Here are the Top 10 Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 3rd October 2024 – Latest Naija News Today
1. President Tinubu Departs for a Two-Week Break to UK
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left Abuja on Wednesday afternoon, heading for the United Kingdom for a well-deserved two-week vacation. This trip doubles as his annual leave and a time for reflection on Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.
Tinubu departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 2:30 p.m., in the presence of key government officials like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who were there to see him off.
This isn’t just a leisurely retreat, though. The president plans to use this time as a working vacation, balancing some downtime with important work. According to Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the president will continue to monitor and reflect on his administration’s progress, especially in economic reform. He’s expected to return to Nigeria as soon as his leave ends.
2. House of Representatives Rejects Tinubu’s Honour for Speaker Abbas
In an unexpected twist, the House of Representatives has expressed discontent over the recent honors awarded by President Tinubu. The President conferred the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). At the same time, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, received the lesser honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
This disparity sparked some heated debate within the House of Representatives. Many lawmakers viewed this as a slight, arguing that both chambers of the National Assembly should be treated with equal respect. A motion, supported by all 360 members of the House, was passed, calling for the abolition of the distinction between the “upper” and “lower” chambers of the legislature.
3. Ndume Urges Tinubu to Hire Military Contractors to Eliminate Boko Haram
Meanwhile, in response to renewed attacks by Boko Haram in Borno State, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of Borno South has urged President Tinubu to temporarily hire military contractors to assist in eliminating the terrorist group. This suggestion comes on the heels of a recent attack in the Ngoshe area of Borno, where six farmers were brutally killed and several others, including women, were abducted.
Ndume lauded the military’s ongoing efforts but pointed out that they were inadequately equipped to fully eradicate the insurgents. He suggested that mercenaries might offer the necessary support to finish the job, particularly in the most affected northern regions.
4. Nigerian Navy Seaman Dismissed After Court Martial
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the dismissal of ex-Navy Seaman Abbas Haruna following a court martial. Haruna was found guilty of disobeying direct orders and resisting arrest. His misconduct occurred during a military parade where he disobeyed a superior officer’s commands, leading to his arrest. When confronted, Haruna allegedly fired 16 rounds to prevent his arrest, a grave offense under the Armed Forces Act.
His trial, which took place between December 2022 and February 2023, concluded with Haruna being found guilty on several counts, including disobedience and resisting lawful arrest. Despite some public outcry, particularly from Haruna’s wife, the military has maintained that his trial followed due process.
5. Federal Government Gazettes New Withholding Tax Regulations for 2024
The Federal Government has officially gazetted new Withholding Tax Regulations for 2024. This regulatory update offers tax relief to many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under the new rules, businesses with an annual turnover below ₦25 million will be fully exempt from withholding tax, providing much-needed relief for the sector.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, announced that these changes could be applied as early as July 2024, pending approval by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
6. Amaechi Still Leader of APC in Rivers State, Says Beke
Despite his low profile in recent times, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi remains the leader of the APC in Rivers State. This was confirmed by the state APC Chairman, Emeka Beke, who assured party members that Amaechi’s silence should not be mistaken for withdrawal from politics.
Speaking during an event to present party flags to APC candidates for the upcoming Local Government elections, Beke affirmed that Amaechi remains a strong force within the party. The former minister, who has been noticeably quiet, is reportedly still very much engaged and supportive of the party’s activities.
7. Kaduna Governor Sani Reveals He’s Been Earning Half Salary
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State made a surprising revelation recently, sharing that he has been receiving only half of his salary since taking office in May 2023. Sani attributed this to the state’s financial struggles, specifically mentioning that Kaduna’s monthly allocation is being heavily docked to offset debts inherited from previous administrations.
In addition to his pay cut, Sani has implemented salary reductions for his cabinet, including commissioners and the deputy governor, to manage the state’s financial challenges more effectively.
8. PDP Lawmaker Defects to APC
In another political shakeup, Chris Nkwonta, a member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). His defection was announced by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during a plenary session on Wednesday. While the PDP called for Nkwonta’s seat to be declared vacant, Speaker Abbas argued that factional issues within the PDP justified the move.
9. Federal Government Appoints Fapohunda to Review Nigeria’s Laws
In a move aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s legal framework, President Tinubu’s government has appointed Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, to lead a working group focused on reviewing the country’s laws. This initiative comes as part of broader reforms to update and enhance Nigeria’s legal system, ensuring it is equipped to address current national and global challenges.
Fapohunda is no stranger to legal reforms, having played a key role in the development of laws like the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Judicial Remuneration Act. His appointment is expected to bring significant changes to Nigeria’s legal landscape.
10. Rivers Governor Declares Public Holiday for Local Elections
Finally, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays ahead of the state’s Local Government elections on Saturday, October 5th. The governor stressed that this move is in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling that no state should run its Local Government Councils without elected officials. To ensure voter participation, Fubara also ordered strict vehicle movement restrictions from midnight on Friday until 5 p.m. on election day.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Naija News on GoldenNewsNg today. See you again tomorrow