cards not linked to National Identity Numbers (NIN) next month.
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy had, through the Nigerian Communications Commission, asked operators to block all SIM cards not linked to NIN by April 9, 2021.
The deadline had caused many Nigerians to gather at offices of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in disregard of COVID-19 protocols.
However, a former second National Vice-President of the NBA and human rights lawyer, Monday Ubani, filed an originating motion and asked the court to stop the Nigerian Communications Commission from disconnecting all SIM Cards not linked to NIN.
6. We Can’t Verify Claims Of Killings At Lekki Tollgate ― US Govt
The United States Government has dismissed the alleged killings of protesters at the Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020 by soldiers.
It made this known in a report released by the US Department of State, Tagged ‘2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ released on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.
According to the US department, the claim that protesters were killed by Nigerian soldiers at the Lekki tollgate could not be verified.
The US government added that accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at the end of the year.
It, however, acknowledged that soldiers armed with live ammunition were present at the Lekki Toll Gate but nobody was killed.
7. Buhari: Why I Won’t Go Abroad For Medical Check-up – Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has maintained that he would not travel abroad for medical check-up.
He stated this on Wednesday when a delegation of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday departed the shores of Nigeria for London, the United Kingdom through the Abuja International Airport.
The President departed the country in one of the jets available in the presidential fleet, Naija News understands.
Buhari is not expected back in the country until the second week in April according to an earlier statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina on Monday when he announced the president’s trip to Nigerians.
But speaking to the delegation, Wike said everything he needs for medical examination was in the Government House Clinic built by his administration.
8. Umahi Declares Curfew In Ebonyi Community
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has declared a dusk to dawn curfew in Effium community in Ohaukwu LGA in ordered to curb the killings and destruction of properties in the area.
Naija News reports that this was made known to newsmen on Wednesday b the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr Uchenna Orji.
While revealing that the decision was reached at the state executive council meeting, Orji said the state approved the addition of 600 soldiers that would be drafted to restore peace in Effium community.
It was gathered that despite the peace initiative and signing of peace pact by stakeholders of both clans, killings and destruction of properties still persist in the area.
9. Unknown Gunmen Attack Ex-CBN Gov, Soludo, Kill Policemen
Unknown gunmen, on Wednesday, attacked the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, in his hometown.
It was reported that Soludo was attacked at Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area, during an interactive session between him and some Isuofia youths.
The former Governor of CBN has shown interest in the governorship race in Anambra State on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
A source that spoke on the incident disclosed that two policemen attached to him were reportedly shot dead by the gunmen.
10. Law Enforcement Officers To Wear Body Cameras In Lagos – Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has disclosed that law enforcement officers in the state would start wearing body cameras.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Lagos governor stated that plans were already in motion to that effect.
While revealed that law enforcement officers would be trained on the use of the equipment, Sanwo-Olu added that they would be trained by the Lagos state Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI).
Recall that the general manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olajide Oduyoye, had back in February said the officers will use cameras to capture traffic violations.