Updates from Nigerian Newspapers of Saturday 28th October 2023

1. Federal Government Open to Collaboration with Presidential Election Contenders

Despite the Thursday judgment affirming President Bola Tinubu’s victory, the Federal Government has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the major contenders in the February 25 presidential election, namely Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. This statement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday.

1. Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Urge Restructuring and True Federalism

Leaders and elders representing the South-East, South-West, South-South, and Middle Belt regions, forming the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, have emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background and political affiliation. They further asserted that the federal government must instigate the restructuring of the country and reinstate true federalism, as originally enshrined in the 1960 and 1963 constitutions. This declaration followed their national meeting in Abuja.

1. Edo State Election Petition Tribunal Ousts PDP Candidate

On Friday, the Edo State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Benin removed Destiny Enabulele of the Peoples Democratic Party from office. The tribunal declared the APC candidate, Sunday Aghedo, as the rightful winner of the election, citing that the petitioners, Aghedo and his party, successfully substantiated their claims beyond a reasonable doubt.

1. NDLEA Seizes Over 6,668 Tonnes of Illicit Substances and Makes 36,096 Arrests

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that it seized a total of 6,668 tonnes of illicit substances over a span of two years. Additionally, the agency reported that it apprehended more than 36,096 suspects and prosecuted over 6,043 within the stipulated time frame. This information was conveyed in a statement issued on Friday by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.

1. NNPP Calls on President Tinubu to Focus on Economic Recovery

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called upon President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the economic recovery of the nation. The opposition party issued this message in congratulating Tinubu on his recent Supreme Court victory on Thursday. In a letter signed by the National Secretary of NNPP, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the party urged Tinubu to display magnanimity in victory by providing ample opportunities for opposition political parties to contribute to national development.

1. Federal Government Launches Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), introducing seven conversion centers across Nigeria. The official launch of this initiative was carried out on Friday at the State House in Abuja by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

1. Court of Appeal Rejects Motion to Stay Execution of Bayelsa Election Judgement

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has declined the motions filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Timipre Sylva seeking to postpone the execution of the judgment nullifying their candidature in the November 11 Bayelsa State governorship election. Sylva submitted the appeal and stay of execution following the Federal High Court in Abuja’s verdict that disqualified him from contesting as the APC candidate due to his prior service as governor.

1. Senate to Summon NNPC Limited Management over Funding for Frontier Acreages

The Senate has announced its intention to summon the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) concerning the lack of funds for exploring and developing new frontier acreages. Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, disclosed this on Friday after a closed-door session with Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

1. Chief Justice of Nigeria Assures Addressing Depletion of Supreme Court Bench

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has assured that the issue of the depletion of the Supreme Court bench will soon be resolved. He conveyed that efforts are underway to appoint new justices to the apex court. This statement was made during a valedictory court session in honor of retiring Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad held in Abuja.

1. Naira Witnesses Significant Gain at Parallel Market

The Nigerian naira experienced a notable improvement against the dollar on Friday, increasing by N175 to reach N1,140 at the parallel market. This positive movement in the exchange rate came as speculators actively offered their dollars to willing buyers, marking a significant change from the previous rate of N1,315 per dollar on Thursday.