Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Saturday, 9th December, 2023

Top Headlines from Naija News, Saturday, 9th December, 2023:

1. Officers from the Nigerian Air Force have voiced their frustration regarding the recent airstrikes by the Nigerian Army in Tundun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

   The army’s drone attack occurred during the Maulud celebrations on Sunday night and resulted in over 120 deaths and more than 60 injuries.

2. The Kogi State governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, has stated that the recent election demonstrated the impossibility of a single senatorial district dominating the governorship race.

   Following the declaration of Usman Ododo as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Melaye, who finished third, shared his thoughts on the election.

3. A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to hold plenary pending the determination of the motion on notice.

   The court presided over by Justice J. K. Omotoso restrained the Rivers State Government from withholding funds meant for the Assembly and barred the National Assembly from taking over its functions.

4. The presidency has clarified that the Pullako initiative is the unique response of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a non-kinetic approach to the challenges in the North West.

   In a post via his official X handle on Friday, the Special Assistant to the president on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said the initiative would address the problems of kidnapping, banditry, and other challenges in the North West.

5. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged Nigerians to embrace alternative means of payment for their daily transactions as it raises alarm over the increased circulation of fake naira notes.

   In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson of the apex bank, Sidi Ali Hakama, detailed that counterfeit banknotes, especially the higher denominations, are currently circulating in food markets and other commercial centers across the country.

6. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for justice for the victims of the recent military airstrikes in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State, which resulted in over 100 deaths.

   The Sultan made this demand during his speech at the Silver Anniversary of the 11th Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Isa Muhammad, held at the Emir’s Palace in Kafanchan, Kaduna.

7. Igbo sociopolitical organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has claimed that two Southeast governors, senators, and Igbo leaders are hindering the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

   The group alleged that those behind the plot want the IPOB leader transferred to Kuje Prisons instead of being released due to the upcoming Anambra governorship elections.

8. Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration would restore peace in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State within the shortest possible time.

   Shettima gave the assurance on Friday when he played host to a traditional ruler from Mangu, the Mishkahan Mwaghavul, John Hirse, who led a team on a courtesy call to his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

9. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, revealed that her ministerial appointment was a result of a prayer by David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church.

   During her testimony at the ongoing Shiloh program of the church on Friday, Edu shared that she approached Oyedepo at the Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State international headquarters in 2022, seeking his prayers for her desire to become a minister.

10. The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has taken decisive action by suspending Lawal Ibrahim, the Principal of Government Day School in Dantankari, Dandume LGA, amid allegations of sexual assault against a female student. The suspension followed the filing of a report detailing the purported incident.

    A press statement from the Director of Press, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’adua, outlined that Governor Radda has directed the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the matter.