Updates from Nigerian Newspapers of Sunday 1st October 2023

1. Federal Government Engages World Bank for $1.5 Billion Loan:

• Reports on Saturday revealed that the Federal Government is currently in discussions with the World Bank regarding a new $1.5 billion loan. The loan, titled ‘Nigeria Human Capital for Opportunities and Empowerment’ (HOPE), is based on information sourced from the Washington-based institution’s website.

2. Victim of ‘One-Chance’ Robbery Dies in Abuja:

• New evidence has emerged regarding the death of Greatness Olorunfemi, a victim of ‘one-chance’ robbers in Abuja. It was reported on Saturday that Olorunfemi was confirmed dead upon arrival at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja. Notably, there was no request for a police report, as observed in a viral video.

3. Bandits Attack Kaduna Community, Abduct 19:

• Suspected bandits invaded the Angwanwaku community in Kufana Chiefdom, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the killing of one villager and the abduction of at least 19 others, including women. The incident occurred around 12:00 am on Saturday, according to Tanimu Makaddas, the Chiefdom’s Secretary.

4. Kwara Tribunal Declares Election Inconclusive, Orders Rerun:

• The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Saturday, declared the election of Miss Rukayat Shittu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) inconclusive. The tribunal ordered a rerun in specific polling units. Shittu, a 26-year-old legislator, represents Owode-Onire constituency in Asa Local Government in the State House of Assembly.

5. Former Kaduna Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero Resigns from PDP:

• Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday. Yero’s resignation letter, dated September 30, 2023, was addressed to the chairman of the PDP in Kaura ward, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

6. Kidnappers Demand N50 Million Ransom for Ondo Worshippers:

• Kidnappers who abducted worshippers in Ondo State have demanded a ransom of N50 million for their release. Benjamin Akanmu, the Regional Superintendent of the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C), Odubanjo Headquarters in Akure, disclosed this on Saturday night.

7. Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Dismissed:

• The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed against the victory of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sa’idu Umar, in the March 18 election. The panel, led by Justice Huruna Mshelia, stated that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

8. President Tinubu Assures Relief Measures Amidst Fuel Subsidy Removal:

• President Bola Tinubu reassured Nigerians on Saturday that his administration is intensifying efforts to implement measures aimed at alleviating the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification. He made this announcement while speaking at the passing-out parade of Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service, at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

9. Senate Seeks to Bar CBN Governors from Partisan Politics:

• The Senate has initiated measures to prevent sitting Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from engaging in partisan politics or contesting elections while in office. The move comes in response to the previous attempt by Godwin Emefiele, the immediate past CBN Governor, to contest the 2023 presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still holding his position.

10. Abia Homeland Security SSA Denies Resignation: – Chukwunenye Nwaogu Alajemba, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Homeland Security, refuted media reports alleging his resignation due to the alleged “autocratic and undemocratic” style of Governor Otti’s administration.