PDP Power Tussle, Supreme Court’s Fubara Verdict, and JAMB’s U-Turn on Age Limit – Top 10 Nigerian Headlines Today
Good morning! Here’s a roundup of today’s top stories from Nigerian newspapers to keep you informed:
PDP Governors Pressure Damagum to Swear in Ude-Okoye as National Secretary
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, is facing mounting pressure from governors elected on the party’s platform to swear in Sunday Ude-Okoye as the National Secretary. The move comes as a majority of the National Working Committee (NWC) members push for the replacement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who has been embroiled in controversy. The development underscores the ongoing internal struggles within the PDP as it seeks to stabilize its leadership ahead of future elections.
Supreme Court Dismisses Fubara’s Appeal on Budget Representation
The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by Rivers State Governor Siminalaye Fubara challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that directed him to represent the 2024 budget before the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly. A five-member panel of the apex court threw out the appeal (marked SC/CV/1171/2024) after Fubara’s counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), sought to withdraw it. The ruling reinforces the authority of the state legislature in budgetary matters.
JAMB to Allow Exceptionally Gifted Children Under 16 to Sit for UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that exceptionally gifted children below the age of 16 will be allowed to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede stated that the board would identify such students and grant them the opportunity to sit for the university entrance exam. This move aims to nurture young talents and provide them with early access to higher education.
Edo Election Petition Tribunal: Okpebholo Closes Case with One Witness
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has closed his case before the Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja after calling only one witness. This comes after Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, closed his case last week with 19 witnesses. The tribunal’s proceedings are being closely watched as they could determine the legitimacy of the election outcome.
INEC Tells Dismissed Adamawa REC to Prove Innocence in Court
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Hudu Yunusa Ari, the dismissed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Adamawa State, to prove his innocence in court. Ari is facing trial for allegedly disrupting the electoral process during the 2023 governorship election in the state. INEC’s statement reaffirms its commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
NLC Criticizes Governors for Abandoning States
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized state governors for abandoning their states and relocating to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking at a town hall meeting with workers in Lokoja, Kogi State, lamented that this trend has left citizens to face hardship without effective governance. The NLC called for greater accountability and presence of governors in their respective states.
IGP Bans Operatives from Carrying Assault Rifles in Civilian Attire
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has issued a directive prohibiting police operatives from carrying assault rifles while dressed in civilian attire. The IGP also issued a stern warning against human rights violations, emphasizing the Force’s duty to protect citizens’ rights. This move is part of ongoing efforts to reform the police and improve public trust.
UNAIDS Warns of HIV Surge if US Halts Funding
Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has warned that global HIV infections could rise more than sixfold by 2029 if the US government stops funding the world’s largest AIDS program. Speaking from Uganda, Byanyima noted that new HIV infections have declined significantly, with 1.3 million cases recorded in 2023, a 60% drop since 1995. She urged continued international support to sustain progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Lagos E-Hailing Driver Stabbed to Death
The Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has mourned the death of Yusfat Ayinde, a 42-year-old e-hailing driver who was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants on Friday. Union Chairman Jaiyesinmi Azeez confirmed the incident, stating that Ayinde was on duty when he was attacked. The union has called for improved security measures to protect drivers.
NDLEA Declares Four Wanted in Connection with Drug Syndicate
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four individuals wanted for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking syndicate linked to Lagos drug kingpin Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu, also known as Barryshine. Barryshine was arrested on August 26, 2024, after being on the NDLEA’s radar for two years. The agency has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking networks across the country.
These stories highlight the dynamic political, social, and economic landscape of Nigeria. From internal party politics and judicial rulings to public health warnings and security concerns, these developments underscore the challenges and opportunities facing the nation. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories unfold.
Have a great Tuesday!