Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 19th February, 2021

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Friday, 19th February 2021

1. Buhari Appoints New Civil Defence, Correctional Service (Prison) Bosses

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a new Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He is Ahmed Abubakar Audi and he replaces the former Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu.

Buhari also appointed Haliru Nababa as the new boss of the Nigeria Correctional Service (Prison), Naija News reports.

The appointments were confirmed in a statement on Thursday afternoon by the Director (Press & Public Relations) of the Ministry of Interior, Mohammed Manga.

2. Nigeria Needs 20 Years To Tackle Boko Haram, Bandits, Others – Buratai

The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Buratai (Rtd) has said it will take Nigeria twenty years to tackle Boko Haram, bandits, killer herdsmen and other security challenges.

Naija News reports that Buratai stated this when he appeared before the Senate for his ambassadorial nomination screening on Thursday.

Buratai appeared before the Senator Adamu Muhammad Bulkachuwa (APC-Bauchi North) led Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs alongside General Abayomi Olonisakin (retd); Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd); Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (retd); Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar(retd); and Air Vice Marshal Muhammad S. Usman (Rtd).

3. Kagara School Abduction: IGP Deploys Human And Operational Assets To Niger State

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has assured Nigerians that the kidnapped students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara, will be safely returned home.

This is as he announced on Thursday the deployment of additional officers and gadgets to Niger State to go after the abductors.

The IGP in a statement released through the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba said the Police remain committed to the safe rescue of all those kidnapped.

4. Nigeria’s Economy Unexpectedly Exit Recession

Nigeria’s economy unexpectedly exited recession in the fourth quarter of 2020.

In a statement on Thursday, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the economy grew by 0.11 percent.

The development comes after two consecutive quarters of negative growth which resulted in a recession.

5. Full List: PDP Lifts Suspension On Elumelu, Okechukwu, Five Others

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lifted the suspension placed onsome of its members in the House of Representatives.

Recall that the seven members were suspended for alleged anti-party activities, particularly in the pattern of their voting in the House Minority leadership.

Naija News reports that the members include: Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon. Anayo Edwin, Hon. Gideon Gwani, Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Adekoya Abdul-majid.

The lifting of their suspension was made known on in a statement on Thursday by the PDP’s spokesperson on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC).

6. Tension As Nigerian Air Force Bombards IPOB Hideout In Orlu

Operatives of the Nigerian Air Force have reportedly bombarded some communities in Orlu, Imo State, believed to be harbouring members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), operated by IPOB.

It was gathered that the strike started on Thursday morning worsening the already built-up tension in the areas.

A video of the aerial bombardments on Thursday surfaced with fresh tension and anxiety building in the communities.

7. 2021 Budget: Senate Unaware Of Buhari’s Plan To Sell Refineries, ICC, TCN Others

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday denied knowledge of plans by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to sell 36 Federal Government properties.

Reports had emerged on Thursday that the Buhari government had submitted a proposal to sell or concession 36 of its properties between January 2021 and November 2022 to the National Assembly.

But speaking to The Punch, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Theodore Orji, denied knowledge of such document.

According to the former governor of Abia State, his panel was unaware of such a request.

He said his committee will critically investigate the circumstances surrounding the sale of the federal assets and come up with a comprehensive report.

8. Herdsmen Killing: What Ooni Of Ife Asked OPC Members To Do

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has cautioned members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) against taking the laws into their hands.

Ooni gave the advice when he received members of the OPC, led by its President, Prince Dele Osibote, in his palace on Thursday.

The traditional ruler urged the group to be law-abiding and not involve themselves in extrajudicial practices that could create more problems in South West.

He also advised the association to continue to be a great promoter of Yoruba tradition, ethics, and principles.

9. Details Of Nigerian Governors Emergency Meeting Emerge

Nigerian Governors have announced the plan to dedicate parts of the Excess Crude Account and other funds to fight the security challenges confronting the country.

Chairman of the NGF and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, made this known while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

Fayemi said the money set aside from the account and other funds will be used to purchase additional hardware for security forces to combat insecurity.

The NGF chairman added that the governors have also promised to strengthen the judicial system so that they can accelerate access to justice for victims of crime and criminality in the country.

10. Super Eagles Of Nigeria Drop In Latest FIFA Ranking

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have dropped one spot to now occupy the 36th position in the world according to the latest ranking released on Thursday by the world football governing body, FIFA.

Thursday’s ranking which is the first for the year 2021 saw Nigeria retain the 1474 points they had in the month of December but slip down by one spot from 35 to 36.

In Africa, Nigeria retained its 5th position behind countries like Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco who occupy the top four spots in the continent.

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