Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday, 17th April, 2021

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Saturday, 17th April 2021.

1. Why Some PDP Governors Worked Against Jonathan In 2015

The former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, has revealed why some Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party worked against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid.

Aliyu while reacting to his suspension by the PDP in Chachanga Local Government Area of Niger, said some governors under the party worked against Jonathan in 2015 because he reneged on an agreement not to seek a second term.

Recall that PDP in the LGA said Aliyu was suspended for anti-party activities, including working against Jonathan in 2015.

Jonathan was the first incumbent Nigerian president to lose an election.

2. Identities Of More Fleeing Inmates From Imo Prison Revealed

The Nigerian Correctional Service has revealed the identities of more inmates who escaped from the Owerri Custodial Centre in the Imo State capital.

In a series of tweets via its Twitter handle on Friday, the service released pictures and names of the male and female inmates who have been declared wanted.

The recent tweets by the service followed similar ones released last week in which authorities revealed the identities of scores of the fleeing inmates.

3. Ezekwesili Petitions IGP, Demands Prosecution Of Omojuwa

A former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to arrest and prosecute a social media influencer, Japheth Omojuwa, for identity fraud.

She made this known in a letter dated April 14, 2021, and signed by Marshal Abubakar of Falana and Falana Chambers, sent to the office of the IGP.

Recall that the former minister had distanced herself from the company, Alpha Reach Limited, following the controversy over a social media campaign done on behalf of a Venezuelan envoy, Alex Saab.

4. I Support Terrorist Groups Like Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Not Boko Haram — Minister Pantami

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has been reportedly linked to global extremist group, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, even though he denounced allegiance to Boko Haram.

Pantami in one of his preachings in the 2000s said, “This jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria, oh God, give victory to the Taliban and al-Qaeda (Allahumma’ nṣur Ṭālibān wa-tanẓīm al Qā‘ida).”

The Minister when contacted by the Peoples Gazette on Wednesday regarding his support for the terrorist groups, he did not comment.

Pantami had threatened to sue some media platforms on Monday for reporting that he is on the U.S. terror watchlist for supporting Boko Haram.

5. Buhari, Ortom, Others Behind Ethnic Tension – Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Samuel Ortom and other leaders of masterminding the ethnic tension in the country.

The former Senate Majority leader stated this on Thursday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondence Chapel, Abuja, where he served as Chairman and Ortom was the guest speaker.

He said the political class, especially the President and governors, seldom fight openly, but pitch the people against themselves.

6. Borno: Zulum Sleeps In Damasak, Number Of Persons Killed By Boko Haram Revealed

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum on Thursday visited Damasak town and slept over till Friday in the company of some other top government officials.

The visit follows Boko Haram Tuesday’s attack on the town which is the headquarter of Mobbar local government area in the state.

Borno South Senator, Abubakar Kyari who hails from Damasak accompanied the Governor on the visit.

During the visit, it was confirmed that no fewer than 18 persons died while 21 others were injured when Boko Haram terrorists attacked Damasak town in Borno on Tuesday.

7. How Security Operatives Foiled Edo Jailbreak – Correctional Service

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Edo State Command, has revealed how security operatives foiled an attempted jailbreak by inmates at its facility in Ubiaja.

A statement on Friday by the state Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, said that the incident occurred on Wednesday following a riot after the inmates refused to return to their cells.

He disclosed that inmates attempted the jailbreak after they heard about the incidents at the correctional facilities in Oko and Benin in Edo, as well as the recent attack on the custodial centre in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

8. AGF Abubakar Malami Collapses In Sokoto, Hospitalized

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has reportedly been hospitalized after collapsing in Sokoto state.

It was gathered that the AGF was in Sokoto on Monday for the inauguration of the reconstructed State High Court complex by Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

Malami reportedly collapsed after delivering his address at the ceremony and was quickly revived by his aides and dignitaries who helped him to stand.

He was subsequently hospitalised at a private facility upon his return to Abuja.

9. 5 Emirs, 27 District Heads, Military, Police In Linked To Banditry, Killings In Zamfara

The committee set up by the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, to investigate the killings and abduction of residents of the state, has revealed the people behind the security issues in the state.

The report that was submitted by the committee indicted five emirs, 27 district heads, as well as the military and police.

The people were identified as being behind the security issues in the state

The development was disclosed by the National Co-ordinator of the All Progressives Congress Concerned Youths of Nigeria, Dr Suleiman Shuaibu Shinkafi on Thursday.

10. Buhari Speaks On New IGP, Service Chiefs, Others After Return From UK Medical Check-up

President Muhammadu Buhari has said his medical check-up in London, United Kingdom went very well as a result of the best wishes of Nigerians.

He stated this while speaking with newsmen on Thursday shortly after his arrival in Abuja after the trip.

When asked how he felt after the medical checkup in London, the President said, “It went very well, after your well wishes.”

On what Nigerians should expect from his regime going forward after the rest in London, the President simply said, “Continuity.”

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