Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 30th November, 2024.
1. Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed WTO Director-General
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term.
Naturenex reports that the latest development was made known in a statement on Friday.
WTO said Okonjo’s reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.
According to the statement, the Council agreed by consensus to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala as DG for a second four-year term, stressing that the decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.
It further explained that the reappointment process, initiated on October 8, 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council.
2. Nigeria Army Arrest, Detain Investigative Journalist, Fisayo Soyombo
The 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has reportedly arrested and detained investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo.
Naturenex reports that Fisayo, who is the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has reportedly been detained for three days.
According to SaharaReporters, Soyombo’s detention may be linked to his work exposing corruption and smugglers aided by Nigerian Customs Services.
The FIJ, in a statement on Friday, called for his immediate release and raised the alarm over the increasing threats to press freedom in the country.
Soyombo, known for his investigative reporting on high-profile issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, has previously faced various threats and harassment.
3. Nigerian Army Releases Fisayo Soyombo
The Nigerian Army has released renowned journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, days after his arrest.
Naturenex reports that Fisayo, who is the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was arrested and detained for three days.
The FIJ, had in a statement on Friday, called for his immediate release and raised the alarm over the increasing threats to press freedom in the country.
Soyombo, known for his investigative reporting on high-profile issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, has previously faced various threats and harassment.
However, the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army has revealed that its operatives arrested Soyombo on suspicion of engaging in illegal oil bunkering.
Hours after mixed reactions over the development, FIJ announced that Soyombo has now been released.
4. I Can Leave The Party – Ndume Speaks On His APC Membership
The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has vowed to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC), if the leadership of the party allows him.
According to Ndume, he ought to have left the ruling party before now but stayed back because of his closeness to President Bola Tinubu and that he doesn’t want the president to fail.
Ndume said this on Thursday when he appeared on Channels Television to discuss his grievances with the tax reform bills proposed by President Tinubu.
He said, “I told you I am very close to Tinubu. I don’t want him to fail and that is why I am taking some of these insults. If not, look, I can leave the party.
“I can leave the party. The party has even given me an offer that I can go if I want. I can apply to them to let me go if they can give me approval and I will go.”
5. President Tinubu, Macron Sign €300 Million Investment Deal
President Bola Tinubu has secured two trade agreements from President Emmanuel Macron of France worth €300 million, for the country’s critical infrastructure development, food security and other sectors.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Friday, the deals were signed at an economic forum attended by businessmen, captains of industry, governors, and some top government officials of both countries at the Palais des Elysée in Paris, France, during President Tinubu’s state visit.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, signed the Letter of Intent.
6. ‘We Rejected Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill Because It Will Only Benefit Lagos, The President Must Withdraw It’ – Zulum
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has given more explanations on why the northern region and some other stakeholders are against the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the tax reforms would only benefit Lagos State and bring backwardness to the North.
Speaking during an interview with BBC News Hausa, Governor Zulum added that not only the north would be negatively affected, but also to the South East, South South, and South West.
In his view, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo will also have problems.
7. Edo Governorship Election Should Not Stand, Evidence Of Rigging So Substantial – Chidoka
Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, the founder of a non-profit organisation, Athena Centre, has insisted the September 21 Edo State governorship election should not stand.
Naturenex reports that Chidoka, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, indicted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the election.
The organisation reviewed the election, which produced the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as governor of the South-South state, claiming that it was compromised.
Recall that Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to beat his closest contender, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 247,274 votes.
However, Chidoka, who presented the Athena Centre’s findings on the Edo State election, stated that there was substantial evidence of systemic rigging.
8. Nigerian Army Kill Boko Haram Commander In Yobe
A Boko Haram commander, Abu Shekau, has reportedly been killed during an attack on the Sabon Fagi community in Gujba LGA of Yobe state.
Naturenex reports that a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, in a post via X, noted that the terrorists invaded the community on Friday.
According to the publication, troops of the Nigerian Army killed four Boko Haram fighters during the gun duel that ensued, stressing that some insurgents escaped with bullet wounds.
Makama added that the troops recovered several weapons from the insurgents.
9. Ex-Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka Resigns From PDP
Former Minister of Aviation in the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Osita Chidoka has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Chidoka announced his resignation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday night.
He disclosed that he had earlier today sent a letter to his ward chairman in Anambra State informing him of his decision to quit the PDP and active politics for now.
Chidoka, who was also the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said he is leaving politics to focus on his non-profitable organisation, Athena Centre to join hands with other Nigerians who are interested in reforming the political system in Nigeria.
10. Port Harcourt Refinery Yet To Begin Sales To Marketers, We Are Selling Dangote Products For Now – NNPC Confirms
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) confirmed on Friday that it has yet to begin the bulk sales of products to fuel marketers in the country.
The NNPC noted that for the time being, products from the refinery are only for its filling stations.
It also urged members of the public to disregard pricing information on products from the refinery, which is making rounds on social media, noting that such information is misleading.
The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, who made the revelation in a statement, added that currently, the products being sold originate from the Dangote Refinery, and the prices include applicable fees from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
