Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 12th October, 2023

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 12th October 2023.

1. Tinubu Makes New Appointment For NCC, NIPOST, NITDA

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new and returning Chief Executive Officers for agencies and parastatals under the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy.

In a statement on Wednesday, the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu appointed Aminu Maida as the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The president appointed Nkechi Egerton-Idehen as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).

Tinubu also appointed Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as the DG/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Dr. Vincent Olatunji as the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Also, the President appointed Tola Odeyemi as the Postmaster General/CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).

Furthermore, the President has approved the appointment of Idris Alubankudi as the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy.

Ngelale said the appointment is in line with the President’s determination to maximally leverage Nigeria’s proven technological and digital economic prowess to reposition the nation’s economy toward greater financial inclusion.

2. Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy: Nigerians Are Now Seen As Forgers, Identity Thieves – Peter Obi

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said the country’s reputation is at stake as a result of the controversy surrounding the Diploma Certificate of President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reports that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, had accused Tinubu of forging the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking at the World Press Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi said Nigerians are now seen all over the world as fraudsters, certificate forgers and identity thieves because of what Tinubu has allegedly done.

Obi also called on the President to tell the nation his true name, the school he attended, where he served and the certificate he obtained from CSU.

The former Governor of Anambra advised President Tinubu to provide Nigerians and the entire world with the necessary information about him once and now.

3. BBC Makes Revelation About Tinubu’s CSU Certificate

The disinformation team of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has disclosed that there is no evidence that President Bola Tinubu forged his Chicago State University (CSU) certificate.

Naija News understands that the BBC, in a report titled: ‘Bola Tinubu diploma: No evidence Nigeria’s president forged college record’, revealed that their findings vindicate the Nigerian president of certificate forgery as alleged.

Recall that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, had accused Tinubu of forging the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the BBC said its conclusion after they contacted CSU with questions about Tinubu’s diplomas shows no evidence of forgery.

4. It Is Illegal For State Governors To Ban Mining Activities – Alake

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has cautioned state governors against banning mining activities in their respective domains, saying such actions are illegal.

According to Alake, the Governors have no power to ban mining activities because the sector is in the exclusive legislative list which is under the control of the federal government alone.

The Minister said banning mining activities is just like banning oil exploration activities and no Governor is constitutionally empowered to take such actions.

He made the submission during a pre-event press conference in Abuja for the 8th edition of the annual Nigerian Mining Week 2023 scheduled from the 16th to 18th of October.

Alake, however, added that state governors who are interested in mining activities can create Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for such, and approach the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to obtain a mining licence just like any other company.

5. Atiku Opens Up On Reports Of Forging WAEC Certificate, Reveals Relationship With Sadiq

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has revealed the reason there is a discrepancy between his current name and the name on his Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) certificate.

Atiku on Wednesday in reaction to the allegations about forging his certificate, said both Siddiq and Atiku are names that Prophet Muhammad gave to his bosom friend, Caliph Abubakar, adding that Siddiq and Atiku are names that have a historical link to one person in Islamic theology.

He clarified that contrary to what some people want Nigerians to believe, there is no difference between Atiku Abubakar and Sadiq Abubakar.

The PDP flagbearer added that he has all the documents linked with his official change of name and the camp of President Bola Tinubu is only trying to milk the situation for their political gain and sentiment.

Atiku made the submission in a statement on Wednesday signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe.

According to him, he welcomes the inquiries into his background and unlike Tinubu, he has nothing to hide, adding that he has the original certificates of the affidavits regarding his name change.

6. ‘You Are Not Complete Without Killing At Least One Boko Haram Terrorist’ – CDS Tells Nigerian Army

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa has urged troops of the Nigerian Army to be proactive and go after Boko Haram terrorists.

The CDS while speaking to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai at the Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, on Tuesday said instead of waiting for the Boko Haram terrorists to attack, the troops should take the battle to their enclaves, seek them out and flush them out.

Musa said it is wrong for the soldiers to sleep in the theatre and expect an attack before responding. In his words, any soldier who comes to the theatre without killing at least one terrorist is not complete.

The CDS pointed out that it is by going after the terrorists that the war would end soon.

7. Peter Obi Makes Strong Demands From Tinubu Over Certificate Forgery Saga

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has demanded that the Nigerian leader, Bola Tinubu reintroduce himself to the nation.

Naija News reports that the former Vice President and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who is challenging the election of

President Tinubu at the Supreme Court last week, via the courts in the United States of America obtained the academic records of Tinubu from the Chicago State University, which he has filed at the apex court, praying the court sack Tinubu on account of alleged certificate forgery and perjury among others.

Speaking in a press conference on Wednesday morning, Peter Obi urged Tinubu to reintroduce himself to the nation, noting that it is a simple task that will only take a few minutes.

8. Nigerians Do Not Take INEC Seriously Again – Pat Utomi

Political Economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has said politics has weakened the institutions in the country.

Utomi lamented that nobody takes the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seriously anymore.

The economist shared his reservations during his speech at the premier conclave of the new tribe of Patriots for the Nigerian Restoration, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Utomi noted that Nigeria needs strong institutions now more than ever before because the nation is in the depths of a national crisis.

He explained that the weakening of the country’s institutions, coupled with the collapse of shared values, has dealt a huge blow on the quest to build a better Nigeria.

He argued that values shape human progress just as strong institutions remain critical to the growth of any society.

9. Don’t Ask For Police Report Before Treating Patients – FG To Hospitals

The Federal Government has warned hospitals in the country against demanding for police report before treating emergency patients.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate stated this on Wednesday.

According to the minister, the federal government has sent a directive to all hospitals telling them to prioritize the lives of their patients.

Pate disclosed the development while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

10. Nigerian Air Force Gets Two Additional Aircraft

Two new aircraft have been delivered to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to improve the ongoing air operations against insecurity in the country.

Naija News understands that the Diamond-62 aircraft were unveiled in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Director, of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, quoting the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to have said during the ceremony that the process that culminated in the arrival of the two additional aircraft began about two years ago when the Federal Government appropriated funds for the acquisition of four Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.

Speaking further, Abubakar noted that the two DA-62 aircraft received earlier in the year have since been deployed to the operating theatres in support of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country.

While urging the air and ground crew that would handle the aircraft to eschew discipline and professionalism, Abubakar admonished them to also “ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the aircraft in line with recommended best practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer.”

He also implored them to leverage the capabilities available on the aircraft to enhance NAF’s operational efficiency.

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