Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 23rd July, 2021

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Friday, 23rd July 2021

1. Nigeria Receives First Batch Of A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft

The Nigerian Air Force has said that Nigeria has received the first batch of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft procured from the United States of America.

A statement signed by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft arrived in Kano State at about 12.34 p.m on Thursday.

Gabwet noted that the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao were on hand to receive the aircraft.

2. Beninese Court Releases Sunday Igboho’s Wife, Returns Igboho To Cell

The Court D’Apeal in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Thursday night returned Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, to cell.

An official of court of the court that spoke with SaharaReporters said the court ruled that Igboho should be returned to custody.

The official, however, said the wife who was also arraigned on Thursday was released this evening.

The Court D’Appeal in Cotouno adjourned the case involving the Yoruba rights activist till Friday, July 23, 2021.

3. Jonathan Gets Fresh International Appointment, PDP Reacts

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been appointed as the Chairman of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP-Africa).

Naija News understands the ISCP-Africa is an association of incumbent and former heads of state and their deputies, established in 2019 by the Universal Peace Federation UPF, an organization in general consultative status with the United Nations (UN).

Reacting to the fresh appointment, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan has congratulated the former Nigerian leader.

The PDP statement expressed confidence in the abilities of Jonathan and wished him well in his new international assignment.

4. NPA Looting: PDP Demands Prosecution Of Hadiza Bala Usman, Investigation Of Amaechi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the prosecution of the now sacked Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, over the alleged N165 billion fraud in the agency.

The PDP also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the supervising minister for the agency, Rotimi Amaechi.

The major opposition party in a statement on Thursday signed by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan said Buhari should not sweep the matter under the carpet.

Naija News recalls there is an existing controversy surrounding the mismanagement of funds at the NPA which has caused a lot of claims and counter-claims between Usman and Amaechi but eventually resulting in her suspension from office to allow for proper investigation.

But the PDP has now demanded further action be taken on the matter by the President as well as the EFCC rather than shielding those indicted from prosecution.

5. Education Remains Top Priority – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to improve the quality of education in the country.

In a statement by the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, the president gave the assurance when he received the proprietress, principal and students of a private school, Premier Pacesetters School at his house in Daura, Katsina State on Thursday.

The president promised that his government will increase the budget allocated to the education sector to improve learning in the country.

6. Why Tinubu Nominated Osinbajo As Buhari’s VP – VON DG

The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has revealed why Bola Tinubu nominated Professor Yemi Osinbajo to be Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in 2015.

Naija News recalls that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, Okechukwu said Bola Tinubu could not run with Buhari as it would have been a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The VON DG also dismissed speculations of a succession pact between Buhari and Tinubu.

7. Malami Accuses Nnamdi Kanu Of Killing Fulani Herders, Bars IPOB Members, Branded T-shirts From Court Sittings

The minister of justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria has adjusted some charges filed against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The minister disclosed that the court would be hearing cases on murder, terrorism, banditry and criminality as the ongoing trial has taken another course.

Recall that the Department of State Services, DSS in November 2015 had filed cases of intimidation, criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and membership of an illegal organisation, saying it breaches penal code of Section 97, 97B and 397.

Malami in a statement released on Wednesday, accused the IPOB leader of committing heinous crimes including the alleged killing of Fulani cattle rearers, Force personnel, amongst others.

8. Why Sunday Igboho Cannot Be Extradited To Nigeria Without Court Process – Falana

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Thursday noted that Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho can’t be extradited to Nigeria from Benin Republic without due process of the law.

Falana in a statement argued that Igboho could not be extradited to Nigeria without due process as prescribed by Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights which provides that “A non-national legally admitted in a territory of a State Party to the present Charter, may only be expelled from it by virtue of a decision taken in accordance with the law.”

He further stated that Igboho can not be extradited without Nigeria first making a request for his extradition and prosecution in Nigeria pursuant to the provisions of the Economic Community Of West African States’ Convention A/P.1/8/94 on Extradition, which is applicable in the 15 member states of the ECOWAS.

9. Restructuring: Afenifere Sends Message To Buhari Ahead Of 2023 Elections

Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere has asked President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to restructure Nigeria before the 2023 general elections.

Afenifere in a statement signed and released by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said Nigerians would be less concerned about who becomes the nation’s president with restructuring in place.

According to the group, with restructuring, insecurity would be better handled by the regions. Afenifere urged the federal government to restructure the country within the shortest possible time.

Ajayi said Afenifere’s concern is justice, fairness and good governance.

10. Ooni Sets Up Committee To Look Into Igboho’s Arrest

The Ooni of Ife, Enita Ogunwusi, has set up a 28-member committee of South West leaders to look into the arrest of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday ‘Igboho’ Adeyemo in Benin Republic.

Naija News reports that Igboho was arrested at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport with his wife on their way to Germany on Monday night.

This news medium reports that the Yoruba activist and his wife, Ropo are also being detained by Brigade Criminelle in Cotonou.

Igboho has been at the forefront of agitation for self-independence for Yoruba ethnic group in the last few months, drawing the ire of the Federal Government.

In a statement on Thursday, the committee coordinator, Akin Osuntokun, said the committee will look into the issues surrounding the arrest of Igboho and related matters.

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