TOP 10 NEWS MAKING THE ROUNDS IN NIGERIA TODAY, THURSDAY

TOP 10 NEWS MAKING THE ROUNDS IN NIGERIA TODAY, THURSDAY

 

1. President Buhari To Visit Maiduguri, Borno State

The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari is set to pay an official visit to Maiduguri, Borno State on Thursday, 18th August.

It is understood the President last visited Borno State on December 23, 2021.

During Thursday’s visit, President Buhari is expected to unveil projects including humanitarian support to vulnerable persons, commission teachers quarter in Bukumkutu ward and 500 resettlement houses in Molai executed by the state government.

The President is also billed to pay homage to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Ababukar Umar Garbai Ibn El-Kanemi.

2. Nationwide Blackout In Nigeria As Electricity Workers Go On Strike

Nigeria has been thrown into a nationwide blackout as electricity workers in the country commenced a strike on Wednesday to push the federal government to respond to their demands.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah confirmed that the electricity workers under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) switched off several 330kV transmission lines and 33kV feeder lines on Wednesday.

The union members switched off major power substations across the country.

The TCN however added that it is already negotiating with the affected union members on how to resolve the situation.

Electricity workers under the aegis of NUEE are protesting the non-payment of outstanding arrears owed to former workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the suspension of conditions of service and career path for workers among others.

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3. Electricity Workers Suspend Nationwide Strike

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on Wednesday evening called off its nationwide strike.

The union took this decision after an emergency meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

Members of the union across the country had earlier shut down their offices leading to power outage across the country.

The electricity workers under NUEE and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEC) after the meeting agreed to suspend the industrial action.

The Secretary General of NUEE, Joe Ajaero while addressing newsmen after the meeting said they had been asked to suspend the strike action.

Ajaero expressed hope that the government would act in good faith on the issues in dispute which have lingered for years.

4. Tinubu Visits Obasanjo, Holds Closed Door Meeting

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, held a closed-door meeting with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

The presidential candidate met with Obasanjo as part of his consultation ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The chopper of the former Governor of Lagos State landed at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Oke Mosan, Abeokuta around 1 pm.

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun who was on the ground received Tinubu, while his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and former governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel also welcomed their leader.

Tinubu immediately went straight into the closed-door meeting with Obasanjo.

Others at the meeting were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, former APC Chairman, Bisi Akande, Nuhu Ribadu and others.

5. Ologbondiyan Speaks On Gov Wike Inviting APC Members To Commission Project

Former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kola Ologbondiyan has reacted to the decision of the Rivers State Governor to invite members of the opposition party to commission projects in his state.

According to Ologbondiyan, Governor Wike is known for inviting members of the opposition party to commission project, adding that its not because of the crisis in PDP.

He recalled that Wike had once invited the former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha and Senator Ali Ndume to commission projects.

Ologbondiyan further stated that Wike’s decision at that time was not condemned by people, he wondered why people are suddenly attacking him.

Speaking on Wike’s meeting with Peter Obi, Ologbondiyan said the former Governor of Anambra State could be meeting with him because of vote.

6. Details Of Governors’ Meeting At Aso Rock Emerge

Members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum on Wednesday, held a meeting at the State House Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

The governors met over the state of the nation’s economy, insecurity, and healthcare, among other issues.

The meeting comes weeks after the governors met with President Muhammadu Buhari in July and suggested 33 urgent steps to prevent the nation from economic collapse.

The Governors at their meeting on Wednesday, pledged to progressively allocate more resources to primary health care.

This was disclosed by the chairman of the forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

7. 2023: I Will Tell You Who To Vote For – Wike Tells Rivers People

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, said he will tell the people of Rivers who to vote in the 2023 general elections.

Wike, in his statement, said he knows all the candidates contesting in the 2023 race very well.

He further stated that some people want to be Governor without an agenda.

Wike said he owes the state a lot for giving him the opportunity to lead for two terms.

The Peoples Democratic Party Governor vowed to stand against anyone that will take the state astray, describing such people as armed robbers.

Wike stated this while speaking at the commissioning of the remodelled Waterlines Building in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

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8. 2023: Wike, Ortom, Others Won’t Put Atiku, PDP At Risk – Ologbondiyan

The former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, on Wednesday, dismissed the claims that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, will put the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar at risk.

Ologbondiyan, while speaking on the crisis rocking the PDP, said he is confident that Wike would not take steps that would hinder Atiku from winning in 2023.

The PDP Chieftain also noted that the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who have senatorial ambitions, would also work in favour of the party.

Ologbondiyan said he does not see them aligning with another political party ahead of the 2023 general election.

He further stated that Governor Wike remains a member of the party until he decides to pick the card of the All Progressives Congress or any other party.

9. Stop Mortgaging Nigeria’s Future With Borrowings, Atiku Tells Buhari

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has slammed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu, over his comment on the Federal Government’s borrowings.

Adamu during an interview on Trust Television on Monday justified the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s recurrent need to borrow.

He noted that the federal government can borrow from here to eternity because loans are the source of the country’s infrastructure.

Adamu argued that countries like the US and the UK borrow funds from international financial institutions to meet their needs and Nigeria is no exception.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday night by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the statement made by the APC national chairman is reckless and unwise.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate said it is disheartening that Adamu was still advocating reckless borrowing amid the economic challenges facing the nation.

Atiku said despite his earlier warnings against borrowing, Adamu was still talking about mortgaging Nigeria’s future with borrowings.

10. 2023: Please Be Patient – Babangida Sends Message To Nigerians

Former military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida has urged Nigerians to seek God’s help in the country’s political activities.

Babangida, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Minna on Tuesday.

The former head of state who will be turning 81 in August 2022 implored the citizenry to have faith in the unity of the country and remain resolute that things will get better.

He said “I plead with us to be patient with one another and be prayerful for God’s intervention in our socio-economic and political activities,” he said.

“We need to continue to sensitise people on how to live in peace and harmony for peace, progress and for the continuous existence as a nation.”

He also called upon the media to promote unity and peace in the country and amongst Nigerians.