Here’s a brief update of Latest Nigerian News from Nigerian Newspapers of Wednesday 18th October 2023.
- Organized Labor issued a two-week ultimatum to state governors on Tuesday, demanding the commencement of negotiations for the implementation of the N35,000 minimum wage for their respective states. This directive aligns with the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress.
- On Tuesday, the Senate received a letter from President Bola Tinubu, seeking confirmation for Ola Olukoyede and Muhammad Hammajoda as the substantive Chairman and Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, read the President’s letter during the plenary session.
- Apalokun village in Iwerele, Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, was gripped by fear on Tuesday as reports suggested multiple fatalities in a clash between Operation Burst, Oodua Peoples Congress, Amotekun, Soludero, and a group of Fulani herdsmen. The conflict arose when a group of Fulani herdsmen grazed their cattle on a local farm, leading to a tragic altercation resulting in the farm owner’s death.
- The Lagos State Police Command revealed on Tuesday that they had raided the workshop of a blacksmith where illegal firearms were being manufactured for criminals. Benjamin Hundeyin, the State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this while parading suspects at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
- The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, strongly criticized the allocation of N160 million official vehicles to each of the 360 members of the House of Representatives. He called upon his party’s lawmakers to reject this lavish gift, deeming it an act of extreme insensitivity. Abure conveyed his disapproval in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
- Former Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir Lawal, claimed on Tuesday that the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, emerged as the winner of the presidential election held on February 25, disputing Bola Tinubu’s victory. Lawal asserted that data from independent sources indicated Obi secured the majority of votes, with Atiku finishing as the runner-up.
- The Peoples Democratic Party asserted that the All Progressives Congress candidate and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, lacks the capacity to win a credible governorship election in the state. Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party’s National Publicity Secretary, made this assertion in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasizing that PDP’s candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, holds a more favorable position.
- A devastating airstrike, reportedly from Israel, struck Al-Ahi Baptist Hospital in Gaza on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic death of at least 500 people. Palestinian health officials reported that the hospital was crowded with wounded patients and individuals seeking refuge. Several hospitals in Gaza City had become shelters for hundreds of people, who hoped to escape bombardment.
- President Bola Tinubu appointed Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu as the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced this in a statement on Tuesday. The statement also disclosed the appointment of Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu as the new Secretary of the commission.
- President Bola Tinubu relieved Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan of his position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidential spokesman, made this announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday night. The statement further introduced Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, a former permanent secretary of Aso Villa, as the new CEO of the commission.
