Good morning! Here is a roundup of today’s top stories from Nigerian newspapers:
1. Pastor and Three Others Arrested with Human Skull
A pastor from Christ Liberty Evangelism Church, Rosco, Iyana Iyesi, Ota, Oyenekan Oluwaseyi, and three other individuals have been apprehended with a human skull in the Saje Area of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. The arrests were made by officers of the state police command in the early hours of Saturday. The other individuals arrested include Ibrahim Agbowewe, Suleiman Ogunbunmi, and Gafari Akinsanya.
2. Three New Ministers to be Sworn in by President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu is expected to swear in three additional ministers into his 48-person cabinet today (Monday). The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Council Chamber of the State House prior to the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting.
3. IMF Gives Nod to Naira Loan Application
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that the naira is currently facing pressure and Nigeria has the option to seek a loan from the IMF to stabilize the currency. The IMF, based in Washington, also acknowledged that recent exchange reforms and other measures taken by Nigerian authorities were appropriate.
4. Nigerian Air Force Eliminates Terrorists in Borno State
Air personnel from the Nigerian Air Force conducted an air interdiction operation at Bukar Meram in Borno State, leading to the elimination of several terrorists. Additionally, over 40 motorcycles and six gun trucks belonging to the terrorists were destroyed during the air raids. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, spokesperson for the Air Force, issued a statement on Sunday confirming the successful operations.
5. APC Governorship Candidate Pledges Agricultural Free Trade Zone
Ahmed Ododo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, has promised to establish an agricultural free trade zone in Okunland if elected in the November 11 election. This initiative aims to boost agro-based processing for export and facilitate the rapid development of social infrastructure in the area.
6. Atiku Abubakar Addresses Allegations of Name Change
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, has responded to allegations of forgery made by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Abubakar stated that there is clear documentation supporting his name change from Siddiq to Atiku Abubakar.
7. House of Representatives to Distribute Official Vehicles
Amidst the removal of fuel subsidy and the resulting economic challenges faced by Nigerians, the House of Representatives has announced plans to distribute official vehicles to members of the 10th National Assembly. Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, stated that the procurement and distribution process for these vehicles is currently underway.
8. Vice President Shettima to Attend Belt and Road Initiative Forum
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the third Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in Beijing, China. The forum, scheduled from October 16 to 18, aims to strengthen international cooperation and promote sustainable development.
9. PDP Calls for INEC to Redeem Its Image
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states as an opportunity to restore its reputation. The party also requested the replacement of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Imo State, Prof. Sylvia Agu, to prevent a recurrence of the electoral chaos witnessed during the last governorship election in Adamawa State.
10. Arrest of Wanted Criminals and Seizure of Illicit Drugs
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended two wanted heads of transnational criminal organizations, Okafor Williams and Hakeem Salami. After weeks of intelligence-led operations across Nigeria and other countries, the NDLEA seized illicit drugs and assets worth billions of naira from the criminals.
