Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 13th October, 2024
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Good Morning, Nigeria! Welcome to today’s roundup of top newspaper headlines for Sunday, 13th October 2024.
1. Peter Obi Condemns Sudden Fuel Price Hike, Urges Tinubu to Reverse Decision
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has criticized the recent hike in fuel prices, describing it as unfortunate and insensitive.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced a 14.8% increase, raising the price of petrol to ₦1,030 per litre from ₦897. This comes just weeks after the previous increase in September when prices jumped from ₦615 to ₦897 per litre.
Obi called on President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum, to provide explanations, offer alternatives, and reverse the increase.
2. House of Representatives Proposes Bola Tinubu University for Nigerian Languages
The House of Representatives has moved to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, focusing on the preservation of Nigerian languages and cultures.
The bill, spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, passed its first reading on Thursday.
The university aims to promote education in local languages while ensuring inclusiveness, irrespective of race or political belief. Graduates will be equipped to use Nigerian languages for research and social development, contributing to national unity and economic growth.
3. Tinubu Travels from London to France Amid Public Criticism
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come under fire for his extended absence from Nigeria amid economic challenges. After spending nine days in London, the President has now traveled to France for unspecified engagements.
Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed Tinubu’s move to France.
However, the President’s continued travels have sparked public concern over the timing and priority of his foreign engagements.
4. Court of Appeal Upholds Alhassan Doguwa’s Acquittal in Homicide Case
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the acquittal of Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a member of the House of Representatives, on charges of culpable homicide. A three-member panel led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko dismissed the Kano State Government’s appeal, citing lack of merit.
The Federal High Court had earlier ruled that the charges against Doguwa violated his fundamental rights, awarding him ₦25 million in damages.
Doguwa expressed gratitude for the ruling, reaffirming his confidence in the judiciary.
5. Federal Government Approves Gas Supply for $3.3 Billion Methanol Plant
The Federal Government has finalized a gas sales agreement to supply gas to the Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company Ltd. This project, valued at $3.3 billion, involves collaboration with major energy partners, including Shell, TotalEnergies, and Agip.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized the importance of the agreement in accelerating industrialization and economic growth by utilizing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources.
6. Governor Fintiri Opposes Scrapping of EFCC, Calls for Strengthening
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has opposed the call to abolish the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He argued that the anti-graft agency needs to be strengthened rather than scrapped, to ensure operational efficiency and reduce political interference.
Fintiri also criticized the Federal Government’s practice of confiscating state funds recovered through EFCC investigations, labeling it as inappropriate.
7. Governor Bala Mohammed Denies Division Within PDP Amid Internal Crisis
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has denied claims of internal division within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His remarks came after a series of suspensions within the party’s leadership.
Following a court order, Umar Damagum will continue to act as the party’s national chairman until the next convention in December 2025. Governor Mohammed reaffirmed that the party remains united and committed to resolving internal issues constructively.
8. Omoyele Sowore Sues GT Bank Over Frozen Accounts
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has filed a lawsuit against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), seeking ₦100 million in damages for freezing his accounts since 2019.
Sowore claims the bank’s actions violated his right to property and disrupted his business activities. The lawsuit, filed by his lawyer Inibehe Effiong, accuses GTB of restricting the accounts without prior notice or valid justification.
9. President Tinubu Vows to Address Security Issues in Sokoto State
The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to end banditry and other criminal activities plaguing the state.
Tinubu has instructed the Minister of Defence and military leaders to relocate to Sokoto to intensify efforts in combating insecurity in the North-West region.
10. EFCC Declares Oil Mogul Henry Akinduro Wanted for Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Bolaji Henry Akinduro, an oil mogul and executive chairman of Total Grace Oil and Gas Investment Limited, wanted for fraud.
According to the EFCC, Akinduro allegedly obtained money under false pretenses and committed theft by conversion.
Members of the public with information on his whereabouts are urged to contact the EFCC through its regional offices or the nearest police station.
That’s all for today! Stay informed and have a great Sunday.
