Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday 17th August, 2024

President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Friday evening after a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea. During the visit, he signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project with Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, aimed at gas exploration and job creation. This trip marks Tinubu’s 22nd foreign trip since taking office.

Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Limited released one of the three Nigerian presidential jets, an Airbus A330, that had been detained in France. The release was intended to allow President Tinubu to attend a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The House of Representatives Special Committee on Crude Oil Thefts has pledged to bring those involved in sabotaging Nigeria’s oil wealth, including political associates, to justice. The committee is determined to address vandalism and leakages in the oil sector.

Tony Okocha, former chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, has claimed that there is a plot to use Emeka Beke to undermine President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The APC National Working Committee (NWC) recognizes Okocha’s committee despite a court ruling reinstating Beke.

Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for not recognizing a court judgment regarding his reinstatement. Shaibu claimed he was instrumental in making Obaseki governor and asserted that Obaseki was not a politician.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed the authenticity of the 2023 presidential election results, stating there were no discrepancies between the results from polling units and those declared at the National Collation Center.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo dismissed claims about his Igbo paternity as laughable. He emphasized that Nigeria belongs to everyone and criticized calls for the Igbo to leave Southwest states.

President Tinubu has directed a reduction in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) deductions from government agencies in the aviation sector from 50% to 20%. This move is aimed at easing financial burdens and promoting autonomy.

The Nigerian government is working to resolve the dispute with Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment regarding the seizure of three presidential jets by a French court. The jets were seized as security for a claim related to a free trade zone contract dispute.

The APC in Rivers State criticized the National Working Committee’s response to the court ruling sacking Tony Okocha and reinstating Emeka Beke. The state party warned that the NWC’s actions could lead to anarchy and deter investment.