Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 23rd April 2024
1. Nigeria Ripe For State Policing – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said the country needs state policing to address diverse community needs and improve security nationwide.
The Nigerian leader stated this on Monday at the one-day National Dialogue on State Policing, which was held in Abuja and had the theme “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria.”
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said state policing is not just a policy proposal but a potential milestone in the evolution of the nation’s law enforcement framework.
He added that state policing would create the opportunity to shape law enforcement in a manner that closely addresses the various demands of communities across the country.
The President also described his administration’s unwavering resolve to reform the Nigeria Police Force and enhance security across the country.
President Tinubu noted that his administration is well aware of the complex security issues confronting Nigeria and is continually developing and refining its strategies and methods to address the challenges effectively.
2. Tinubu To Depart On Official Visit To Netherlands, Attend Economic Forum In Saudi Arabia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Tuesday, April 23, depart Abuja for the Kingdom of the Netherlands on an official visit.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Monday evening by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
On the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, President Tinubu will engage in high-level discussions with the Prime Minister, as well as hold separate meetings with His Royal Majesty, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Kingdom. The Queen is the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
While in the Netherlands, Tinubu will participate in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum that will bring together heads of conglomerates and organizations in both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, especially in agriculture and water management towards innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices.
3. FG Shuts Down Abuja Chinese Supermarket Which Discriminates Against Nigerians
Officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Monday raided the Chinese supermarket in Abuja, which allegedly prevents Nigerians from shopping from it.
This follows the outrage from Nigerians on Sunday who took to social media to condemn the management of the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket denying Nigerians entry into the facility.
Naija News learnt that the supermarket situated at the China General Chamber of Commerce, along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road in the Federal Capital Territory, is acclaimed as a destination for Chinese cuisine and beverages.
Surprisingly, entry into the supermarket, is said to be restricted exclusively to Chinese individuals.
The facility manager of the complex, Shaibu Sanusi, has verified that individuals from outside the complex who are Nigerian do not engage in shopping there, but those Nigerians who reside within the complex are allowed access for shopping purposes.
While the supermarket is closed, the FCCPC suggested that individuals may be staying inside in an attempt to evade interaction with the agency.
The workers at the supermarket later told FCCPC officials that the owner of the supermarket, Cindy Liu Bei, and her family have fled the premises after the government officials arrived.
Bei’s escape was confirmed on the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera.
The FCCPC officials subsequently shut down the supermarket.
4. Philip Shaibu Excluded As INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates For Edo Guber Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has released the final list of candidates for the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election.
However, the electoral umpire excluded the impeached deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu.
Naija News reports that in a statement signed by the National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed that political parties are permitted to start their campaign in public from Wednesday, 24th April 2024.
He said the political campaigns would end at midnight on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, stressing that 17 political parties have fielded candidates for the election, 16 of whom are male and one female.
Olumekun added that the final list has been published at INEC’s office in Edo State and uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public information.
5. UTME: Nigeria To Set University Entry Age At 18 to Curb Underage Admissions
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has expressed concerns over the increasing number of underage students gaining entry into universities, revealing plans to set the minimum entry age at 18 years.
This initiative was announced during his monitoring of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Abuja.
“We noticed that the age of those who have applied to go to the university, some of them are really too young,” Prof. Mamman stated. He emphasized that the university environment requires a level of maturity that younger students might not possess, which is crucial for managing their affairs independently.
Prof. Mamman highlighted the challenges younger students face in adapting to the university lifestyle, which can significantly affect their academic and social life.
The minister urged parents to allow their children to reach an appropriate maturity level before sending them off to university. He suggested that starting university at an earlier age could hinder the student’s ability to cope with the challenges and responsibilities of university life.
6. FG Vows To Resell DisCos With Banks, AMCON Within Three Months
The federal government has announced plans to sell off the five electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) currently managed by banks and Asset Management Company (AMCON) to reputable technical power operators within the next three months.
It’s worth noting that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is presently managed by the United Bank of Africa (UBA).
Fidelity Bank manages the Benin, Kaduna, and Kano Electricity Distribution companies, whereas AMCON manages the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
They all ended up under the new management arrangement because they couldn’t repay their loans.
During an oversight visit to the Ministry in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, informed the Senate Committee on Power that energy distribution assets are highly technical and should be managed by technical experts.
He informed the committee that making tough decisions regarding the DisCos has become imperative because the entire Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) suffers when they fail to fulfil their obligations.
The minister mentioned that the ministry would urge the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to revoke licenses of underperforming entities and potentially alter the management boards of the DisCos if deemed necessary.
7. IGP Egbetokun ‘Rejects’ State Police, Gives Fresh Recommendation
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has declared that Nigeria is not ripe for state police.
The Police boss made the submission on Monday while speaking at a one-day dialogue on state policing, where he was represented by AIG Ben Okolo.
Backing up his position, the IGP said some state governors may abuse the privilege of state police by using it for political gains, leading to possible abuse of power and abuse of human rights.
He also pointed out the financial requirements for establishing state police, saying the government may lack adequate funds for it.
Egbetokun further said the establishment of state police will may lead to increased ethnic tension, and divided loyalty in the states.
He, therefore, recommended the merging of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to form a department in the Nigeria Police Force instead of creating a state police.
The IGP also said the force needs to recruit about 30,000 police personnel annually to meet the UN requirements for modern policing while also increasing its annual budgetary allocation.
8. Rivers Assembly Overrides Fubara, Disobey Court Order, Passes Bill Into Law
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday passed the local government Amendment Bill into law.
Naija News reports that the lawmakers passed the bill without the assent of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The House, led by its Speaker, Hon Martin Amaewhule, made the decision at its 159th Legislative sitting held at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt.
Recall that on March 13, 2024, the House passed the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and forwarded same to Fubara for assent, which the governor declined.
The Assembly also defied the state High Court’s order directing the status quo on the issue of elongating the tenure of elected local government officials, which formed part of the amendment.
9. Peter Obi Tackles Tinubu Govt Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has expressed serious concerns about the pricing of the Lagos-Calabar Highway project.
In a statement issued via his official X handle on Monday morning, Obi said the price allocated for the construction of the highway project should be thoroughly reviewed.
The former LP presidential candidate also expressed deep concerns about the timing and prioritization of the highway project.
However, the former Governor of Anambra State acknowledged the benefits that will be gotten from the landmark project when completed.
Obi also appealed to the Federal Government to complete the numerous uncompleted roads scattered across the country, many of which have become hazardous death traps and security risks.
10. FG Resumes Prosecution Of Boko Haram Detainees
President Bola Tinubu’s government has confirmed that the trial of all Boko Haram suspects in Kainji has recommenced.
Naija News reports that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, announced this development during the two-day High-level African Counter-terrorism Summit in Abuja.
According to the NSA, Nigeria is actively gathering intelligence on the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP) in order to confront these groups directly.
Ribadu emphasized that the summit serves as a demonstration of Nigeria’s strong commitment to the UN Counter-terrorism agreement, highlighting the fact that Africa is confronted with various terrorist organizations that exploit local vulnerabilities.
He further mentioned that Nigeria has adopted a comprehensive approach to address the ever-changing security threats posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP, which includes utilizing digital resources.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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