Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Thursday, 24th June 2021
1. Twitter Suspension: Presidency Reacts To ECOWAS Court Ruling
The Presidency has reacted to the ECOWAS court ruling regarding the prosecution of Nigerians violating Twitter suspension in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that the ECOWAS court on Tuesday granted the prayers of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 176 concerned Nigerians, asking the court to restrain the Federal Government from arresting or prosecuting Nigerians using Twitter.
The court also stopped the government from imposing sanctions or harassing, intimidating, arresting, or prosecuting Twitter.
Speaking with State House correspondents, after the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, in Abuja, Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, will study the report and advise the federal government on what to do.
Adesina added that the committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to engage with Twitter will meet this afternoon and discuss the matter.
2. Buhari Government Has Taken Sides In Nigeria’s Tribal War – Gumi
President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has been accused by an Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, of taking a side in the ongoing tribal war in Nigeria.
The cleric while speaking on Arise Tv on Wednesday said the Federal Government is not neutral in the “tribal war” going on, adding that it spells danger for the country.
He said, “This is a tribal war going on and the government taking one side. What I see now is a tribal war. Fulani fighting Yoruba in the South West, Fulani fighting Igbo in the South East, and Fulani fighting in other areas in the North.
“What you are calling banditry when you cross to the other side, you discover Nigeria is fighting a tribal war and government is supposed to be the mediator. The government is supposed to be neutral; it’s not supposed to take sides.
3. Army Reacts To Gumi’s Allegations Of Nigerian Military Supporting Bandits
The Nigerian Army has condemned Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, over his statement that the military is colluding with bandits in the North.
Gumi stated this during an interview on Arise Tv on Wednesday.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement condemned Gumi’s allegations.
Nwachukwu noted that the military has carried out its responsibilities in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of fundamental human rights.
The military spokesman noted that the statement of the cleric is an attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country.
4. “I Don’t Know What They’re Talking About” – Nwaoboshi Reacts To His Suspension By PDP
The Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Peter Nwaoboshi has rubbished the news of his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his state.
Reacting to the news of his suspension, Nwaoboshi described the development as a laughing matter, adding that he has not received any official communication to that effect.
Naija News recalls the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State announced the suspension of the Delta North Senator, accusing him of anti-party activities.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, said Nwaoboshi was suspended for his recent romance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a period of one month.
He noted that the lawmaker was also suspended for his verbal recklessness and unprovoked utterances against the governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa.
However, reacting to the news of his suspension, Senator Nwaoboshi dismissed the report as a laughing matter.
5. Gumi Defends Herdsmen, Reveals Why They Are Better Than IPOB
Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has declared that criminal herdsmen are better than members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In his explanation of his position, Gumi submitted that the herdsmen commit crimes that are not as weighty as those committed by IPOB members.
Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise TV, Sheikh Gumi declared that IPOB kills security operatives expected to protect Nigerians but the herdsmen only kidnap children to make money through ransom.
He, therefore, submitted that it is unfair to compare the two groups.
6. Lagos Lawmakers Approve Sanwo-Olu’s Request For N85bn Bond
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s request of ₦85 billion special dispensation for bond redemption as well as ₦85 billion for bridge loan for a quarter has been approved by the Lagos State Assembly.
This is pursuant to the approval of Bonds, Loans and other Security Law of Lagos State 2015 and comes at 9.25% per annum to bond financing programme.
The Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, at a sitting on Monday stated that the terms of reference of the request received from the executive arm appraise the request for a special dispensation; enquire into the debt profile of the State and ascertain the source of the fund for repayment and refinancing.
According to Hon. Olowo, based on briefing and documents received, the redemption of bonds will allow for extension of maturity of the same with a two years moratorium in 2031 and the special dispensation approval will enable the State earmarks for capital projects.
7. Ndume Discloses 3 Things That Will Happen With ₦895bn Supplementary Budget
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Ali Ndume, has revealed three possible development that will happen with the approval of the ₦895 supplementary budget for the armed forces.
Naija News had reported that The 9th Senate on Wednesday passed the 2021 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N895, 842, 465, 917 for the second reading.
The budget was passed for second reading a day after the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan read President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter seeking the Red Chamber’s approval of the budget.
The supplementary budget contained funds to purchase military equipment and the COVID-19 vaccine programme.
Speaking with news reporters shortly after his bill on the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, was passed during Senate plenary on Wednesday, Ndume said the incessant abduction of students by bandits and criminal groups will not affect school enrolment in the northern part of the country.
8. 2023: I’m Consulting On Presidency – Bauchi Gov
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday called on the Northern Youth Leaders Forum to give him three weeks to make consultations on running in the 2023 presidential election.
Mohammed stated this when the forum presented him the letter of demand to declare interest in the presidency.
The Bauchi State Governor hosted members of NYLF led by its National Chairman, Elliot Afiyo, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi.
9. Obaseki: Obaseki Speaks On Inaugurating His Cabinet
The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday revealed why he is yet to constitute his cabinet more than six months after he was reelected.
Obaseki disclosed this while answering questions from State House Correspondents after meeting with Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Peoples Democratic Party Governor met with the President’s COS over the planned return of artifacts from foreign countries to Nigeria and his intention to build a museum in collaboration with the federal government.
The governor said he had spent the last six months restructuring the process of government, particularly the civil service.
10. Insecurity: ACF To Meet With Ohanaeze, Afenifere, PANDEF
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is set to meet with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and PANDEF as part of efforts to sanitize the fragile peace bedevilling the country.
National Chairman of the forum, Chief Audu Ogbeh, made this known in a communique.
The forum noted that the meeting will discuss the lingering issues in the country that have tended to pitch ethnic and regional groups against each other.
It also commended the South-East leaders for disowning the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
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