Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 25th August 2024.
1. Defection? Why Gov Ododo Was Seen Among PDP Governors
The Kogi State government explained why the State Governor, Usman Ododo, had to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum in their meeting in Taraba State.
Nigerians took to social media to react to the picture of Governor Ododo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member whose election victory was just affirmed at the Supreme Court, amid PDP governors wearing the same cloth.
Most Nigerians in the comment section of Governor Agbu Kefas’s X handle, who posted the picture, assumed that the Kogi State governor may be on his way to the PDP.
Among the PDP governors spotted with Ododo were Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
The picture generated more controversies because the PDP governors were in Jalingo to discuss the crisis affecting their party. After the meeting, the governors discredited President Bola Tinubu’s policies in a communique.
However, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, has clarified that Ododo did not join the PDP governors in their meeting. He also refuted rumours of defection.
He explained that Governor Ododo was in Jalingo to attend the wedding ceremony of Governor Kefas’ daughter.
2. ‘Why North Doesn’t Want Tinubu Re-Elected In 2027’
Several northern political figures and groups have expressed deep dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of neglecting northern interests and mistreating the politicians whose support helped him rise to power.
These grievances range from concerns about governance and security to the perception that Tinubu has favoured the Yoruba ethnic group in major government appointments at the expense of northern representation.
Prominent northern leaders have pointed to the concentration of key positions, such as the Petroleum Minister, Finance Minister, Chief Justice of Nigeria, and others, in the hands of the Yoruba ethnic group.
They argue that since Nigeria’s independence, no ethnic group has held such a large number of influential roles simultaneously.
This perceived marginalization has fueled growing resentment within the northern political establishment.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), a significant socio-political group in the region, has voiced regret over supporting Tinubu in the 2023 elections.
According to Vanguard, Professor Usman Yusuf, a member of the NEF, reportedly lamented that Tinubu’s administration has led to “deception, destitution, and hopelessness” for many in the North.
3. Dino Melaye Reveals Names Of Political Stakeholders That Have Destroyed PDP
Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has disclosed that three political stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have irredeemably destroyed the party.
Speaking via his X account, Melaye accused PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagum; the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; and Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, of destroying the former ruling party.
He also hinted at the commercialisation and privatisation of the party.
According to Melaye: “End of the road for PDP as Damagum, Bature and Anyanwu irredeemably destroyed the party. We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.”
Naturenex reports that there have been indications that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) might sanction Damagum and the National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu for an alleged letter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt.
The letter was seen as an anti-party activity, and some party leaders, including members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pushed for action against Damagum and Anyanwu.
However, Damagum warned that nobody could intimidate him into resigning from his position.
He said those calling for his resignation are only enhancing his popularity.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, the acting chairman berated those spreading misinformation about NWC operations.
4. Adamawa Gov Begins Payment Of ₦70,000 Minimum Wage
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s led government of Adamawa State has initiated the disbursement of the ₦70,000 minimum wage recently approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Recall that President Tinubu recently signed the new Minimum Wage bill into law following the approval of the Senate.
This development comes after extensive discussions with organized labour.
Despite some governors expressing their inability to meet the ₦70,000 minimum wage due to economic constraints, Governor Fintiri has taken the lead by commencing payments for state employees starting in August 2024, with a commitment that local government workers will receive the increased salary by September.
Naturenex understands that this decision has led to widespread joy among civil servants in the state.
Various sources, including state employees who have already received their salaries, confirmed this positive change to Daily Trust on Saturday.
Many workers have expressed gratitude to the governor for honouring his commitment, referring to him as a “man of his word.”
The rollout of the new minimum wage is being celebrated as a notable accomplishment for the Fintiri administration, which has earned the moniker “Fresh Air Government” from its supporters.
5. There Is No Substantial Evidence Of Anti-party Activity Against Wike – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said there was currently no substantial proof of anti-party activity against the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to warrant discipline.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said Wike has consistently reaffirmed his membership and reiterated his loyalty to the party.
Abdullahi stated this in an interview on Arise TV.
He added that the PDP would allow him to continue his membership until substantial proof exists.
He said, “Well, discipline is a crucial factor in political party management, but it’s a relative term depending on how you choose to look at it. The last time we checked, Nyesom Wike is saying that he is a bona fide member of the PDP.
“He is still, you know, reiterating his commitment, his loyalty to the party. And to that extent, we are bound by allowing him to continue to do this until we are able to prove substantially that he is not a member of the party or as presently constituted.”
Abdullahi, however, said the Disciplinary Committee, headed by Chief Tom Ikimi, would invite the former Rivers State governor for questioning.
He assured that the committee would be transparent and fair in its decision. He emphasized that the decision of the committee would bind the National Working Committee (NWC).
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary added that there would be no sacred cow. He maintained that NWC would sanction all party members indicted by the committee.
6. ‘Why Goodluck Jonathan Can Not Contest In 2027 Presidential Election’
In recent days, former President, Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly been under pressure from certain Northern political elites to consider running for the presidency in the 2027 elections.
These individuals are said to be dissatisfied with the policies of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, which they believe have contributed to the economic hardships currently being experienced across the country.
However, despite this mounting pressure, Jonathan is constitutionally barred from running for the presidency again due to an amendment to the Nigerian Constitution enacted in 2018.
This amendment, signed into law by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, restricts any individual who has served as Vice President or Deputy Governor and has succeeded their principal to only one further term in that same office.
The specific constitutional provision, known as Constitution Amendment Act Number 16, states that no person who has taken the oath of office as President or Governor more than once is eligible to contest for that office again.
Jonathan, who completed the term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently won the 2011 presidential election, also ran in 2015 but was defeated by Buhari.
Given the provisions of this law, Jonathan is not eligible to contest the presidential election in 2027, despite the pressure from Northern political figures seeking an alternative to the current administration’s policies.
7. Nigerian Football Club, Heartland Involved In Ghastly Bus Accident, Lose Coach Christian Obi
Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Heartland were involved in a ghastly bus accident which claimed the life of their head coach and former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Christian Obi.
The accident happened in Umunna, near Okigwe in Imo State, while Heartland players and coaching crew were en route to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT preseason tournament.
Some players and officials sustained injuries and were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, coach Christian Obi was confirmed dead at the hospital.
The initial statement released by the Imo State-owned club on Friday, August 23, claimed that no life was lost in the accident, but it was later confirmed that the 57-year-old retired goalkeeper had passed away following the crash.
8. ‘Imprudent Talk’ – Atiku Fires Back At Bode George Over Comment On His Presidential Bid
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for asserting that he (Atiku) would have collapsed had he been elected president in 2023.
In a statement released via social media on Saturday, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, characterized George’s remarks as an ‘unwise’ discourse and underscored the advantages that would have been realized under Atiku’s leadership.
In contrast to the current administration’s prejudice and favouritism, Ibe contended that Atiku’s governance would have fostered prosperity, promoted appointments based on merit, and protected Nigeria’s interests.
Furthermore, Ibe lampooned Bode George for his lack of public critique regarding the current administration’s performance, suggesting that his silence may be attributed to Atiku’s non-Southern heritage.
9. Samson Siasia Says He Is Open To Super Eagles Coaching Job
Former Super Eagles of Nigeria tactician Samson Siasia has expressed his interest in returning to the national team days after regaining his right to work in the football sector.
Samson Siasia, who was banned from football for five years due to match-fixing, is now eligible to resume his coaching career, and he has his eyes on the vacant Super Eagles job.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not yet appointed a new head coach for the Super Eagles following the exit of coach Finidi George, who is now in charge of Rivers United.
In a recent interview on Kennis 104.1FM’s Sports Salsa, Samson Siasia hinted that he is open to managing the Nigerian national team again.
10. NIA DG Tenders Resignation Letter To Tinubu
The Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, on Saturday tendered his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu.
Naturenex gathered that Abubakar tendered his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He was appointed as the substantive Director General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.
Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, a retired career Foreign Service officer, had, before his appointment in 2018, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSAP) on Foreign Affairs/International Relations.
Abubakar had extensive experience working with the United Nations in peace support operations, mediation processes, preventive diplomacy, and good offices, as well as the promotion of good governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naturenex. See you again tomorrow.
