Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things to know this Monday Morning, August 14

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

• SERAP Legal Proceedings: Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for their proposed allocation of N110 billion for bulletproof cars. This has sparked public outrage due to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

• Lawsuit Details: The lawsuit (case number FHC/L/CS/1606/2023) was filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos. SERAP seeks a mandamus to compel Akpabio and Abbas to revise the N40 billion budget for luxury SUVs and bulletproof cars, also requesting an injunction until a socio-economic assessment is conducted.

• Concerns over Fuel Subsidy Removal: Pastor Tunde Bakare, Senior Pastor of the Citadel Global Community Church, expressed concerns about the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians and urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize fighting corruption and the nation’s well-being.

• Sule Lamido’s Critique: Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the situation in Niger, expressing skepticism about his actions and decisions.

• APC’s Declining Popularity: Pastor Tunde Bakare cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) about its decreasing popularity, as observed in the 2023 general election compared to previous years.

• Akeredolu’s Medical Leave: Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is still on medical leave in Germany, despite a viral video suggesting his return. The Chief Press Secretary clarified his recovery status.

• Diplomatic Resolution with Niger Coup Plotters: Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, recommended diplomatic engagement with coup plotters in Niger, following ECOWAS directives to prepare for possible troop mobilization.

• Adeboye’s Denial: Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God refuted allegations that he consults demons before preaching, inviting the congregation to pray for him to die before sunrise if guilty.

• Government Denies Panel for Parastatal Boards: The Nigerian federal government denied setting up a panel to reconstitute parastatal boards, responding to media reports.

• Niger Coup Leaders’ Dialogue with ECOWAS: Coup leaders in Niger agreed to engage in dialogue with ECOWAS following negotiations with Nigerian Islamic scholars, led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, seeking resolution for the political situation in the country.