Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 1st September, 2023

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 1st September 2023.

1. What President Tinubu Discussed With NESG Board Members, Management

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, received the members of the Board and Management of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) led by the Chairman, Olaniyi Yusuf.

Naija News reports that the Nigerian leader hosted the NESG delegation at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelalae, President Tinubu reaffirmed his support for a robust public-private sector partnership to grow the economy.

The president stated that his administration’s sustained, bold, and coordinated reforms are anchored on a “strong adherence to accountability and transparency.”

President Tinubu reiterated his unequivocal resolve to fully implement the eight priority reform areas under the Renewed Hope Agenda within the next three years.

He also emphasized that Nigeria is blessed with rich human and natural resources, in addition to deficit opportunities, which can quickly be leveraged into new prosperity.

Tinubu, therefore, called for the urgent exploitation of Nigeria’s diversity for collective gain, with an eye on new think tanks in the agricultural sector and the establishment of a commodity exchange.

2. Former Presidential Candidates Beg President Tinubu For Appointments

Some former presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections have pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to include them in his ‘Government of National Competence’.

Naija News reports that the opposition presidential candidates met with the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, on Thursday, begging for inclusion in the administration of President Tinubu.

Some of the presidential candidates who met with Ganduje at the National Secretariat of the party included those of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), National Rescue Movement )NRM) Action Peoples Party, APP, among others.

The presidential candidate of NRM, Felix Osakwe, who spoke on behalf of the Forum of Concerned Presidential Candidates, said they are for the peace and development of Nigeria, hence their refusal to challenge Tinubu’s victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

Recall that Tinubu, before his swearing-in as President, called for a Government of National Unity and would go beyond that to establish a ‘Government of National Competence’.

3. FG To Shutdown Murtala Mohammed Int’l Airport Temporarily

The Federal Government has announced that the Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) terminal will be shut down temporarily starting from October 1, 2023.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced this on Thursday, directing all international airlines to vacate the terminal one of the airport to give room for total maintenance work.

Naija News reports that Keyamo disclosed this during a tour at the international airports in Lagos, where he was accompanied by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed.

While speaking at the sideline of the airport tour, the Minister directed the airlines and companies operating in the airport to move to the new terminal, MMIA Terminal Two, constructed by the Chinese company.

Keyamo also suspended all contracts, projects, and concessions in the sector until further notice.

4. Details Of President Tinubu’s Meeting With Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs Emerge

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday met with Islamic leaders under the auspices of the Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) at the Council Chambers of the State House.

The President while addressing the Islamic leaders said the coup in Gabon on Wednesday has confirmed his fear about Niger Republic.

Naija News recalls that military officers on Wednesday took over power from President Ali Bongo in Gabon.

President Tinubu in his address to the religious leaders led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III said all diplomatic options will be exhausted with the military junta in Niger Republic before any last resort of military intervention comes into the picture.

He insisted that any forceful removal of a democratic government remains “wholly unacceptable.”

Speaking on the hardship faced by many Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy, the President assured that all ongoing reforms will liberate and reposition the economy, which will benefit the majority of the population in terms of opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

5. IGP Egbetokun Meets Police Affairs Ministers Over Insecurity

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has officially met with the recently inaugurated Ministers of Police Affairs at the Ministry of Police Affairs.

Naija News reports that the Police Chief met with the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.

The acting IGP was accompanied by members of the Force Management Team on the courtesy visit to the ministers.

During the meeting, they discussed the internal security situation and emphasized the need for enhanced synergy in tackling evolving security challenges.

Egbetokun addressed critical issues such as the state of national security, ongoing police reforms, and strategies to enhance collaboration between the NPF and the Ministry of Police Affairs.

6. Why It Is Not Possible For President Tinubu To Lose At The Tribunal – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has given reasons why he believes it is impossible for President Bola Tinubu to lose at the election petition tribunal.

Wike who supported Tinubu who was the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election said he believes God supports what they did during the election and won’t turn against them.

He added that the lawyers are also doing their work at the tribunal and he believes the outcome will not be against President Tinubu.

Naija News reports the former Rivers State Governor made the submission during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday.

Also during the interview, Wike maintained that he and others with him did the right thing in not supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the presidential election, Atiku Abubakar.

He reiterated that they did what they did in the interest of justice and fairness.

According to Wike, it is regrettable that Atiku refused to acknowledge he made a mistake and seek forgiveness before and after the elections.

7. Court Of Appeal Rules In Favour Of Ken Pela Of Labour Party In Delta Governorship Election Tribunal

The Court of Appeal on Thursday granted the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Delta State, Ken Pela approval to return to the Delta State Election Tribunal to continue his petition challenging the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Naija News understands the Delta State Election Tribunal had earlier dismissed LP’s petition against Governor Sheriff on the ground that he abandoned his pre-hearing.

However, Pela took the matter to the Court Of Appeal in Abuja where he contested the decision of the election tribunal.

The Judges at the Appeal Court Abuja disagreed with the judgment of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal and overturned the judgement.

8. Keyamo Orders Immediate Demolition At Lagos Airport

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered the immediate demolition of Dominion and EAN hangers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Two (MMIA 2), Lagos.

Naija News learnt that Keyamo gave the order on Thursday, August 31, during a tour of the Lagos Airport facility.

According to the Daily Independent, the minister maintained that the demolition would pave the way for airport expansion.

Keyamo also expressed his dismay about the unkept airport environment and ordered that facilities be clean.

9. African Union Suspends Gabon As Junta Insists On Swearing-In Army General As President

The African Union (AU) has suspended Gabon following the takeover of power by the military in the country, days after the conduct of its 2023 presidential election.

Naija News reports that the AU Commission for Political Affairs, Peace and Security during its 1172nd meeting on the developments in Gabon on Thursday reached the decision.

The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe of Burundi.

The Commission held that the country would not benefit or be part of any AU activities until democracy is restored.

Meanwhile, the junta, in defiance of AU, announced on national television on Thursday that it will swear in General Brice Oligui Nguema as transitional president on Monday.

The junta’s spokesperson Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi revealed that the general’s inauguration will be held at the country’s constitutional court.

10. Presidential Tribunal: Over 100 Nigerians Sign Petition Demanding Justice

Not less than a hundred Nigerians have signed a petition demanding justice and transparency in the ongoing presidential electoral tribunal proceedings.

The move comes amidst the delay in delivering judgment on the petition filed against President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi had challenged Tinubu’s victory in the February 25th, 2023 presidential election.

The petition, initiated by the Coalition of Concerned Nigerians (CCN), and addressed to several justices highlights the frustrations and anxieties felt by a significant portion of the electorate.

The petition was addressed to Hon. Justice Haruna Tsammani.

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