Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 11th October, 2024

Good Morning, Nigeria! Welcome to today’s roundup of top newspaper headlines for Friday, 11th October, 2024.

1. My Husband Not Responsible for Hardship – Tinubu’s Wife

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has defended her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against accusations that he is to blame for Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

Speaking during an event at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady asked Nigerians to give the administration more time to implement its policies.

The hardship followed the removal of fuel subsidies, with petrol prices soaring from ₦198 to ₦1,030 per litre.

Senator Tinubu emphasized that her husband’s administration inherited the challenges and is committed to fostering economic recovery.

She was in Ife to inaugurate a 2.7-kilometer road and a hostel named after her, donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University (OAU) by the Ooni of Ife.

2. TUC Demands Immediate Reduction of Petrol Prices

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices to levels below those seen in June 2023.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, TUC President Festus Osifo called for intervention by offering foreign exchange to the Dangote Refinery at a subsidized rate of $1 to ₦1,000.

Osifo also urged the government to allow all marketers access to lift petrol directly from the Dangote Refinery to ensure availability and affordability for Nigerians.

3. NNPCL Has No Legal Power to Set Fuel Prices – Falana

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for unilaterally setting fuel prices, arguing that this action contravenes the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Falana noted that Section 205 of the PIA mandates that fuel prices be determined by market forces.

He criticized NNPCL for bypassing these market mechanisms, particularly in setting the prices of fuel refined by the Dangote Refinery.

4. Bandits Control Village Leadership in Sokoto – Local Government Chairman

The Chairman of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Alhaji Sharifu Kamarawa, has disclosed that bandits led by Kachalla Bello Turji have been appointing and deposing village heads in the region.

During a visit by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Kamarawa reported that, although bandit attacks have reduced since the death of kingpin Halilu Sububu, some areas are still under bandit control.

5. Minister Matawalle Warns Bandit Informants to Repent or Face Consequences

Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has issued a stern warning to individuals aiding bandits.

During an assessment visit to Gundumi and Sabon Birni in Sokoto State, he urged informants to repent, saying, “Repent or be sent back to your creator.”

6. Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Indifference to Economic Hardship

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to address the economic difficulties caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.

In a post on X, Atiku expressed frustration over the recent fuel price hike from ₦897 to ₦1,030 in Abuja, describing Tinubu’s silence as alarming.

He attributed the economic challenges to what he called the administration’s poor handling of subsidy management.

7. PDP BoT Urges Tinubu to Review Economic Policies

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Tinubu to review his economic policies, highlighting the need to stimulate food production and revive the manufacturing sector.

The BoT also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the Edo State governorship election to establish a one-party state.

8. Appeal Court Annuls Rivers State Budget Passed by Factional Assembly

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court ruling that annulled the ₦800 billion budget passed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie.

The court ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara violated Section 91 of the 1999 Constitution by presenting the budget to only four out of 31 Assembly members, describing the process as “executive dictatorship.”

9. Defence Headquarters Dismisses Dokubo’s Claims of Military Aircraft Intimidation

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims by former militant Asari Dokubo that he has the capacity to shoot down military aircraft.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, described Dokubo’s statements as “laughable” and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to professionalism in its operations.

10. Reuben Abati Criticizes Petroleum Minister Over Investment Claims

Journalist Reuben Abati has criticized Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, for announcing that Nigeria expects $50 billion in oil sector investments by December 2024.

During an Arise TV interview, Abati said Lokpobiri’s comments were out of touch with reality, advising him to refrain from making misleading statements.

That’s all for today! Stay informed and have a great Friday.