Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 10th November 2024.
1. WTO Confirms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala As Sole Candidate For Director-General Position
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current director-general, is the sole candidate for the position as her first term nears its conclusion.
According to a statement released by the WTO on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her willingness to serve a second four-year term on September 16.
This development solidifies her path to reappointment, as no other candidates have stepped forward.
The WTO officially commenced the process of appointing its next director-general on October 8, giving member nations until November 8 to submit their nominations.
In a communication to WTO members, Petter Olberg, chair of the WTO’s General Council, confirmed that no additional nominations were received by the November 8 deadline.
This effectively positions Okonjo-Iweala to continue her leadership at the global trade body.
2. President Tinubu Reappoints Abdullahi Mustapha As NBRDA Director General
President Bola Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha as the Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) for a second five-year term.
The reappointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, recognizing Mustapha’s commendable achievements over the past four years.
Prof. Mustapha’s second tenure commenced on October 31, 2024, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 10 (1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022.
Experts view this decision as a testament to President Tinubu’s confidence in Mustapha’s leadership and capability to drive innovation in the biotechnology sector.
His continued role is expected to foster advancements in food security, enhance pharmaceutical production, and position Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
A distinguished Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry from Dambatta Local Government Area in Kano State, Prof. Mustapha brings a robust background in academia and industry.
His expertise is anticipated to strengthen further the ethical practice and application of biotechnology for the country’s development.
3. Tinubu Govt Renovates VP Shettima’s Lagos Lodge With ₦5 Billion
Amidst economic hardship and rising inflation in Nigeria, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has allocated N5 billion for the renovation of the vice president’s official residence in Lagos State.
In November 2023, the Federal Government passed a N2.17 trillion supplementary budget, which earmarked N3 billion for renovations at the vice president’s Lagos residence and N2.5 billion for refurbishing his official quarters within the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
However, an analysis conducted by The PUNCH through GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks government expenditures, revealed that a total of N5,034,077,063 was spent on the Lagos residence renovations in May and September of this year.
A breakdown of the expenditure shows that on May 31, 2024, the State House paid N2,827,119,051 to Denderi Investment Limited, an engineering firm, for renovation work at the vice president’s official quarters in Lagos. On September 5, 2024, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President made additional payments to the same firm—N726,748,686 for further renovation work and N1,480,209,326 for Phase 2 of the project.
It is worth recalling that in November 2023, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced plans to spend N15 billion on constructing a “befitting” residence for the vice president in Abuja.
This announcement was made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike while defending the FCTA’s N61.5 billion supplementary budget before the House of Representatives committee.
The proposed expenditures have drawn criticism from advocacy groups. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) condemned the allocation, arguing that it contravenes both the Nigerian Constitution and the nation’s international anti-corruption and human rights commitments.
4. Even If Given 300 Years, Tinubu Cannot Solve Hardship In Nigeria – Deji Adeyanju
Renowned Human Rights Activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has stated that President Bola Tinubu cannot change the ongoing hardship in Nigeria even if he was given 300 years to be in office.
According to him, the former Governor of Lagos State has no solution to the current hardship in Nigeria.
Adeyanju labelled Nigeria as an anti-poor people’s nation, berating the economic status of the country, especially under the incumbent administration.
Naturenex reports that Adeyanju expressed his displeasure with the Tinubu government during a recent interview where he spoke on other sundry issues like the arraignment of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters, as well as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s presidential moves.
When asked about his perception of the current situation in Nigeria, the human rights lawyer said: “This nation, as currently constituted, can be akin to a concentration camp where citizens are forced to stay. And if you doubt me, if you think that Nigeria is not a concentration camp, let’s run a social experiment.
“Let the United States of America alone make their country visa-free to Nigerians, and let’s count how many of us will remain. So that is what best describes this nation—a nation where the rich are not paying for doing business, for buying private jets.
“But the poor are taxed to pay triple the price, and now quadruple the price of petrol cannot be said to be a nation for poor people. This nation is anti-poor; by and large, it’s an anti-poor people’s nation, so that is my take. In terms of economics and politics, it does not favor the average Nigerian in any way.
“The same Tinubu who just bought a jet is the one you expect to get Nigerians out of hardship? Or is it the Tinubu that proposed a tax bill you’re expecting to reverse his harmful policies? How can things get better under this kind of government? Even if you give Tinubu 300 years, things will never get better.”
5. Tinubu, Ribadu, NIA DG, Others To Attend Arab-Islamic Summit In Saudi Arabia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, which will focus on the current situation in the Middle East.
Naturenex reports that this was made known in a statement on Saturday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Summit will commence on Monday, November 11, 2024.
It 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 is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
6. APC Has Not Invited Me To Okpebholo’s Inauguration – Obaseki
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has frowned at the exclusion of the government’s input from the All Progressives Congress (APC) plans in the inauguration of Monday Okpebholo.
Naturenex reports that Obaseki, who became governor in 2016, will hand over to Okpebholo on November 12, 2024.
Okpebholo defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the September 21 governorship election.
Speaking on Friday while swearing in the caretaker committee of the PDP in the state, Obaseki said the APC has not invited him to the inauguration.
Obaseki described the APC’s action as lawless, adding that the state government is supposed to be in charge of the programme.
7. ‘It Is False’ – First Lady, Remi Tinubu Denies Organising National Prayer Event
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has dismissed reports that she is planning to organise a national prayer event.
Naturenex understands that reports had emerged claiming that Remi Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, would lead a national prayer event.
The report had drawn widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians questioning the rationale behind such event.
In a statement on Saturday, Remi Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Busola Kukoyi, said the First Lady is not organising a national prayer.
She stated that the news making rounds on some social media platforms are unfounded and misleading.
8. New Terrorist Group, Lakurawa, Invade Kebbi Community, Kills 15 Residents, Steals 100 Cows
The new armed terrorist group, known as Lakurawa, has reportedly invaded Mera, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing 15 people and stealing over 100 cows.
Naturenex learnt that a prominent community resident, Bashir Isah Mera (Yariman Mera), confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
Mera said the terrorist group stormed the town as people were preparing for Jumat prayer, stressing that the exchange of gunfire led to the death of the 15 residents.
He noted that the Lukarawas are hiding in Sokoto bush, where they coordinate their attacks.
According to Mera, the state Governor, Nasir Idris, had ordered the deployment of soldiers to the community to contain the situation.
He added that the commanding officer of Dukku barracks, the DSS boss, the Commissioner of Police, and combined security forces had been mobilized to restore normalcy to Mera town and its environs.
9. Ex-President, Obasanjo Speaks On Being Member Of A Political Party
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed concern over the numerous challenges currently facing Nigerians, while urging citizens to remain optimistic about the future.
Obasanjo made these remarks today in Abuja during a thanksgiving service held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, in celebration of the 80th birthday of veteran journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.
During his speech, Obasanjo, who clarified that he no longer aligns with any political party, praised Ugochukwu for his loyalty and support during the 1999 presidential campaign, even though Chief Alex Ekwueme was also in the race for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination.
The former president’s call for hope comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic, social, and political difficulties.
10. Obidient Movement, LP Optimistic About Peter Obi’s Victory In 2027
Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, has expressed strong confidence that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, will secure victory in the 2027 presidential race.
Yunusa attributed this optimism to Obi’s impressive track record and public support.
Speaking in Onitsha, Anambra State, during a good governance symposium organized by the Obidient Movement for the Southeast geopolitical zone, Yunusa stated, “History will not repeat itself. In 2023, Obi’s victory was denied through electoral malpractice, but this time, we are determined to ensure fair play.”
He added that the movement is committed to pushing for electoral reforms, deploying adequate agents at polling units, and advocating for the appointment of an INEC chairman by the public rather than the president.
Yunusa also pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has failed to meet the expectations of various regions, including the North, East, and West, thereby bolstering Obi’s chances in 2027.
Prof. Pat Utomi, who delivered the keynote address at the symposium, emphasized the need for collective action through movements like the Obidient Movement to bring about meaningful change in Nigeria.
