Good morning! Here is a summary of the latest news from Nigerian newspapers:
1. Court of Appeal Nullifies Senator Elisha Abbo’s Election
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday nullified the election of Senator Elisha Abbo, who represents Adamawa North Senatorial District. The court declared Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the February 25 senatorial election.
2. President Tinubu Swears in Three Additional Ministers
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated three additional ministers into his 48-person cabinet. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Ayodele Olawande, and Balarabe Lawal took their oath of office at 12:15 pm in the Council Chamber of the State House before the Federal Executive Council meeting, presided over by President Tinubu.
3. FEC Proposes N26.01 Trillion for 2024 Budget
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has proposed a budget of N26.01 trillion for the year 2024. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, announced this after the FEC meeting. The projection is based on a crude oil price of $73.96 and an exchange rate of $700.
4. FCT Minister Addresses Nigeria’s Leadership Crisis
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that Nigeria’s major problem lies in the attitudes of those in positions of power and not the institutions. He made the statement while addressing Federal Capital Territory Administration workers who visited his office to express gratitude for the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission and other reforms.
5. Senator Elisha Abbo Alleges Political Targeting
Sacked Senator Elisha Abbo has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating the appeal court ruling that removed him from office. Abbo claims that four other senators who opposed Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President are being targeted for removal from the Red Chamber through the court.
6. NIPOST Workers Protest Appointment of CEO
Workers of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) staged a protest on Monday, shutting down the head office in Abuja. They are opposing the appointment of Tola Odeyemi as the Chief Executive Officer and Post Master General, arguing that her appointment goes against their wishes.
7. Former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah to Face Trial
A full-blown trial of former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is set to begin at a Federal High Court in Abuja. The federal government is charging Mrs Oduah and the Chinese construction giant with fraud, money laundering, and bribery amounting to N7.9 billion.
8. US President Biden to Visit Israel in Show of Solidarity
United States President Joe Biden will pay a solidarity visit to Israel on Wednesday following the recent Hamas attacks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Biden’s visit and stated that Israel has agreed to work on providing civilian aid to Gaza. Biden will also meet key regional leaders, including Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
9. Lagos Governor Warns Against Misuse of Blue Rail Line
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has issued a warning to residents against using the Blue Rail Line tracks as a marketplace. Governor Sanwo-Olu made this statement when announcing the resumption of the Blue Line Rail, which was temporarily suspended over the weekend.
10. Credit Officer Arrested for Absconding with Customers’ Contributions
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a credit officer of a microfinance bank, Esther Hamidu, for allegedly fleeing with customers’ contributions totaling N1.97 million. Hamidu absconded with the daily contributions of the bank’s customers, which occurred between March and December 2023.
