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Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 20th October, 2024.
1. ‘The Father Of National Infrastructure’ – Tinubu Pays Tribute To Gowon At 90
President Bola Tinubu has penned a heartfelt tribute to former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), as the elder statesman marks his 90th birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu celebrated Gowon’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria, describing him as a “gentleman extraordinaire” and one of the nation’s longest-serving leaders.
Reflecting on Gowon’s legacy, Tinubu highlighted the former leader’s role in shaping Nigeria’s history.
One of Gowon’s most enduring contributions, according to Tinubu, was his handling of the aftermath of Nigeria’s civil war.
Tinubu also noted how, even in his retirement, General Gowon continues to be a source of wisdom and counsel.
2. 2027 Presidency: I’m Old Enough To Speak For Myself, Nobody Can Push My Agenda – Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has firmly stated that he is mature and capable of making his own political decisions without external influence.
This remark comes in response to recent rumours suggesting that he might challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Makinde dismissed these speculations as unfounded and unnecessary, insisting that his political future will be a matter he addresses directly when the time is right.
Speaking at an event held at Fashola Farm in Oyo, he emphasized his independence and ability to advocate for his own political agenda.
“We didn’t do this (Host PDP reporters’ retreat) because somebody has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But all I can say to you is, I’m old enough if I want to do something, I will come out and say, this is what I want to do.
“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes,” Makinde said, countering the swirling speculations about his ambitions.
The governor recalled his political journey, marked by challenges and eventual success, emphasizing that his election as governor of Oyo State was solely the will of the people.
He noted that, despite facing setbacks, including two unsuccessful Senate bids, the people of Oyo State chose him without the backing of any political godfathers or major sponsors.
3. Nigeria Has Become Burial Ground For Policies – Obasanjo
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has lamented that the country has become a “burial ground for policies,” leading to more setbacks than progress.
Speaking on Saturday, Obasanjo criticized the nation’s inability to implement policies effectively, stating that while Nigeria has no shortage of ideas for advancement, the lack of execution has been a significant problem.
According to Obasanjo, policies alone are not enough to drive the country forward. He emphasized that meaningful progress is only achieved through decisive actions, not by making promises or announcements.
The former president stressed the importance of focusing on what can realistically be achieved rather than trying to accomplish everything at once, advising against the “jack of all trades, master of none” approach.
Obasanjo said: “It is not enough for leaders to have policies or make statements. We are not short of policies in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Nigeria has become a burial ground of policies that are either unimplemented or unexecuted.
“Those who make progress achieved progress, not on the basis of wishing to make progress, but on taking actions. They do not take two steps forward and three steps backwards.
“Regrettably this is what we are doing in every aspect of our national life. And as long as we are doing things this way, progress will elude us. Let us carry the ones we can carry; we cannot be the jack of all trades and master of none.”
4. Wike Labels Atiku A “Serial Loser”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded sharply to former Vice, President Atiku Abubakar, branding him a “serial loser” following Atiku’s criticism of the recent local government elections in Rivers State.
Wike’s comments come in the wake of the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning 22 out of the 23 local government chairmanship positions in the elections, a result Atiku suggested reflected the people’s rejection of Wike’s leadership.
However, in a counter-attack during a luncheon held in honour of the 10th Legislative Assembly of Rivers State on Saturday, Wike highlighted Atiku’s own electoral failures.
Wike said having contested the presidential election in 2019 and 2023 as the PDP candidate and lost, Atiku has been rejected by Nigerians.
5. Northern Governor, Retired General Lead Moves To Draft Goodluck Jonathan Into 2027 Presidential Race
Powerful political figures from northern Nigeria have begun efforts to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race.
Their calculations hinge on the fact that Jonathan, having served as president from 2011 to 2015, is eligible for only one more four-year term.
This campaign is reportedly spearheaded by a governor from the North East and a retired general from the North West.
According to sources, the northern power brokers considered their options and concluded that Jonathan’s potential candidacy aligns with their collective interests.
They are basing their strategy on the 1999 Constitution, which allows a maximum of two terms for any individual holding the office of president.
The group’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to derail President Bola Tinubu’s plans for re-election.
However, a rival group comprising other northern politicians and influential figures is pushing for a different southern candidate, as both factions oppose Tinubu’s continued leadership.
The promoters of the Jonathan-for-2027 campaign have reportedly started engaging with key stakeholders, aiming to build support for the former Bayelsa governor, who has recently focused on international diplomacy and promoting democratic norms.
6. Trade By Barter? Gov Eno, Akpabio Resolve Akwa Ibom Political Crisis
The political confusion surrounding the Essien Udim Local Government election in Akwa Ibom State, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio hails from, has been resolved following the reversal of conflicting election results by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).
This move has further cemented what many have described as a strong alliance between Governor Umo Eno and the Senate President. Some observers have labelled the relationship a “trade by barter.”
The relationship between Governor Eno and Akpabio came as a surprise to many, given the tense history between Akpabio and Eno’s predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.
The local government election in Essien Udim, held on October 5, 2024, was seen as a critical test of this alliance.
However, the reversal of the election results, announced at the AKISIEC headquarters in Uyo, appears to have prevented any potential fallout.
The political atmosphere in Essien Udim had been fraught with tension, particularly within the ranks of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
A meeting held on October 9, 2024, between Governor Eno and stakeholders from the local government, including the affected candidates, helped to ease the brewing discontent.
During the meeting, Governor Eno reportedly placated the PDP candidates whose victories were overturned in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, seen by some as a personal deal with Akpabio, helped de-escalate the situation and restore calm in the area.
7. Jigawa Governor Suspends Commissioner Arrested By Hisbah For Adultery
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has suspended the Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwalu Sankara.
Naija News reports that the suspension is to allow an investigation into allegations made by the Kano State Hisbah.
This was made known in a statement on Saturday signed by Malam Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State.
The state government said that the suspension was to allow for a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the state administration.
Recall that the Kano State Hisbah Board arrested Sankara in an uncompleted building with a married woman.
Hisbah, known as the Sharia police, made the announcement following intelligence tracking and a series of complaints received about Sankara’s alleged misconduct.
Abba Sufi, the Director General of the Hisbah Board, confirmed the arrest, stating, “Yes, it is true we have arrested Auwal Danladi Sankara with a married woman in an uncompleted building. Unknown to him, we were tracking him based on reports we received against him.”
8. DSS Arrest Journalist Who Falsely Reported Impeachment Moves Against Akpabio
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested journalist Edna Ulaeto of OrderPaper during a raid on her home on Friday.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement by OrderPaper management detailing the incident.
The news organisation stated that a group of armed men, identifying themselves as DSS officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser, stormed Ms. Ulaeto’s residence early that morning.
According to the statement, the operatives allegedly mistreated Ms Ulaeto while she was still in her nightwear and took her to an undisclosed location.
9. Afenifere Warns Tinubu Govt Against Following World Bank’s 15-Year Plan
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, on Saturday, urged President Bola Tinubu‘s administration to be cautious about recent recommendations from the World Bank, particularly regarding the reduction of government support for social services in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that the caution follows a statement made earlier this week by the World Bank Group’s Senior Vice President, Indermit Gill, during the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) held in Abuja.
Gill suggested that the government withdraw its support for certain social and economic programs and continue the floating of the Naira, predicting that the benefits of such efforts would only become evident over the next 10 to 15 years.
Responding to these comments, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, issued a statement advising the Federal Government to approach such advice with scepticism.
Ajayi pointed out that while the benefits of the World Bank’s proposals may not be realized until the distant future, the current government would be remembered mainly for the sacrifices imposed on the people during this period, while any future successes would be credited to subsequent administrations.
He urged the government to prioritize policies that encourage local businesses and initiatives, reducing the country’s reliance on imported goods rather than adhering to the World Bank’s recommendations.
10. Kaduna LG Poll: APC Sweeps All 23 Chairmanship, 255 Councillorship Seats
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has achieved a sweeping victory in the local government elections held on Saturday, securing all 23 chairmanship and 255 councilorship seats, as announced by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM).
During a press conference to declare the results, the chairperson of KAD-SIECOM, Hajara Mohammed, confirmed that the elections featured participation from eight political parties, with the APC emerging victorious in key local government areas, including Birnin-Gwari, Chikun, Igabi, and Kaduna North and South, among others.
Other local governments where the APC claimed victory include Kagarko, Kajuru, Kaura, Kubau, Lere, Makarfi, Sabon Gari, Sanga, Soba, Zango-Kataf, and Zaria.
Governor Uba Sani, who cast his vote at the LEA Kawo polling unit O47 in Kaduna North, expressed satisfaction with the overall conduct of the elections.
He described the process as generally free, fair, and peaceful, noting that only minor issues were reported in three polling units.
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