Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 19th October, 2024
1. Why Tinubu Refused To Stop EFCC From Prosecuting Yahaya Bello – Presidency Sources
The reason President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not intervene to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been revealed.
Bello, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was a member of the defunct Tinubu/Shettima campaign organization that worked for Tinubu’s election in 2023.
Despite claims from some that the EFCC was targeting Bello, the President has consistently emphasized that the commission must fulfil its legal mandate while encouraging Nigerians to support its anti-corruption efforts.
A member of President Tinubu’s inner circle explained to Western Post that the President’s decision not to intervene stemmed from a desire to send a clear message that his administration would not tolerate corruption in public office, regardless of ethnic or political connections.
The EFCC, led by Ola Olukoyede, accused Bello of N110 billion fraud after initially filing 19 charges against him, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu for alleged money laundering offences totalling N80,246,470,088.88.
In updated charges dated September 25, the sum allegedly laundered increased to N110,446,470,89.00. Bello and his co-defendants were accused of purchasing 12 properties in Abuja with the laundered funds.
The defendants were also charged with criminal breach of trust over the same amount.
The EFCC declared Bello wanted, and the Nigerian Immigration Service placed him on a watchlist after attempts to arrest him and his repeated absence from court proceedings.
In September 2024, Bello’s Media Office claimed EFCC operatives attempted to arrest the former governor at the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro.
Following Bello’s visit to EFCC headquarters, his media director, Ohiare Michael, alleged the operatives were trying to forcefully arrest him.
Explaining why President Tinubu didn’t interfere, presidency sources said the President aimed to send a clear message to corrupt officials that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.
2. ‘This Does Not Represent The Common Sense That Is Expected Of Leaders’ – Peter Obi Knocks Tinubu, Shettima For Travelling Out Of The Country At The Same Time
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, for being absent from the country at the same time.
Obi equally said it is arguable to accept the explanation from the presidency that there is no vacuum in the leadership of the country as a result of the absence of the two leaders.
Speaking via a statement on his X account on Friday, Peter Obi submitted that Nigeria is facing a lot of domestic problems and it is concerning for both the President and the Vice President to be away from the country at such a time.
He noted that the two weeks President Tinubu was expected to be away from the country has elapsed and the President should have returned to Nigeria as the citizens need his attention to steer the country out of its predicament caused by harsh economic policies.
“While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa , there is no vacancy in the Presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country, as reported in the media yesterday, it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems.
“The President had told us he would only be gone for 14 days. The 14 days have passed now, and we are waiting to see him in the country.
“One would have expected him to return earlier than expected, considering the volume of work that needs to be done in a troubled nation like ours.
“The untold hardship that has been unleashed on our people as a result of some of his administration’s policies is unimaginable and we need his urgent attention to pilot the nation out of this present situation,” Obi submitted.
3. NNPC, Chevron Discover Crude Oil In Niger-Delta
The NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPC-CNL JV) has announced a significant oil discovery with the successful drilling of the Meji NW-1 well in Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) 49, located in the shallow offshore region of the Western Niger Delta.
The area, which now operates under the terms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, remains a vital component of Nigeria’s energy production sector.
In a statement released on Friday, Chevron’s General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, confirmed the development, stating that the well was spud on September 2, 2024, and reached a total depth of 8,983 feet by September 13.
The well encountered approximately 690 feet of hydrocarbons within Miocene sands, extending the productive Meji field.
The drilling operations were completed on October 2, and the rig has since departed the location.
“This achievement aligns with Chevron’s commitment to advancing its Nigerian resources,” the statement read, highlighting that the discovery fits into the company’s broader global exploration strategy. This strategy focuses on “discovering new resources that extend the lifespan of existing production assets and reduce development cycle times.”
The discovery marks a positive development for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, reinforcing the offshore region’s potential.
4. Court Threatens To Jail DSS DG For Denying Nnamdi Kanu Access To Lawyers
The Abuja Federal High Court has issued a stern warning to the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, threatening him with imprisonment for obstructing the legal team of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from accessing him.
In a Notice of Consequences delivered on Friday, the court accused the DSS DG of flouting its earlier ruling that mandated routine access for Kanu’s lawyers.
The notice was served by the court’s Registrar and subsequently made public by Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.
In a statement, Ejimakor expressed his intention to initiate contempt proceedings against the DSS boss, emphasizing the seriousness of the court’s directive and its violation’s implications.
5. SERAP Rejects DSS ₦5.5 Billion Defamation Lawsuit
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has rejected a suit against its organization by the Department of State Security (DSS).
“We reject the baseless defamation lawsuit brought against us by the DSS, following the invasion of our Abuja office. We’re talking to our lawyers and will be filing our counter-claims. We’ll see in court to stop this intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians,” SERAP wrote on its X handle on Friday.
Naturenex reports that the DSS had earlier filed a ₦5.5 billion defamation lawsuit against SERAP over what it described as false allegations of DSS officials’ invasion of SERAP’s Abuja office.
The suit filed on behalf of two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, claims that the alleged false statements made by SERAP have caused significant damage to the reputation of both the DSS and the officials involved.
The legal action was initiated on October 17 before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, marked as CV/4547/2024, with SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, listed as defendants.
In their statement, the claimants explained that John and Ogundele visited SERAP’s office in Abuja on September 9 to extend an invitation for a familiarization meeting between the DSS and SERAP’s leadership.
They were met by a staff member named Ruth, who requested a formal invitation letter after explaining that the organization’s management was out of the country.
6. Fubara Approves ₦85,000 Minimum Wage For Rivers State Civil Servants
The Rivers State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for its civil servants.
George Nwaeke, the state’s Head of Service, announced that Governor Siminalayi Fubara granted the approval during a private meeting with labour leaders and senior government officials.
Nwaeke confirmed that the implementation of the new wage would take immediate effect.
“He (Governor Fubara) has set a figure that is higher than the national minimum wage, approving ₦85,000.00. This is a significant development for civil servants in Rivers State, who have never had it this good since the state’s inception,” Nwaeke said.
When inquired about the payment of arrears, Nwaeke disclosed that a technical committee had been formed to devise a feasible payment plan that will also tackle issues concerning the outstanding arrears.
“The committee, which I will serve as Deputy to the Secretary to the State Government, will iron out the details regarding the payment of arrears and inform the public accordingly,” he explained.
7. I’ve Learned To Avoid Criticizing Or Getting Annoyed With Nigerians – Peter Obi
Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has learnt to stop criticizing or getting annoyed at Nigerians, especially Nigerian businesses.
Naturenex reports that the former Governor of Anambra State made this known on X while responding to a Nigerian complaining about a 9-hour flight delay by Air Peace.
The X user with the handle Olajumoke Alawode~James wrote, “I was waiting to land in Lagos before I cuss Air Peace for this 9 hour delay. But, @PeterObi is on my flight. Let me respect our leader.”
In response, Peter Obi apologised on behalf of Air Peace, stating that one does not blame business owners in Nigeria considering the harsh and challenging environment they have to navigate.
He noted that the country’s situation demands that Nigerians always apply caution as they try to understand each other’s circumstances.
8. ‘They Are Just Doing Business, Not Running The Country’ – SDP’s Adebayo Attacks Tinubu Govt
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, Adewole Adebayo, has accused President Bola Tinubu-led government of doing business and not running the country.
Adebayo, in an interview with Daily Trust on Friday, claimed that their primary duty is business, and that’s why they are trying to run the petroleum industry rather than have a regulatory framework.
He further stated that the Federal Government sees Nigerians as customers who they can get extra money from by hoarding petrol.
9. ‘I Can Not Celebrate My Birthday Amidst Current Hardship’ – Governor Otu
The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has reached the milestone of 65 years but expressed his inability to celebrate due to the prevailing economic hardships affecting the nation.
Speaking on a Sparkling FM Radio programme monitored in Calabar, the governor reflected on the challenging times, stating that festivities would be inappropriate given the current circumstances.
Otu said, “I cannot in all sincerity celebrate my birthday with such expected fanfare in the midst of current hardships.
“There’s much suffering in the country due to current hyperinflation. It would be insensitive to do so. That’s why it is a low-key event.”
Despite the subdued celebrations, Otu expressed his gratitude to the people of Cross River for their prayers and good wishes.
He reaffirmed his commitment to positively impacting the lives of the citizens during his tenure, stating, “I have occupied many positions in this country. In all, I have never been disappointed. So I vow that I shall not disappoint the people of Cross River State as their governor by the grace of God. There’ll be value addition.”
10. Lagos DPO Slumps, Dies In Office
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ijanikin Police Station, Lagos State Police Command, CSP Bolaji Olugbenga, is reportedly dead.
Naturenex learnt that Olugbenga slumped in the office on Thursday night and died before he could be rushed to a hospital.
A police officer from the Division, who spoke to Daily Trust on anonymity, said officers attached to the station have been thrown into mourning due to the incident.
The officer also confirmed that the body of the deceased officer had been moved to a mortuary.
He said, “He slumped in the office on Thursday and was quickly rushed to the hospital. But sadly, we lost him.”
At the time of filing this report, the state police command has yet to issue a statement on the incident.
