Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay informed with the top headlines making waves across Nigeria, including Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech honouring national figures, massive cannabis seizure in Cross River, and nationwide protests over economic hardship.
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1. Tinubu grants national honours, pardons Ogoni Nine during Democracy Day speech
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his inaugural State of the Nation address on Democracy Day, honoured several Nigerians with national awards and announced a posthumous pardon for the Ogoni Nine—activists executed in 1995. Speaking before a joint session of the National Assembly, Tinubu described the move as a step towards healing past wounds and promoting justice.
2. NDLEA seizes over 2,600 tonnes of cannabis in Cross River raid
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River State has confiscated 2,687 tonnes of cannabis and seeds following a successful operation in Obereakai community, Akamkpa LGA. The state commander, Rachael Umebuali, said the bust came after a credible tip-off and a four-hour operation by the agency’s operatives.
3. Tinubu mocks opposition, says he enjoys their internal crisis
President Bola Tinubu has said he derives satisfaction from the internal divisions among opposition parties. Addressing lawmakers at the National Assembly, he stated that he has no intention of helping them organise, calling their disarray a “pleasure to witness.”
4. Democracy Day protests erupt nationwide over economic hardship
Nigerian youths across various states held peaceful protests on Democracy Day, calling for solutions to the country’s economic hardship. The demonstrations were largely orderly, with security agents deployed to ensure safety and prevent disruption.
5. Peter Obi says democracy has regressed under Tinubu
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticized President Tinubu’s leadership, claiming democracy in Nigeria has deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office. In a Democracy Day statement, Obi described the current system as being in recession due to poor governance.
6. Atiku accuses Tinubu of authoritarianism, says democracy is under threat
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Tinubu administration, alleging that it is undermining democracy through authoritarian tendencies, cronyism, and weakening of institutions. Atiku warned that the country is on a dangerous path if such trends continue.
7. Dickson slams Tinubu for silence on Rivers political crisis
Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West has faulted President Tinubu for not intervening in the ongoing political unrest in Rivers State. He described the Federal Government’s stance as enabling a military-like suppression of democratic processes in the state.
8. Akpabio says 10th National Assembly passed 844 bills
Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that the 10th National Assembly has passed 844 bills since its inauguration. He made the revelation during a joint session with President Tinubu as part of events marking Democracy Day.
9. NNPC posts N5.89bn revenue, N748bn profit in April report
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) reported N5.89 billion in revenue and N748 billion in profit after tax for April. The figures were released in the company’s Monthly Financial Summary, reflecting strong performance in the energy sector.
10. 241 feared dead as London-bound plane crashes in India
A London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, India, killing 241 people. The aircraft struck a residential building housing medical workers, with only one known survivor. Emergency crews were seen recovering bodies and debris from the wreckage.
