Nigerian Newspapers: 10 Things You Need To Know Wednesday Morning

1. Nnamdi Kanu Pledges to Work for Peace:

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), has vowed to work towards ending the ongoing violence in the South East upon his release. This statement follows his denial of bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.

2. Senate Passes 2024 FCT Budget:

The Senate has approved the sum of N1.282 trillion as the budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the 2024 fiscal year. This decision came after the adoption of the harmonized report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT.

3. House of Reps Summons Health Minister:

The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has summoned the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, to explain the alleged misappropriation of $300 million meant for malaria funding since 2021.

4. INEC Warns Political Parties:

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has cautioned political parties against delay tactics and acts that could disrupt the electoral process. He emphasized the need for timely submission of candidates’ names for the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Edo State.

5. Senate to Probe Military Officers’ Killers:

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced plans to constitute a committee to investigate whether the killers of military officers in Delta State were mercenaries. He urged for peace to be restored in the affected community.

6. Senate Committee Uncovers Loan Infractions:

The Senate Ad-hoc Committee investigating the N30 trillion Ways and Means loans obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria during the previous administration has identified infractions in the loan process. The committee plans to summon the current CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, for clarifications.

7. Power Outages Hit Abuja, Kogi:

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and parts of Kogi State are experiencing power outages due to technical faults. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company cited a technical fault at the Karu Transmission Station as the cause of the outage.

8. Kidnapped Victim Rescued in Edo:

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim identified as Rev. Canon Tony Mukoro in the state. The victim was abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in the Isor community.

9 Edo Assembly Directs Investigation of Deputy Governor:

Members of the Edo State House of Assembly have instructed the Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to establish a panel to investigate allegations of misconduct and perjury against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

10 Naira Appreciates in Parallel Market:

The naira recorded an appreciation to N1,580 per dollar in the parallel market and N1,560.57 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) on Tuesday. This indicates a positive trend for the local currency against the dollar.