Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Tuesday morning
Nigerian Newspapers Summary – October 2, 2023
Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s Borrowing Practices
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu for his government’s continuous reliance on loans while pressing Nigerians for sacrifices. In response to plans for a new $1.5 billion loan from the World Bank, amid a public debt that has reached N166.79 trillion, Atiku emphasized that the President should first provide accountability for previous borrowings.
Obi Promises to Reinstate Fuel Subsidy
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to bring back the petroleum subsidy following efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Sokoto on Monday, Obi identified corruption as a significant challenge facing the nation and expressed his intent to address it effectively across various sectors if elected.
Severe Flooding in Makurdi
A prolonged downpour over nine hours on Monday caused significant flooding in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. The rainfall, which began overnight, submerged numerous homes and affected several residential areas, damaging household items and stranding commuters.
Naira Depreciation Continues
The naira weakened on Monday, trading at N1,382 per dollar in the parallel market, down from N1,378 the previous weekend. In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, the naira also fell to N1,331.5 per dollar.
Legal Challenge to Tinubu’s Candidacy Amended
Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress are seeking to amend their lawsuit that challenges President Tinubu’s eligibility for the 2027 presidential election. The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing on the application for October 13, 2026, with both the All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission named as defendants in the case.
Support for State Police Legislation Grows
The Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed its support for a bill aimed at establishing state police in Nigeria. Following a unanimous vote during a plenary session on Monday, the Assembly joins others in Osun and Edo states advocating for constitutional amendments to facilitate this initiative.
Fatal Attack at Mining Site
Three women were killed and one person injured during an armed attack at a mining site in the Rakum community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State on Monday. The assailants arrived at the site around 4:30 p.m., opened fire on the workers, and subsequently fled.
Drug Law Enforcement Operation Dismantles Cannabis Cultivation
A combined operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command and the Nigerian Army destroyed two cannabis plantations covering 0.544092 hectares, yielding approximately 1,360.23 kg. Additionally, 107 kg of processed cannabis, including seeds, was eradicated at Eko Camp, Illushi, in Edo State.
Mass Defections to APC in Kwara
In Kwara State, over 1,500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Alapa/Onire/Odegiwa Ward have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision was announced on Sunday during a ward meeting attended by prominent party figures.
Makinde Proposes Vision for Nigeria
Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement, has asserted that Nigeria can be revitalized within four years if he is elected president in 2027. During the APM North-Central Town Hall Meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, he outlined plans for a new security framework, educational reforms, and economic rebuilding utilizing data and scientific methods.
