Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Tuesday, 21st July, 2020

Good morning, Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top Newspaper Headlines in Nigeria for today Tuesday, 21st July 2020

1. Akpabio Accuses NASS of Getting 60% of NDDC Contracts

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has accused members of the National Assembly of getting contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The minister made this known on Monday during the House of Representatives public hearing on alleged mismanagement in the NDDC.

Senator Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom State Governor, said 60% of NDDC contracts goes to lawmakers.

2. Lagos Govt Shuts Down Quilox

The Lagos State Government on Monday locked up popular Quilox pool and bar, Ajah and three other facilities.

Quilox was shut down for violating COVID-19 guidelines and contravening different sections of the State Environmental Law.

Naija News reports that the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) officials led by Special Assistant to the General Manager, Dr. Adebola Odunsi and the Director, Enforcement, Compliance, and Monitoring, Kayode Bello, visited the facilities on Monday.

3. “I Assure You Security Situation Is Under Control” – Buratai

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met with the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai at the Presidential Villa, Abuja over the increasing activities of bandits, insurgents, and kidnappers in parts of the country.

Buratai after the meeting with the President stated that he has done well in the area of security in the country.

4. Promoted Senior Police Officers Decorated With New Ranks

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu on Monday, decorated ten newly promoted senior police officers with their new ranks.

The new ranks for the affected officers include one Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), 4 Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs), 3 Commissioners of Police (CPs) and, 2 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs).

5. Former NDDC Boss Doesn’t Have NYSC Certificate – Akpabio

Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has claimed that the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Joy Nunieh, was not qualified.

He made the claim on Monday during the House of Representatives public hearing on alleged mismanagement in the NDDC.

6. Eid-El-Kabir: Islamic Supreme Council Issues Directive For Muslims On New Moon

Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on Nigerian Muslims to look out for the new crescent of Zul-Hijjah from Tuesday, the 21st of July, 2020.

In a statement issued by Usman Al-Nafaty on behalf of the National Council for Moon Sighting read: “Crescent sighting reminder for Zul-Hijjah 1441H.

“Coming Tuesday, tomorrow is 29th of DHUL-QA’DAH 1441H (21st July 2020) hence, the first day to look for Zul-Hijjah 1441H crescent.

7. Slumped NDDC’s MD, Pondei Will Not Appear Again Before Panel – Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday announced that the Acting Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Kemebradikumo Pondei, would not appear before the committee again.

This is coming after the acting NDDC boss slumped during the ongoing presentation before the committee set up to investigate the alleged misappropriating of funds in the commission.

The acting MD of the NDDC, Pondei, while speaking at the hearing slumped and was immediately rushed down to the hospital, bringing the hearing to a pause as the committee declared 30 minutes break to continue with the meeting.

8. Reps Committee Chairman Steps Aside From NDDC Probe

Hon. Bunmi Tuni-Ojo, Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta, has stepped aside from presiding over the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) investigative Committee.

Addressing his colleagues and guests on Monday, Tunji-Ojo said he was stepping aside from presiding over the hearing to allow fair hearing and to protect his integrity.

9. NDDC Probe: Why Akpabio, Others Should Be Prosecuted – Fayose

The former governor of Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria, Ayodele Fayose, has called for the prosecution of Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and others if they are found culpable in the ongoing probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Naija News reports that Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom state, appeared on Monday before the House of Representatives Committee probing alleged mismanagement of funds in the NDDC. During his appearance, the minister made several allegations, including that most of the contracts in the NDDC are awarded to federal lawmakers.

10. COVID-19: 2020 Ballon d’Or Cancelled

France Football on Monday announced that the Ballon d’Or will not be awarded this year due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This would mark the first time the award for the world’s best men’s footballer won’t be given since Englishman Stanley Matthews won the inaugural edition in 1956.

11. Isa Funtua Is Dead, President Buhari Reacts

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family of the late Isa Funtua as well as the people of Katsina State over the death of the politician.

The President who noted that he received the news of Funtua’s death with deep sadness, added that the demise of the influential statesman and media guru has created a huge gap.

12. BBNaija: Nengi Emerges First HoH For Big Brother Naija Season 5

Rebecca Nengi Hampson has emerged the new Head of House (HoH) for the 2020 Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show.

Wathoni was also selected as the Deputy Head of House.

Naija News reports that both Nengi and Wathoni now has access to the Head of House room.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.