Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Tuesday, 15th August, 2023

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 15th August 2023.

1. Nigeria Air Force Reacts As Aircraft Crashes In Niger State

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the crash of an MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Naija News earlier reported that the aircraft, on Monday, took off from Kaduna en route to Minna, the Niger state capital when the incident occurred at about 1:00 pm.

Reacting to the incident in a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft was on a casualty evacuation mission when the crash happened.

He said that the aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Niger state.

Gabkwet said efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash.

2. CBN To Take New Measures To Stabilize Naira

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it is set to take new measures to stabilize the naira against the dollar.

The acting Governor of the CBN, Folashodun Shonubi, stated this in a chat with the State House correspondents on Monday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Shonubi said the apex bank is poised to reverse the slide of the naira as it has lined up intervention measures that will be unveiled in the next few days.

He warned that the government will come down hard on those involved in underhand undertaking in the foreign exchange market, including the parallel market.

Shonubi affirmed that the president is concerned about the development in the market and its effect on the people, saying that he discussed what could be done to stabilize the naira with the president.

The acting CBN boss noted that the changes going on in the parallel market are not dictated by demands but by speculative attitude.

He warned that the speculators will suffer huge losses soon after the government activates its strategies.

3. ‘You Have Taken Disturbing Decisions Since Assumption Of Office’ – Lukman Tells President Tinubu

An ex-APC National Vice Chairman, Salihu Lukman on Monday penned an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pointing out the imposition of another Muslim-Muslim leadership within the party post-elections.

Lukman highlighted issues such as the current exchange rate, fuel prices, and the president’s selection of ministers as “disturbing signals.”

The endorsement of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Ajibola Bashiru, both Muslims, as APC leaders has sparked tensions within the party.

Lukman noted that Tinubu’s preference for endorsing another Muslim pairing over alternatives like Umaru Tanko Al-Makura from Nasarawa State.

He ended the letter with doubts about the feasibility of implementing Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda given these developments.

4. NLC Threatens To Embark On Indefinite Strike If Petrol Price Rises Further

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to declare a nationwide strike if there is a further hike in the pump price of petrol from the existing N617 naira.

Recall that oil marketers had indicated that the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, would rise to between N680/litre and N720/litre in the coming weeks should the dollar continue to trade from N910 to N950 at the parallel market.

The marketers added that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Importers and Exporters’ official window for foreign exchange had remained illiquid and unable to provide the $25m to $30m required for the importation of PMS by dealers.

They also hinted that its members seeking to import petrol were being forced to put the plans on hold due to the scarcity of foreign exchange to import the commodity.

Speaking at the African Trade Union Alliance meeting in Abuja on Monday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero said the union will proceed on total, comprehensive and indefinite nationwide shutdown of the country.

Ajaero also warned the federal government against undermining the demands of the union and the plan to provide palliatives to Nigerians and workers.

5. Labour Party Chairmanship: Julius Abure Wins In Court

Comrade Julius Abure has been affirmed as the national chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

The affirmation follows the ruling of a Court of Appeal, sitting in Benin, the Edo State capital in a suit with reference number CA/B/93/2023 filed by a chieftain of the party, Lucky Shaibu against Shaibu and five other officials of the party.

Naija News gathered that Justices Theresa Abadua, Fatima Akinbami, and Sybil Nwaka-Gbagi, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the appeal of the appellant.

It would be recalled that Shauibu, who claimed to be a member of LP of Ward 3 executive in Esan Northeast Local Government Area of Edo, spearheaded the suspension of Abure as the chairman of LP.

When the matter was taken to court, the High Court of Edo State ruled that one person could not suspend the national chairman of the Labour Party as contained in the party’s constitution.

Similarly, the appellate court in the lead judgment by Justice Abadua affirmed that the decision of the High Court is in line with Articles 13 and 17 of the constitution of the party, and the extant Electoral Act of 2022, adding that this is particularly the case when the appellant had been described by the party as unknown.

The appeal court unanimously nullified the earlier suspension and all actions taken against Abure and the party, arising from the purported suspension.

6. Deputy Governors Are Seen As Spare Tyres – Ganduje

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje on Monday said deputy governors are seen as spare tyres in Nigeria’s political setting.

Ganduje made the observation on Monday when he hosted a forum of ex-deputy governors who served their respective states on the platform of the party.

The former Kano State Governor added however that the beauty of spare tyres is that they can’t be neglected forever as they are always needed at one point or the other.

Naija News reports the former deputy governors were on a solidarity visit to Ganduje at the APC national secretariat in Abuja and complained about being sidelined in the scheme of leadership within the party.

They asked for an amendment of the party constitution so their members can also attend National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings just like former speakers and deputy speakers that are currently eligible to attend such meetings.

Reacting to their concerns and demands, Ganduje promised that his administration would look into their grievances, adding that he understands their plight having served as a deputy governor himself.

7. Niger: ‘Threat To Prosecute President Bazoum Provocating’ – ECOWAS Warns Military Coup Leaders

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a statement released on Monday warned the military junta in the Niger Republic against prosecuting the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.

Naija News had earlier reported that the military coup leaders vowed to prosecute President Bazoum for treason and undermining the internal and external security of the country.

ECOWAS, however, in its reaction to the statement of the coup leaders described their plan as a provocation.

The West Africa bloc insisted that President Bazoum remains recognized by ECOWAS and the International community.

ECOWAS condemned the continuous detention of the ousted President and called for his immediate release and reinstatement.

8. President Tinubu Appoints New State House Permanent Secretary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Engr. Olusesan Olufunso Adebiyi as the new State House Permanent Secretary.

Naija News reports that Adebiyi succeeds Tijjani Umar, who served from April 5, 2020 until his retirement on August 10, 2023.

Adebiyi officially assumed duty on Monday in Abuja, pledging his commitment to the success of President Tinubu’s administration.

At a handover ceremony held at the State House Administrative block, Adebiyi, who previously held the position of Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Umar.

He acknowledged Umar’s dedicated service to the nation and congratulated him on his successful retirement on August 10, 2023.

9. Akeredolu’s Wife, Deputy Give Update On His Health Status

Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu on Monday confirmed that the state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu will soon return from his medical vacation.

Naija News gathered that Betty disclosed this while speaking at the opening of the 2023 BEMORE summer boot camp for 300 girls.

This is coming hours after Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde said his principal is still in Germany, focusing on his full recovery.

Akeredolu before embarking on the medical vacation had handed over to his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa.

The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Ayedatiwa while speaking at the event said the governor would soon return.

He described BEMORE as the most potent machinery to impact the girl-child, which has turned out to be a successful idea to uplift females.

10. Ogun First Lady Speaks On Criticizing Tinubu’s Economic Policies

The first lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun has stated that reports claiming she criticized the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu are false.

Naija News understands that an online publication had published a report claiming that the first lady was not in support of Tinubu’s economic policies.

Reacting to the allegation via a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Office of the First Lady, Yomi Owope, Abiodun described the statement as malicious, baseless, devoid of truth, and the work of malevolent people intent on causing harm to her reputation.

While declaring her support for all policies of President Bola Tinubu-led federal government, Mrs. Abiodun said she recognized President’s policies as being in the best interest of the nation.

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