Top Nigerian Newspapers Headlines For Today, Friday, 18th March, 2022

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspapers headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 18th March 2022

1. 2023: Malami Speaks On Ending His Tenure

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on Thursday confirmed that he won’t resign from office.

According to Malami, he will end his tenure gloriously by May 2023.

Malami stated this while speaking at a conference organized by the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents in Abuja.

The AGF distanced himself from the report that he had resigned from office, while he called on newsmen to be factual in their reports.

Malami in his address also called for the prosecution of journalists used by mischievous politicians.

2. APC Crisis: Buni Returns To Nigeria, Makes First Statement After Medical Leave

The executive Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has returned to Nigeria after days in abroad for health purposes.
The political leader returned to the country on Thursday to resume his duty as the Chairman of All Progressives Congress Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee.

Naija News reports that dramatic events and controversies evolved while Buni was away abroad for his medical leave.

Shortly after his return to Nigeria, Buni in a press statement signed by his Director-General (Press and Media Affairs), Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Thursday, appealed to all party members to remain calm and law-abiding.

He charged party loyal to put the recent events in the party behind them and work towards a successful National Convention.

The success of the party remains paramount and needs the support of every member, Buni said.

3. Obiano Leaves As Soludo Is Sworn-in As New Anambra Governor

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has been sworn in as the new governor of Anambra State.

Naija News reports that Soludo had taken his oath of office in the company of his wife, Mrs Nonye, alongside his Deputy, Dr Onyeka Ibezim and his wife.

Soludo was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu.

4. Security Operatives Kill Over 100 Terrorists In Niger State

At least 100 bandit terrorists have been killed by security operatives during a gun battle in Bangi village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

This was made known by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, in a chat with reporters in Minna on Thursday.

Umar disclosed that the gunmen were killed by the Joint Security Taskforce comprising the Nigerian Army, the police and members of the state Vigilante Corps.

He said the bandits met their waterloo during an attack on Bangi village around 6pm on Wednesday, adding that 50 motorcycles were recovered by the security operatives.

The commissioner said that bandits had moved from Nasko where they killed a senior policeman and some vigilantes on Tuesday before they attacked the local government headquarters.

5. I Am Ready To Settle Differences With Wike – Obaseki

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has distanced himself from statements on social media which he claims emanated from mischief-makers.

In a statement on Thursday, the governor said such mischief-makers are hiding using the ongoing ‘conversation’ between leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stir crisis.

According to Obaseki, he is open to the harmonious resolution to the issues rocking the party.

6. Obiano’s Wife, Bianca Ojukwu Fight Dirty At Soludo’s Inauguration

The wife of the former Governor of Anambra State Willie Obiano, Ebelechukwu on Thursday clashed with Bianca Ojukwu.

Naija News reports that the clash happened at the swearing-in ceremony of Charles Chukwuma Soludo as the new governor of Anambra State.

It was gathered that Obiano’s wife confronted Bianca, accusing her of not wanting the husband to be Governor while allegedly calling her a bitch.

In retaliation, Mrs Ojukwu stood up and slapped her leading to a fight.

The action drew the attention of security agents and some personalities who pulled Mrs Obiano off the hold of Ms Ojukwu.

7. APC Crisis: Removal Of Fani-Kayode, Others By Governor Sani-Bello Remains Valid – Mai Mala Buni

The Chairman, APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, has said all actions taken by Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello remains valid.

In a statement to newsmen on Thursday, Buni said he officially handed over to Sani-Bello before his medical trip, making actions carried out by the acting chairman valid.

He described as untrue reports that he reserved decisions taken by Governor Bello.

He advised stakeholders and members to disregard a statement discarding activities of the committee under Sani-Bello.

8. Anambra: Soludo Sends Message To IPOB, ESN

The Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who was sworn in as the new governor of Anambra State on Thursday has sent a message to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its militia arm, the Eastern Security Network, ESN as he begins his tenure.

The newly sworn-in governor urged IPOB and ESN to work hand-in-hand with his administration to end insecurity plaguing the state.

Soludo made the plea while delivering his inauguration speech in Awka, the state capital.

He questioned the motives of secessionist agitations and wondered if it was time to revisit the purpose of IPOB and ESN.

9. 2023: PDP Announces Date Its Presidential Candidate Will Emerge

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed that its presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections will emerge on May 29, 2022.

Naija News reports that the ‘Schedule of Activities and Timetable for the Year 2022/2023 Elections’ was released by PDP on Wednesday.

The National Organising Secretary of the party, Umar Bature, who signed the timetable disclosed that the PDP candidate would emerge on May 29 at the end of the Special National Convention (Presidential Primary) that would start on May 28.

The party, however, did not state whether it has agreed on a consensus candidate or whether it has zoned the ticket to any geopolitical zone.

10. US Govt Reveals The Truth After Viral Reports Claimed Hushpuppi Laundered $400,000 From Prison

The office of the US Attorney at the Central District of California has denied viral claims that suspected international fraudster, Ramon Abbas popularly known as Hushpuppi, committed cybercrimes to the tune of about $400,000 while in an American prison.

The court’s Director of Media Relations, Thom Mrozek made the clarification after some earlier reports had claimed that Hushpuppi laundered $400,000 using internet facilities provided by the prison for inmates.

A purported court document showing how popular Instagram celebrity Hushpuppi allegedly committed fraud and laundered over $400,000 from behind bars surfaced online on Wednesday and went viral on Thursday.

However, as earlier reported by Naija News, American cybercrime expert, Gary Warner, has described the reports as fake.

Mrozek has also followed the line of Warner by urging the public to disregard the viral reports about Hushpuppi committing cybercrime from the prison.

He explained further that the court doesn’t have any record of such happening, neither did the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) file any such allegation against Hushpuppi.

The official added that the FBI Special Agent, Andrew Innocenti, who quoted in the viral report to have filed the fresh charges against Hushpuppi has been contacted and denied any such activity.

Those are the top Nigerian newspapers headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.