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 Rivers Assembly’s sudden adjournment, Tinubu’s stance on religious bias, a court ruling on Sanusi’s reinstatement, and INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
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1. Rivers Assembly adjourns indefinitely, budget presentation uncertain
The Rivers State House of Assembly abruptly adjourned indefinitely on Friday, raising concerns about Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s proposed budget presentation scheduled for Wednesday. The decision, made during a plenary session, has sparked fresh political tensions in the state.
2. Tinubu denies religious bias in meeting with Catholic bishops
President Bola Tinubu, while meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on Friday, reaffirmed that he harbors no religious bias. He emphasized that national development requires rising above religious divisions and fostering unity among Nigerians.
3. Appeal Court halts reinstatement of Sanusi as Kano Emir
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has suspended the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. A three-member panel led by Justice Okon Abang ruled on Friday that the January 10 judgment, which overturned Sanusi’s removal, should not be implemented pending further proceedings.
4. Katsina government confirms Quranic recitation champion still in captivity
The Katsina State Government has confirmed that Abdulsalam Rabiu-Faskari, winner of a Quranic recitation competition, along with his father and brother, remain in captivity. Commissioner for Information Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango disclosed this on Friday, dismissing rumors of their deaths.
5. Naira gains strength, closes at N1,517 per dollar
The Naira appreciated against the dollar on Friday, closing at N1,517.93 in the official market. According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the currency gained N29.89 after experiencing a steady decline since March 5.
6. INEC releases voter register for Rivers council elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the voter register for the upcoming Local Government Area elections in Rivers State, scheduled for August 9. RSIEC Commissioner Tamunotonye Tobins confirmed the release in Port Harcourt on Friday.
7. Edo police confirm death of kidnapped seminarian, priest freed
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the death of Seminarian Peter Andrew, who was kidnapped alongside Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli on March 3. Police spokesperson Moses Yamu announced on Friday that the priest was released, while the seminarian did not survive.
8. INEC begins planning for 2027 general election
The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the development of its Election Project Plan for the 2027 general elections. A senior official revealed that the commission is incorporating lessons from the 2023 polls into its new strategy.
9. Court denies bail to four terrorism suspects linked to Bello Turji
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to four terrorism suspects allegedly connected to bandit leader Bello Turji. The judge ruled on Friday that the severity of their charges warranted their continued detention.
10. Police warn El-Rufai over kidnapping claims
The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his claim that a police-linked gang abducted his former commissioner, Jafaru Sani. The Kaduna police command dismissed the allegation, urging El-Rufai to verify his statements.