Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 1st October, 2024
1. President Tinubu Swears In Justice Kekere-Ekun As Substantive CJN
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, 30th September, swore in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Kekere-Ekun was sworn in as the 23rd CJN at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu assured the new CJN that there will be no interference in the decision-making and processes of the judiciary.
President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.
He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.
2. Oct 1st: Tinubu To Address Nigerians In Nationwide Broadcast
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 7 a.m.
Naturenex reports that this was made known in a statement on Monday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The broadcast is part of activities to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary of the nation.
Television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.
3. Nigeria On The Brink Of One-party Dictatorship, Opposition Parties Must Form Coalition – Atiku
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, declared that the country is currently on the brink of a one-party dictatorship.
He, therefore, called on leaders of the opposition parties in the country to come together and form a coalition to prevent this from happening.
Atiku made the observation and call in a statement on Monday on the occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary celebration.
According to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the founding fathers of the country made great sacrifices to keep the country as one and the current generation must strive to live in unity as envisioned by the esteemed founders.
Atiku emphasized that the anniversary milestone is not merely a commemoration but a tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve of Nigerians who steadfastly believe in the potential of their homeland.
While congratulating the country for maintaining its longest democratic dispensation since its creation, the former Vice President voiced the need to prevent the nation’s democracy from slipping into authoritarianism.
4. Protest: FCT Police Reveal ‘Plans’ For October 1
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has assured residents of the nation’s capital city, Abuja, of a hitch-free and secure October 1 independence day celebration.
The FCT Police Command gave the assurance in a statement on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
The Police disclosed that it has strategically deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout Abuja ahead of the country’s 64th Independence Day celebration.
Adeh assured that both operatives and equipment are in place to ensure FCT residents enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration.
The statement added that the deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, and visibility policing, among others.
The statement further added that traffic diversions will be implemented in areas expected to experience large crowds, including Central Area and Eagle Square.
The Police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or activities to the FCT Police emergency lines.
5. Tension As Shaibu Inspects Key Edo Projects Despite State Govt’s Objection
Edo State’s reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday, carried out inspections of ongoing projects in the state, including the multi-billion naira five-star Radisson Blu hotel, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), and the reconstruction of roads in Okada Avenue and parts of Central Road.
Despite warnings from the state government, Shaibu affirmed he would continue his duties as deputy governor.
The Edo State government, however, issued a statement cautioning Shaibu against actions that could disrupt governance. The government emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and maintaining order.
During a press briefing at the MOWAA site, Shaibu noted that the project was 80 percent complete according to the contractor but expressed reservations about its location.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media Projects to Governor Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, responded by emphasizing Shaibu’s rights as a private citizen to tour state projects but warned against any illegal actions.
6. Court Bars INEC From Issuing Voters’ Register For Rivers LG Poll
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday once again stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
In addition, the court prohibited the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from offering security for the poll.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling following a lawsuit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice Lifu ruled that the RSIEC acted prematurely in setting the October 5 election date, stating that it did so without adhering to the necessary legal requirements.
Specifically, the court found that the Rivers State electoral body had failed to comply with provisions of the local government election law, particularly the requirement to publish a 90-day notice prior to the election.
Additionally, Justice Lifu emphasized that the updating and revision of the voters’ register must be completed before a legally valid election date could be set.
As a result, the court ordered INEC not to provide the certified voters’ register to RSIEC until all legal stipulations were met.
7. ‘I Was Not Suspended’ — Prison Officer Speaks On Bobrisky’s Bribery Allegation
The Deputy Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and officer in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos, Michael Anugwa, has refuted claims of his suspension from the service.
Anugwa made this statement while addressing members of the House of Representatives joint committee on financial crimes and reformatory institutions, which is currently investigating allegations of bribery involving the anti-graft agency and the NCoS.
Anugwa’s comments come in response to a previous announcement by Ja’afaru Ahmed, the secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), who on Thursday stated that Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, another deputy controller of corrections at the MSCC, had been suspended.
Contradicting this claim, Anugwa asserted, “It was a social media report. I wasn’t served a letter,” thereby denying any formal notice of suspension.
8. What Tinubu Must Do For Nigeria To Get Permanent Seat At Security Council – Akande
Former aide to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, has advised President Bola Tinubu on some diplomatic steps necessary for Nigeria to get a permanent seat at the security council.
Akande said President Tinubu must appoint ambassadors to New York, Washington and London. He added that the President also needs to appoint ambassadors to some strategic countries in Africa.
The former aide to Osinbajo stated this on Monday while speaking in an interview with Channels TV.
Recall that Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, called for Nigeria to get a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
Naturenex reported that Shettima met with the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, on the sidelines 79th UNGA, seeking Finland’s support for Nigeria’s request to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
9. Bribe: Why We Dropped Money Laundering Charge Against Bobrisky – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied receiving a bribe to drop the money laundering charge against controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.
The EFCC, on Monday, explained that the allegations of money laundering were dropped based on Bobrisky’s confessional statement on naira abuse in court.
The representative of the anti-graf agency, Bilikisu Bala, who made the clarification during an appearance before the House of Representatives investigative committee probing the alleged case of ₦15 million bribery involving Bobrisky and the EFCC, added that it is well within the powers of the agency to amend charges.
Bala denied any insinuation that the EFCC or any of its operatives received a bribe to drop the charges against Bobrisky.
The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, however, said that at the next meeting, the person who did the audio recording on the alleged bribery should appear before the committee while the meeting was adjourned sine die.
10. ‘Do Not Lose Hope’ – NLC President, Joe Ajaero Tells Nigerians In Independence Day Message
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has sent a message of hope to Nigerians ahead of the country’s 64th Independence Day.
Naturenex reports that Nigeria is observing a public holiday on Tuesday, October 1, commemorating the country’s Independence from British rule.
In his message celebrating Nigeria’s 2024 independence, Ajaero urged Nigerians not to give up their hope for a better Nigeria.
However, the NLC president called upon citizens to hold their government accountable at all levels.
He praised Nigerian workers’ determination and sacrifices while addressing the ongoing issues of betrayal and corruption within the nation’s political framework.
He noted that for many years, Nigerians, especially those in the working class, have suffered from unfulfilled promises and exploitation.
Ajaero stressed that the marginalized citizens, who continue to endure the consequences of these broken commitments and corruption, should maintain their hope for a better future in their country.
Furthermore, the NLC President advocated for change, encouraging Nigerians to engage in lawful protests against injustices and the undermining of democratic values. He asserted that only through persistent advocacy can the political elite be motivated to prioritize the welfare of the nation.
