Weekend Review Of Saturday Daily Hint News

Weekend Review of Saturday Daily Hint News

1.SUPREME COURT CAN ACCEPT FRESH EVIDENCE – ATIKU TELLS TINUBU

Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has told President Bola Tinubu that the Supreme Court can accept fresh evidence of alleged forgery in his challenge of the outcome of the February 25 election. The Supreme Court will commence hearing on Atiku’s appeal on Monday.

2. APC WILL TRIUMPH IN KOGI, IMO AND BAYELSA GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION – GANDUJE

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has expressed confidence that the party will triumph in the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial election in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states. Ganduje stated this while speaking with newsmen at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, after being hosted by the Kebbi State governor, Dr. Nasir Idris.

3. FG REVEALS NIGERIANS WHO WILL NOT ENJOY CASH TRANSF

The Federal Government is set to commence cash transfers in the country to alleviate poverty across Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu-led government would transfer the money directly to the beneficiaries through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and not through consultants.

The first batch of bulk payments would begin next week for five million households.The Conditional Cash Transfer scheme is part of the National Social Investment Programme of the Federal Government, which is a project created to change the lives of millions of Nigerians living in extreme poverty, upgrade their standards of living and improve the economy.

4. PROPOSED N160 MILLION SUVS FOR LAWMAKERS VIOLATE RMAFC’S LAW – REPORTS

National Assembly’s proposed N160 million Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for legislators violates the prescribed package for lawmakers by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), findings revealed. 

There have been a series of controversies over the planned vehicle acquisition, considering the current economic satuation in the country. However, despite the opposition both in the political space and by concerned Nigerians, the National Assembly has maintained it is buying “operational vehicles” for all the 469 members.

The federal lawmakers are said to have rejected cheaper Sedan and Salon cars and chosen instead expensive luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs), thereby violating the revenue package put together for them and other public office holders by the RMAFC.

5. TINUBU REVEALS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF FUEL SUBSIDY WAS NOT REMOVED

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, revealed that the policies and programmes of his administration are aimed at achieving a fairer, better and honest society.

The President stated this while speaking during an audience with a delegation of South-West Muslim faithful, led by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Tinubu, sacrifice is needed for the country to make progress.

Tinubu further stated that Nigeria would have collapsed if the fuel subsidy had not been removed.

6. OHANAEZE FUMES, ACCUSES GUMI OF INSTIGATING THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

The Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has accused popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, of instigating a religious war in the country with his recent outburst on Christians and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Gumi had earlier this week said it was dangerous to entrust Nigeria’s national security to Christians and Southerners.

He asserted while condemning Wike for receiving the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria in his office and planning to collaborate with Israel over security issues in Abuja.

Gumi also accused the FTC Minister of planning to make Abuja an extension of Tel Aviv, stressing that bearded Muslims in the city would be tagged Osama Bin Ladin and killed.

7. YOU ARE JEOPARDISING OUR RECONCILIATION PROCESS, STOP SUPPORTING LAWLESSNESS – BARUWA TO LALONG

The president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa has accused the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong of exhibiting bias in the ongoing reconciliation process.

Baruwa claimed that Lalong is favouring the Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede-led faction of the Union.

He made the allegation via a statement issued by the General Secretary of the Union, Comrade Anthony Asogwa Chukwudi, in Abuja.

Baruwa stated that the Minister held a secret meeting with the Agbede faction of the Union on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and allegedly advised them to arrange a fresh National Quadrennial Delegates Conference.

8. COMMANDS, FORMATIONS ON ALERT AS IGP CONDEMNS BENUE BANK ROBBERY, KILLINGS

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the recent armed bank robbery in Otukpo, Benue State, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives of both Police Officers and innocent civilians.

Daredevil armed robbers had attacked some banks in Otukpo, Benue State, on Friday, killing three police officers and some civilians.

In a statement on Saturday, Police Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the killing as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.

According to him, the IGP extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims affected by this senseless act of violence.

9. WE ARE STRUGGLING TO PAY SALARIES, THERE IS NO MONEY ANYWHERE – FG

The Federal Government has announced that it is experiencing enormous challenges and revenue deficit amid a growing population.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu said that the government is finding it hard to pay salaries.

Speaking in Abuja, the Minister called on non-governmental organisations to help the government cover the spaces it could not.

Bagudu, represented by the ministry’s Director of International Cooperation, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, lamented that Nigeria’s population is fast increasing, adding that unemployment is surging amid a high inflation rate.

10. ISRAELI GOVT SHUTS DOWN AL JAZEERA OFFICE OVER REPORTS ON HAMAS WAR

The Israeli government has reportedly approved emergency regulations that grant the authority to close the office of Al Jazeera news channel in Israel.

These regulations also allow for the confiscation of all equipment belonging to the news channel. Israeli public broadcaster, KAN, noted in a publication on Saturday that the Al Jazeera office is facing strict action due to concerns that its coverage poses a threat to Israel’s national security.

The Israeli i24 news website has also quoted an Israeli statement claiming that Al Jazeera broadcasts propaganda in support of Hamas in both Arabic and English, reaching audiences worldwide.

Though Al Jazeera has refuted these allegations, it has yet to respond to the latest decision made by the Israeli government as of the time of filing this report