Updates from Nigerian Newspapers of Wednesday 25th October 2023

1. Organized Labor Expresses Discontent Over Slow Implementation of Agreement with Federal Government

The organized labor unions have voiced their dissatisfaction with the sluggish progress in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding they entered into with the Federal Government to prevent their planned nationwide strike. State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have warned that unless the agreement is fully implemented before the October 30 deadline, they may have no choice but to initiate strike action.

1. PDP Governorship Campaign Council Advises APC Candidate to Withdraw from Bayelsa Race

The Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Campaign Council in Bayelsa State has issued a statement advising Chief Timipre Sylva, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 11 governorship election, to gracefully withdraw from the race, citing alleged unfavorable odds. This announcement was made through a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Duoye Diri on Tuesday.

1. Court-Martial Underway for 25 Soldiers and an Officer in Nigerian Army’s 82 Division

In the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, 25 soldiers and one officer are currently facing court-martial proceedings for various offenses. These military personnel are drawn from different formations within the division, which holds responsibility for the entire South-East states and Cross River. The court martial was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, in Enugu on Tuesday.

1. Senate Defends Purchase of 2023 Toyota Landcruisers for Members

The Senate has defended the purchase of 2023 model Toyota Landcruisers for its members at a contract price of approximately N160 million each. They justified this decision by pointing out that even Local Government Chairmen drive good cars. Additionally, bulletproof vehicles are being acquired for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Barau Jibrin.

1. Bandits Attack Mosque in Kaduna, Killing Imam and Two Others

In Allah Babba community, Sabon Layi Village of Kakangi Constituency in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, bandits launched an attack on a mosque. During the attack, they killed the Imam and two other individuals, and two more worshippers sustained injuries.

1. British High Commissioner Visits APC National Chairman in Abuja

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, paid a visit to the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday. During his visit, Montgomery congratulated Ganduje on his new role as the party’s leader.

1. Suspected Boko Haram Member Engages Security Forces in Gun Battle in Minna

Minna, the capital of Niger State, witnessed pandemonium when a suspected member of the Boko Haram sect engaged security operatives in a gun battle during the early hours of Tuesday. Security forces had launched an operation in the Gebganu Area of Minna, where the suspect’s house was located.

1. House of Representatives Summons CBN Governor Over Forex Ban Lifting

The House of Representatives summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, on Monday. He was summoned in relation to the lifting of the forex ban on 43 items. Governor Cardoso is expected to appear before the House committees on Regulatory Banking, Finance, and Customs.

1. President Bola Tinubu Optimistic About Nigerian Economy’s Recovery

On Tuesday, October 24, President Bola Tinubu expressed confidence that the Nigerian economy would soon recover despite the challenges faced by Nigerians. He made this statement while inaugurating the two-day Green Economy Summit, titled ‘Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity,’ organized by the Niger State Government.

1. President Bola Tinubu Directs Implementation of Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee Recommendations

President Bola Tinubu has given a directive to implement all the recommendations made by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee across various ministries, agencies, and departments of the federal government. This directive was issued on Tuesday, October 24, after receiving the report on the quick-win achievements of the committee from its chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, at the State House in Abuja.