Here’s a brief update of Latest Nigerian News from Nigerian Newspapers of Friday 3rd November 2023.
- The National Assembly granted its approval on Thursday to the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, amounting to N2.18 trillion, which was submitted for consideration by President Bola Tinubu. In a noteworthy decision, the Senate endorsed the N5 billion allocation for a presidential yacht in the budget. However, the House of Representatives opted to cancel this allocation and instead directed the funds toward student loans, thereby raising the budget for the program to N10 billion, up from the initial N5.5 billion.
- The naira experienced an upturn, reaching a rate of N1,120 against the US dollar, as a response to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s move to address its foreign exchange backlog on Thursday. This represents an increase of N50 or 4.27% compared to the N1,170 exchange rate it held the previous day.
- The leadership of the Labour Party in Imo State has accused Governor Hope Uzodimma of scheming to manipulate the forthcoming November 11 governorship election. During a press conference held on Thursday, the state chairman of the Labour Party, Calistus Ihejiagwa, condemned the arrest and assault of Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, in Owerri. He asserted that Uzodimma was cracking down on dissenting voices.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio oversaw the swearing-in of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the newly elected senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, during Thursday’s plenary session. The oath of office was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Chinedu Akubueze, at approximately 11:41 am.
- Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, accused the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, of meddling in the state’s politics on Thursday. He contended that Ajaero’s presence in Owerri, where he led a protest, was in defiance of a court order.
- On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the smooth conduct of off-season governorship elections in their respective states. Tinubu, who made this call while presenting the APC’s flags to the party’s candidates in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects for the November 11 elections.
- The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced on Thursday that the health condition of its President, Joe Ajaero, is critical, and he may need to be flown abroad for a comprehensive medical examination. This followed the severe beating and mistreatment he endured from alleged state agents, including the police, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Wednesday.
- An Abuja High Court issued an order directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unconditionally release the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele. The respondents in the lawsuit include the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chairman of EFCC, and EFCC.
- The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, issued a stern warning to criminals on Thursday, cautioning them to steer clear of the November 11 Imo governorship election, or face legal consequences. Egbetokun delivered this warning during a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, ahead of the state’s gubernatorial poll.
- Two individuals were tragically reported dead on Thursday, while six others were successfully rescued, as officers from the Plateau State Police Command engaged in a gun battle with suspected kidnappers. These criminals had previously targeted Gwalada village in the neighboring Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, abducting several residents.
