Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things to know this Saturday, Morning, December 30

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

1. Ondo State 2024 Budget Approval: The Ondo State House of Assembly approved the 2024 appropriation bill totaling N395.257 billion during a plenary session held just two days after the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

2. Swift Legislative Action: The approval came swiftly after the acceptance of the report from the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, presented by Chairman Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.

3. Collaborative Burial Arrangements: Southwest Governors Forum, consisting of governors from Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti states, is collaborating with Ondo state to organize a fitting burial for the late Governor Akeredolu. Plans include establishing a joint committee for overseeing arrangements.

4. Governor Abiodun’s Announcement: Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, representing the governors, made the announcement during a condolence visit to the Akeredolu family, with notable figures like Ademola Adeleke, Abiodun Oyebanji, and Oyo state deputy governor Bayo Lawal present.

5. PDP Leader’s Convoy Attack: Chris Uba, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), faced an attack on his convoy in Anambra state, resulting in the death of two policemen. Uba managed to escape in his bulletproof vehicle.

6. Tragic Car Crash in Imo State: Eight individuals, reportedly members of the same family, lost their lives in a car crash at the Amanwozuzu junction in Imo State’s Ikeduru local government area on December 29.

7. Amnesty International’s Critique: Amnesty International criticized the Bola Tinubu-led government over attacks in Plateau that claimed over 190 lives. Reports indicate increasing tension and fear of fresh attacks in Bokkos local government.

8. Libel Suit Against Onyeama: Former Nigerian Ambassador Onoh Lilian filed a libel suit in the U.S. against Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, accusing him of using a New York-based online newspaper to defame her character.

9. Senator Ibrahim’s Perspective on Akeredolu’s Death: Ondo South Senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, stated that the death of Rotimi Akeredolu is not painful to him, expressing assurance that the former governor is in heaven.

10. Police IG’s Directive on Plateau Attacks: Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the relocation of AIG Zone 4 to Plateau State following recent attacks. The directive came after the IGP’s meeting with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other stakeholders in Jos.

11. Yerima’s Revelation on Presidential Ambition: Former Zamfara Governor Ahmed Yerima revealed how ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo asked Ibrahim Babangida to persuade him against running for the presidency before the 2007 elections.

12. Tinubu on Peace in South-East: President Bola Tinubu emphasized the federal government’s commitment to using available resources to establish peace in the South-East geopolitical zone during the unveiling of the Peace in South-East Project and the Thanksgiving Service/Homecoming ceremony for Deputy Speaker Chief Benjamin Kalu.