Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 13th January, 2025
1. ADSW 2025: Tinubu Arrives Abu Dhabi, UAE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived Abu Dhabi to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025), which will take place from January 12 to 18 in the United Arab Emirates.
Upon his arrival, Naija News reports that Tinubu was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE.
ADSW 2025, themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” is a global platform dedicated to advancing sustainable development and fostering international collaboration.
The event will convene policymakers, business leaders, and civil society representatives to explore innovative strategies for accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy and promoting socioeconomic growth.
During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to highlight his administration’s achievements and ongoing reforms to advance energy sufficiency, modernise transportation, improve public health, and foster economic development.
2. “If Tinubu Could Criticise The System, Why Is His Administration Trying To Muzzle Voices – Bala Mohammed Attacks Presidency
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, accusing him of unprofessional conduct and promoting divisive rhetoric.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed criticized Dare for turning his role into a platform for political attacks rather than fostering unity and constructive dialogue.
The statement, titled “Enough is Enough”, lambasted the Presidency for what it described as a growing intolerance for criticism.
Governor Mohammed’s camp also called out the timing of Dare’s remarks, which were made during Juma’at prayers and Armed Forces Remembrance Day events.
The governor’s team accused the Tinubu administration of fostering a toxic culture that stifles constructive feedback.
3. NAF Denies Civilian Deaths In Zamfara Airstrike, Labels Reports As Propaganda
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed allegations that 16 civilians were killed during an airstrike targeting insurgents in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Naturenex understands that the airstrike, conducted on January 10 under Operation Fansan Yamma, aimed to tackle banditry in the region.
Reports from the community alleged that 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.
Counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, cited intelligence sources suggesting the vigilantes were misidentified as bandits after gunmen fled the area.
Responding to the allegations, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa in a chat with The Cable denied any credible evidence of civilian casualties.
He emphasized that the operation was conducted based on reliable intelligence and adhered to strict measures to minimize harm to civilians.
4. Kano Emirship Crisis Deepens As Bayero Heads To Supreme Court
Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, Senior Counsel to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has vowed to challenge the recent Court of Appeal ruling in favor of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Dan’Agundi, who also holds the traditional title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba of Kano Emirate, announced his intention to take the matter to the Supreme Court during a briefing at the Nassarawa Mini Palace.
The Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear Dan’Agundi’s case, which sought to enforce his fundamental human rights during the emirship crisis.
While the lead judgment suggested transferring the case to the Kano State Chief Judge for reassignment, two other judges disagreed, resulting in the appeal being struck out.
The senior counsel confirmed that he has instructed his legal team to obtain a certified true copy of the judgment as part of the preparation for the Supreme Court appeal.
Dan’Agundi urged Kano residents to maintain peace and adhere to the rule of law as the legal battle unfolds.
5. ‘Your Economic Team Not Proactive, They Are Not Sharp Enough’ – Adebayo Hits Tinubu
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has called for an overhaul of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team.
Adebayo said the President’s economic team is not proactive and only reacting to the consequences of their wrong actions.
The former SDP candidate, who spoke on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television, said President Tinubu can still easily get better hands within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He lamented that despite the funds available to the government as a result of fuel subsidy removal, the administration of President Tinubu still has to borrow to finance the 2025 budget.
Naturenex reports the politician also urged President Tinubu to start taking responsibility, get to work and stop blaming past governments.
6. Terrorists Attack Immigration Facility In Kebbi, Kill Four
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed a deadly terrorist attack on its facility in Gumki, a border town in Kebbi State.
The attack, attributed to the Lakurawa terrorist group, claimed four lives and caused significant damage to security infrastructure.
In a statement on Sunday, NIS spokesperson KT Udo said the attackers killed three contractors working on a telecom mast and a local watchman. However, no immigration officers were harmed in the incident.
The damaged facilities reportedly included telecom masts being installed as part of the NIS’s efforts to enhance border security.
Udo conveyed the NIS’s condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the agency’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders.
7. Obasanjo Reveals How Carter Helped Secure His Release From Prison Under Abacha
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo honoured the memory of his late friend and former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, with a memorial service on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Describing Carter as a “titan and man of peace,” Obasanjo paid glowing tributes to the 39th President of the United States, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia.
Carter, known for his humanitarian efforts and recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, left an indelible mark on global peacebuilding initiatives.
Obasanjo recalled Carter’s exceptional character and commitment to justice.
“He was a true friend, a man of conscience, and a tireless advocate for peace and human rights,” he said.
In an emotional reflection, Obasanjo recounted how Carter intervened during the regime of the late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, to secure his release from prison. Obasanjo had been detained by Abacha’s military government on allegations of plotting a coup.
8. Tinubu Bans Homosexuality, Cross-Dressing, Bestiality In Military
Nigeria’s military personnel have been explicitly prohibited from engaging in homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.
This directive is contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024.
The updated guidelines also bar personnel from body piercing, tattooing, drunkenness on or off duty, and disorderly behaviour. A copy of the document, obtained by Punch on Saturday, detailed the restrictions.
Naturenex gathered that the conditions of service further forbid personnel from engaging in amorous relationships with subordinates or the spouses of fellow officers and soldiers.
Military personnel are also required to meet financial obligations promptly, including vehicle licensing and insurance. Failure to comply is considered a serious offence.
9. PDP Must Obey Appeal Court Judgment on National Secretary – BoT Chairman
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted on compliance with the judgment of the Appeal Court on the National Secretary position.
BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara emphasized in a telephone interview with Sun Newspaper on Sunday that the PDP, as a law-abiding party, cannot afford to disregard the appellate court’s decision.
Naturenex reports that the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, upheld the nomination of former PDP National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s national secretary replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu on December 20, 2024.
The ruling followed two separate appeals affirming Ude-Okoye’s appointment, which was made by the PDP South East chapter after Anyanwu emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2023 Imo State election.
Despite the court’s decision, Anyanwu has maintained his claim to the office, citing his appeal of the judgment and filing for a stay of execution.
Wabara called on all organs, including the National Working Committee (NWC), to comply with the court ruling. He stressed the importance of respecting the judiciary to uphold the rule of law within the party.
10. ‘Until The Price Of Fuel Is Affordable For Nigerians, There’s Nothing To Rejoice About The Resumption Of Refineries’ – Kenneth Okonkwo
A former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Kenneth Okonkwo, has advocated a reduction in the price of petrol in Nigeria to make it affordable for citizens.
Okonkwo argued that there is nothing to celebrate about the resumption of activities in the nation’s refineries if oil is not affordable by Nigerians.
The lawyer cum actor who made the submission in a post via his X account on Sunday, submitted that a reduction in the cost of fuel would lead to an automatic reduction in the prices of food and other items, translating to a reduction in inflation and cost of living.
He also called for the privatization of government-owned refineries as a way to achieve efficiency in the oil industry.
