Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 20th March, 2024

Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 20th March, 2024

1. Ikechukwu Nnadi, widely known as Andy Best in the Nollywood circles, has tragically passed away according to reports.

   Nnadi, who had been battling a prolonged illness, breathed his last at a private clinic in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, on Tuesday.

2. Days following the tragic loss of at least 16 soldiers and officers from the Nigerian Army in Okuoma community, Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

   In his briefing to State House correspondents post-meeting, Governor Oborevwori assured that the situation was being managed effectively, pledging that there would be no further assaults.

3. During a Senate session on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggested that the perpetrators behind the killing of soldiers in Delta State might be foreigners. The attack, which occurred on March 14th, claimed the lives of 15 Nigerian Army personnel during a peace mission to Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

   Expressing his views during a debate led by Senators Abdulaziz Yar’Adua and Edeh Dafinone, Akpabio speculated that the assailants could potentially be mercenaries, emphasizing that Nigeria is not engaged in a state of war. Consequently, the Senate directed its Committee on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to collaborate with military authorities to uncover the underlying reasons behind the “dastardly act.”

4. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Tuesday, denied bail to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony. However, the court ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.

   Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021, was brought to court on Tuesday.

5. The founder of Zugacoin, Bishop Sam Zuga, has criticized Benue State Governor Alia over his performance beyond healing, questioning his contributions to the state since assuming office.

   Zuga claimed he supported Alia financially during the 2023 election, suggesting his involvement contributed to Alia’s victory

6. Parishioners and residents of Ikot Ekang, a serene community in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, are in mourning following the heinous murder of Apostle Elisha Asuquo, the founder of the Mount of Solution Redeemed Church (MSRC), and Pastor Aniekan Ibanga.

   Gunmen, yet to be identified, stormed the National Headquarters of the Church around 7:30 pm last weekend, disrupting a Parish meeting and leaving devastation in their wake

7. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned that President Bola Tinubu will struggle to secure even two percent of the votes in the 2027 presidential election in the capital if he fails to intervene and stop the Minister, Nyesom Wike, from undermining the party.

   Party leaders made this assertion during a press conference in Abuja, expressing concern over the disregard shown towards APC members in recent appointments made by Wike.

8. The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution directing the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to establish a seven-man committee to investigate allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

   Recall that the House passed the resolution during plenary on Tuesday.

9. The Senate has expressed its intention to summon former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, concerning the N30 trillion ‘Ways and Means’ advances issued during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

   This decision comes in the wake of inadequate explanations from the current CBN leadership regarding the transactions.

10. The Abia State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed a bill to stop payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies in the state.

    The bill is entitled: “A Bill (H.A.B 11:) for a Law to Repeal The Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001 and for other Matters Connected Therewith” sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Okoro Uchenna Kalu.