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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 8th November, 2024
1. Why National Grid Collapsed Again – TCN
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed why the national grid collapsed for the 11th time in 2024, just after the same collapse happened on Tuesday.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of TCN, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, said the collapse on Thursday was caused by a sudden rise in frequency.
In a statement, Mrs Mbah stated that the frequency spike was caused by issues encountered at one of TCN’s substations.
She disclosed that repair works have started to ensure restoration.
TCN, however, added that instability would persist until all major works are completed.
The spokesperson assured Nigerians of TCN’s commitment to improving the reliability of electricity supply.
2. ‘Shun Personal, Ethnic And Sectional Interests’ – Akume Tells New Ministers
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has advised the newly appointed ministers to shun personal, ethnic and sectional interests while carrying out their duties.
Naija News reports that Akume gave the charge on Thursday during the opening of a 2-day induction retreat organized by his office for the appointees in Abuja.
According to Akume, the ministers are expected to uphold national interest, stressing that President Bola Tinubu entrusted them with ensuring development, stability, and growth in their various sectors.
The SGF further tasked the ministers to work as a cohesive and dedicated team to achieve the administration’s goals to tackle poverty, enhance security, drive economic diversification, and improve critical infrastructure, among others.
3. LUKARAWAS: DHQ Confirms New Terrorists’ Group In The North, Reveals Origin
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas’, which is further escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region.
Naija News reports that Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a military briefing on Thursday in Abuja, where he provided an update on ongoing military operations.
According to Buba, the group originated from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria.
He noted that after the political upheaval in Niger, the group began infiltrating northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States, exploiting routes from Niger and Mali.
Buba highlighted that before the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces were effective in curbing terrorist activities.
He further explained that some local communities initially welcomed the group, mistaking their intentions, and failed to alert the military or security agencies about their presence.
4. Presidency Reacts As Malaysia Plans To Phase Out CNG Vehicles
The Malaysian government has disclosed its decision to phase out the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles and end the sale of natural gas vehicles (NGV) in the country.
According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), a local media organization, the Minister of Transport, Loke Siew Fook, stated this at a press conference recently.
Fook said CNG-powered vehicles can no longer be registered or be used in Malaysia from July 1, 2025.
He said there are also some car owners who have modified their vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, which are very dangerous.
The minister said the vehicles had caused explosions during accidents.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in his reaction to the report, said the Malaysian issue speaks more to the safety of LPG and not the safety of CNG.
5. FG To End Herdsmen Attacks With Grazing Reserves – Maiha
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said the federal government would maximize grazing reserves in order to end herdsmen-farmers clashes.
Idi Maiha said as a livestock farmer, he understood the challenges facing the sector and its opportunities. He noted that the ministry would create a conducive environment for private investors to invest in the sector.
The new Minister stated this in his maiden address to the staff in Abuja. He identified high cost of feed, disease outbreaks, herders-farmers clash and climate change as factors affecting the sector.
The Livestock Minister assured that the ministry would ensure that the challenges are addressed to maximize the opportunities in the sector.
6. DHQ Declares Nine Wanted For Terrorism
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Thursday declared nine people wanted over terrorism and violent extremism in the North East.
According to DHQ, individuals declared wanted are: Abu Khadijah, Abur Rahman, Dadi Gumba, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Usman Kanin Shehu, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, announced this during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.
He said the wanted persons are from the North East region.
7. Dark Petrol In Bottles, Jerrycans Not From Our Filling Station – NNPC
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said the video of dark petrol in bottles and jerrycans, reportedly bought at one of its filling stations in Keffi, Nasarawa State, was false.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, said its investigation showed that the petrol was not bought from any of its filling stations.
Soneye maintained that NNPCL does not sell adulterated products, as it adheres to rigorous standards and quality control measures at every stage of its operations.
8. National Assembly Gets New Clerk As Tambuwal Goes On Retirement Leave
The National Assembly Service Commission has announced the appointment of Kamoru Ogunlana as the new Clerk of the National Assembly.
Ogunlala takes over from the incumbent, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, who has proceeded on retirement leave.
This development was made known in a statement on Thursday released to newsmen by the Deputy Director of information, National Assembly Commission, Emmanuel Onyigor.
The appointment letter signed by the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Engr Ahmed Kadi, indicated that the tenure of the new Clerk begins on 2nd January, 2025.
Naija News earlier reported that at least thirty senior officials are set to retire alongside the Clerk to the National Assembly, Magaji Tambawal, following President Bola Tinubu‘s rejection of a bill that seeks their service extension.
9. Ondo Gubernatorial: Mahmood Yakubu Sends Stern Warning To INEC Staff
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu has warned staff of the electoral body that dereliction of duty will not be tolerated in the upcoming Ondo State Gubernatorials.
Yakubu gave the warning on Thursday at the stakeholders’ meeting on the Ondo State governorship election held at the International Culture Centre in Akure.
He urged political parties to continue to restrain their supporters from any disruptive behaviour.
The Chairman noted the INEC will further address the staff, including the Electoral Officers from the 18 Local Government Areas on Friday.
Yakubu also announced that candidates in the election are expected to sign the Peace Accord on Friday, 8th November 2024, at 10.00 am.
10. Tax Reforms: It Is Like The President Wants To Suffocate Us, We Won’t Accept – Gov Bala Mohammed
The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has voiced serious concerns regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, urging a thorough review to foster national unity rather than deepen divisions.
In a heartfelt appeal, Governor Mohammed called on President Tinubu to pause the progress of the contentious bills and initiate broad consultations to ensure equitable and balanced legislation before moving forward.
The reforms in question, particularly the shift towards a derivative-based model for distributing value-added tax (VAT), have triggered strong objections from northern governors and traditional leaders.
These stakeholders argue that such a model would disproportionately impact less industrialized regions, particularly in the northern part of the country, where economic structures are less diversified.
He emphasized that policies with far-reaching implications should be crafted with fairness, considering the socioeconomic realities of all regions.
Despite mounting pressure and objections from various quarters, President Tinubu has insisted on furthering the bills. The administration’s stance has sparked debates on fiscal policies and regional equity, with critics warning of potential socio-economic repercussions.
Governor Bala Mohammed stated during an interview with BBC Hausa Service.
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