Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Truetells Nigeria roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Monday, 14th June 2021
1. Again, Obasanjo Writes Open Letter To President Buhari
A former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has again taken to his notepad and pen to write an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obasanjo, who wrote about the current state of the nation, urged Buhari’s government to come to terms with the level of insecurity, herdsmen crisis in the county and take decisive decisions before it’s too late.
Truetells Nigeria reports that he also cited four calamities waiting to happen if the current administration failed to act immediately.
These include letting Nigeria fall into the hands of suspected criminals, reprisal attacks on Fulanis, attacks on other ethnic groups, as well as series of uprisings in sections of the country.
2. Boko Haram: Some Powerful Countries Behind Nigeria’s Security Challenges – Al-Mustapha
A former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Gen. Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd) has shared strategies on how the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major-General Farouk Yahaya can end Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.
Al-Mustapha stated that the Army must employ the strategy of speed and surprise if he wants to defeat the insurgents within the shortest possible time.
This is as he revealed that some powerful countries are responsible for the small arms proliferation and insecurity in Nigeria because of their selfish interests.
He added that these countries have been executing their ‘evil plans’ since 1972.
He spoke on Sunday in Abuja during a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in which he described the new COAS as a younger brother.
3. Why APC Has Not Given Nigerians The Change They Desired – Oyegun
A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun has declared that Nigerians have not gotten the type of change they desired when they voted for the party against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Oyegun however expressed optimism that the APC will be able to meet the yearnings of Nigerians.
Explaining why the party has fallen below expectations, the former APC national chairman submitted that economic downturns experienced in Nigeria and globally affected the party’s plans for Nigerians.
He spoke during a book launch titled, ‘APC’s litmus test, Nigerian democracy, and politics of change’, written by Salihu Lukman, director-general, Progressives Congress Forum (PGF).
He said “economic forces” have disrupted the good intentions the party had before it took over from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.
4. I Can’t Bring Down Palace For Herdsmen – Akeredolu Faults Open Grazing
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s call for the continuation of open grazing for herdsmen.
Truetells Nigeria recalls that 17 southern governors had after a meeting in Delta State imposed a ban on open grazing in the region.
But President Muhammadu Buhari had directed states to revive cattle grazing routes across the country.
Speaking at a June 12 Memorial Lecture in Akure, Akeredolu stated that things have changed and the system used in the First Republic can no longer work.
5. Probe And Arrest Abacha, Abiola’s Killers – Fani-Kayode To Buhari
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to investigate the killing of MKO Abiola and former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
Truetells Nigeria reports that the PDP chieftain stated this in a post on his Twitter page.
According to Fani-Kayode, the individuals involved in the killing of the duo must be brought to book no matter how highly placed.
6. Biafra: Ngige Reveals Those Causing Chaos In South-East
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has accused elites of using propaganda to cause chaos in the south-east region.
Speaking at an emergency stakeholders meeting of the Association of Eze Ndigbo in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Ngige accused the elites of using propaganda against the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
According to the former Anambra governor, stated that the South-East had gotten a fair share of what is due to the zone, especially infrastructure wise.
7. Herdsmen: Benue Anti-grazing Law Won’t Be Repealed – Ortom
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has maintained that his administration would not repeal the anti-grazing law in the state.
The Benue governor stated this on Saturday during a media parley to celebrate his second year in office.
Recall that Ortom had on May 22, 2017, signed the Benue anti-grazing law that prohibits the movement of livestock on foot within the state — following a series of clashes between herders and farmers.
The state has witnessed a series of attacks, with recent attacks happening in Katsina-Ala LGA and Agatu LGA.
Speaking to newsmen, Ortom stated that his administration his set to strengthen the anti-grazing law.
According to him, recent attacks in the state have triggered him to activate the vigilante groups to complement security agencies.
8. Gunmen Attack Police Station, Kill One Officer In Akwa Ibom
A Sunday morning attack by some gunmen in Akwa Ibom has claimed the life of a mobile police officer, Naija News reports.
Reports revealed that the criminal group stormed a police station in the Ini Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of today and shot dead a mobile police officer in a gun duel that reportedly lasted several minutes.
A source who confirmed the incident to newsmen with a plea not to be mentioned, said one of the assailants identified as Imo Udo, was arrested while others escaped with bullets wounds.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Odiko Macdon, said the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, has ordered men of the Operation Restore Peace to go after the fleeing members of the gang.
9. Stop Scaring Youths Away, Respond To Their Demands – Catholic Archbishop Tells FG
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari-led government against suppressing the voice of the youths.
Truetells Nigeria understands that the cleric stated this while delivering a sermon during the dedication of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nyanya, Abuja on Sunday, June 13.
Kaigama lamented the suppression of the voice of citizens and youths on the streets during the June 12 democracy day celebrated on Saturday (yesterday). The cleric insists that scaring away the youths who are clamouring for positive change in Nigeria is not a solution to the crises in the country.
He also called on the Federal Government to systematically focus on farming and animal husbandry, rather than placing so much emphasis on oil as the primary source of national revenue.
10. Netanyahu Ousted As Israel Gets New Prime Minister After 12 Years
Power has changed hands in Israel after the country’s parliament voted a new government ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hold on power for the last 12-years.
Truetells Nigeria understands that the newly voted-in Israeli government would be led by right-wing nationalist Naftali Bennett of the Yamina party.
He will lead an unprecedented coalition of parties which was approved with a razor-thin majority of 60-59.
Bennett will be prime minister until September 2023 before handing power over to Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid, for a further two years.
According to the BBC, Netanyahu will remain the leader of the right-wing Likud party and become the leader of the opposition.