Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 17th February, 2021

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Wednesday, 17th February 2021

1. Buhari Dumps Magu, Names New EFCC Chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari has named 40-year-old Abdulrasheed Bawa as the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Naija News reports that Buhari has asked the Nigerian Senate to confirm Bawa’s nomination as the nation’s anti-graft boss.

This was made known in a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled “President Buhari requests Senate to confirm Abdulrasheed Bawa as EFCC boss.”

2. Gumi Reveals Those Who Taught Herdsmen How To Kidnap Nigerians

Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has revealed that herdsmen were not always criminals and kidnappers but were forced into the act as a form of self-defence.

The cleric added that herdsmen learnt kidnapping from the Niger Delta militants, particularly, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

According to him, it was when herdsmen became victims of cattle rustling that they learnt some of their current acts to be able to defend themselves.

He added that if the government could give amnesty to the Niger Delta militants, then it should be able to give amnesty to the herdsmen also.

3. Take Full Responsibility, Nigeria Heading To ‘Point Of No Return’ – Abdulsalam To Governors

The Chairman of the committee National Peace Committee and former head of state Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar has said the growing ethnic crisis could lead Nigeria to a point of no return.

Speaking to newsmen at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Abdulsalam said the growing ethnic crisis is adding to the problems of insurgency, kidnapping and robbery already rocking the country.

He called on state governors who are the chief security officers of the various states to sheath their swords.

The former military ruler urged governors to take full responsibility for managing the divergent voices and frustrations within their states.

4. APC Vs PDP: Jonathan Meets Saraki, Dankwambo, Pius Anyim, Others

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday met with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation and Strategy Committee.

Naija News reports that this was part of efforts to resolve the internal crisis rocking the main opposition party.

This newspaper reports that members of the reconciliation committee include, its Chairman, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

5. Malami Urges FG To Create Agency For Herdsmen’s Activities

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Tuesday charged President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to create an agency that will regulate the activities of herdsmen.

The minister stated this while speaking at the Peace, Unity, and Security Lecture Series at the ECOWAS main auditorium, Abuja on Tuesday.

Malami noted that the farmer-herders crisis has become a serious issue and needs urgent actions to tackle it.

He also said there was a need to revitalize the Nomadic Education Commission.

6. FG Justifies ‘Attack’ On #OccupyLekki Protesters, Says Lekki Not For Protest

The Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, has backed the use of ‘minimum force’ on #OccupyLekki protesters last Saturday.

Recall that Popular comedian Debo Adebayo, also known as Mr. Macaroni, and 39 other #OccupyLekki protesters were arrested and stripped naked last Saturday for protesting against the reopening of the Lekki toll gate.

Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Dingyadi said the policemen deployed in the toll gate were well-kitted and maintained professionalism in restraining the protesters.

7. Gov. Abiodun, Ondo, Kano, Kebbi, Niger Govs Receive Gbenga Daniel Into APC

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and his counterparts from Ondo, Kano, Kebbi, Niger states have received the former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, into All Progressives Congress.

Naija News had earlier reported that the former Governor dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC on Tuesday.

The news platform reports that Daniel was a former presidential campaign manager of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the PDP primary election in 2019.

8. NNPC Speaks On Plan To Increase Petrol Price In February

The Spokesman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Kennie Obateru, has dismissed rumours that the corporation is planning an imminent upward review of the petrol price.

Obateru made this known on Tuesday to The Nation while reacting to rumours that the federal government is planning to increase the pump price in February.

He said, “NNPC has not increased its ex-depot price. I am certain that NNPC is not likely to increase its ex-depot price in February.”

According to him, NNPC has a stock of petrol that can last over 40 days and allayed fears about scarcity of the product in some parts of the country.

Obateru urged the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to clampdown on the marketers that are hoarding petrol.

9. Jonathan’s Former Chief of Army Staff Ihejirika Joins APC

Former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News reports that Ihejirika, who was the Chief of Army Staff between 2010 – 2014 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, joined the APC at Isuikwuato country home in Abia-North Senatorial District.

Ihejirika’s registration was conducted by the APC ward Chairman Mr. Iheanyi Chukwu in the presence of stalwarts of the party.

10. Inflation Hits 16.47%, Highest Since April 2017

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that the consumer price index, which measures the rate of increase in the price of goods and services, increased to 16.47 percent in January.

According to the NBS, this is the highest point since April 2017.

The CPI/Inflation report released by the bureau shows that food inflation has also crossed the 20 percent mark.

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