Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 11th November, 2024
1. It Is Time To End Your Grand Illusions, Stop Your Envy – Tinubu Tackles Atiku
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to stop trying to undermine his administration, but instead concentrate on the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The President made this known in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga, speaking on behalf of Tinubu, said it is time for Atiku to end his grand Illusions, envy and fantasies.
He said Atiku’s recent economic analysis demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of Nigeria’s realities.
According to the President’s spokesperson, a leader must be prepared to tackle challenges from Day One, as Tinubu has done.
2. Tinubu, Ribadu, Tuggar, Others Arrive Saudi Arabia For Summit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.
Naturenex reports that the summit will focus on the current situation in the Middle East.
The summit is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and follows last year’s summit in the same Saudi city.
During the summit, President Tinubu will address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
Government officials who accompanied Tinubu include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.
3. Army Chief Urges Sokoto Residents To Support Security Efforts Against Lakurawa Terrorists
Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, Olufemi Oluyede, has called on the people of Sokoto State to lend their support to ongoing military operations aimed at securing the region from the foreign armed group known locally as Lakurawa.
During his operational visit to the state, General Oluyede stated that his mission was to assess the readiness of troops stationed in the area and motivate them to continue their efforts in safeguarding the nation.
The Army Chief, who toured Tangaza Local Government Area—a known flashpoint for Lakurawa activities—also engaged with local community leaders, including Council Chairman Alhaji Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, seeking their collaboration.
Arriving by aircraft at approximately 9:30am, General Oluyede visited Masallaci, a community within Tangaza that lies 25 kilometers from the Niger Republic border.
There, he received briefings from the theatre commanders, including the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and the Garrison Commander.
The Army Chief also visited Illela, another border community, where he was updated by commanders and reiterated his call for community support to bolster the military’s security measures.
4. Presidency Replies Ndume, Gives 15 Advantages Of Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill
The presidency on Sunday, highlighted fresh benefits of the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The presidency, in a post by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, said the bill needs to be studied before drawing conclusions on it.
Specifically, the statement called out Senator Ali Ndume, who had, during a recent interview, said the bill is dead on arrival, and there is no need to study the document.
Among other things, the presidential aide noted that the bill will empower youths in the global business environment by facilitating remote work opportunities, introduce zero percent VAT on food, education, health, and exemption for rent and public transportation, repeal over 50 nuisance taxes and levies, and harmonise the remaining taxes to a single digit.
5. It Is A Disgraceful Display Of Inhumanity – Bode George Carpets Sanwo-Olu Over Harassment, Flogging Of Lagos Traders
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has called on the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address the escalating harassment, extortion, and physical abuse of traders by state officials and security agents.
George lamented that many face constant harassment and are subjected to heavy levies.
He shared his concern in an open letter addressed to the governor.
The elder statesman claimed that traders are “harassed and flogged like criminals” by government agents, despite their contributions to the economy.
According to George, many traders are forced to sell on the streets due to the high cost of market shops, with some shops priced at over ₦1 million.
George urged the Sanwo-Olu administration to adopt more constructive solutions to street trading, such as regulating their activities or establishing skill acquisition programs. He emphasized that harassing traders and confiscating their goods is not the answer.
6. Rivers Crisis Is Divine For Political Freedom And Growth – Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the recent political crisis in the state as divinely orchestrated, aimed at facilitating political freedom and economic growth.
Fubara made this assertion on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held in honour of His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, who was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council.
Governor Fubara highlighted that despite the challenges faced by his administration, which many thought would be insurmountable, the government has emerged stronger and more focused. He attributed this resilience to divine intervention.
The governor reaffirmed his dedication to governance and unwavering faith in God, emphasizing that he relies on divine wisdom and guidance to lead the state effectively.
Fubara expressed hope that posterity would remember his administration as one that stood firmly with God.
The thanksgiving service was attended by dignitaries, religious leaders, and members of the community, underscoring the symbolic importance of the event in the state’s ongoing journey towards political stability and progress.
7. Northern Leaders Owe Jonathan An Apology – Mahadi Shehu
Public affairs analyst, Mahadi Shehu has called on Northern leaders to apologize to former President Goodluck Jonathan for the treatment he received while in office.
In a video shared by African Independent Television (AIT), Shehu highlighted Jonathan’s commitment to uplifting the region, particularly through the allocation of federal resources to rehabilitate the Almajiri system by building schools.
The analyst expressed regret that after Jonathan’s tenure, these educational structures were left to deteriorate, undermining the initial efforts and investments made for the benefit of the region.
8. Defence Chief Musa Speaks On Bribery, Extortion Among Nigerian Soldiers
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has denounced Nigerian soldiers involved in bribery or extortion, labelling them as betrayers of public trust.
In a recent interview with CGTN Hausa, Musa emphasized the Army’s dedication to protecting lives and property, urging troops to refrain from actions that could damage their reputation or alienate the public.
He encouraged the public to report any illegal acts by military personnel, reassuring them of the Army’s commitment to their protection and the nation’s well-being.
9. The Reason Tinubu Gave For Sacking Me Is Not Valid – Former Minister
The immediate past Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has questioned the rationale behind his dismissal from the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Gwarzo, President Tinubu had informed him that Kano was overloaded with political officers, hence the need to cut down on some people from the state.
The former Minister, however, insisted that he wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance, adding that he suspects that some people are behind the President’s decision to sack him.
He also added that after President Tinubu informed him of the pending dismissal, some suggestions were made regarding his replacement, but they were ignored.
Gwarzo argued further that the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Kano, Nasir Gawuna, should have been offered the opportunity to represent Kano Central in the federal cabinet.
10. Wike Vows To Continue Demolition Of Shanties Despite Protests
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that his administration will continue the demolition of shanties in the FCT.
He insisted that no amount of protests would suppress the development.
Wike stated this during a visit to the Ruga community along the Wuye axis of the nation’s capital.
He explained that going forward, his administration will dialogue with the occupants of shanties in the city and come up with long-lasting recommendations which will keep them from establishing their communities illegally.
He also regarded the protest which was staged on Friday, tagging the FCTA land grabbers, as misplaced priorities.
