Nigeria News Highlights – Monday, 4th December 2023
Greetings, esteemed readers. Ejes Gist News brings you a comprehensive overview of the significant events shaping Nigeria today:
1. Presidency Addresses Outrage Over COP28 Delegation List
The Presidency has been compelled to respond to the growing public outrage surrounding the list of 1,411 Nigerian delegates participating in the COP28 Summit in Dubai. Dada Olusegun, a presidential aide, took to social media to clarify that the summit is not exclusive to government officials or civil servants. Olusegun emphasized that the United Nations specifically requested diverse representation, with a substantial number of delegates being sponsored by international bodies such as the World Bank and the European Union.
2. Atiku Denies Relationship with Intels
Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has vehemently denied any association with the oil and gas logistics company, Integrated Logistic Services Nigeria Limited (Intels). In response to claims linking him to the firm, Atiku clarified that he divested his shares in December 2020 and officially severed ties with Intels in January 2021.
3. Tinubu’s Aide Explains Presence of 1,411 Delegates at COP28
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has shed light on the composition of the 1,411 Nigerian delegates attending the COP28 Summit in Dubai. Ajayi underscored that the delegation comprises not only government officials but also individuals from civil society and the business sector, each playing diverse roles beyond the realm of government representation.
4. SERAP Urges Akpabio to Reject N15 Billion Residence Plan
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has directed its appeal to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to reject a proposed plan to allocate N15 billion for the construction of a residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima. SERAP is emphatic in calling on the Senate to exercise its oversight function and reject unnecessary spending outlined in the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget.
5. Presidency Disassociates Tinubu, Atiku from NPA, Intels Deal
Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, has categorically disassociated both President Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from any ownership stakes in Integrated Logistic Services Nigeria Limited (Intels). In a statement titled ‘Quick one on NPA and INTEL,’ Olusegun dismissed reports suggesting their involvement in the oil and gas logistics company.
6. Araraume Criticizes Tinubu’s Appointments in NNPC
Former Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. Araraume, who previously held the position of NNPC’s board chairman, voiced disapproval of the appointment of Mele Kyari as CEO and Pius Akinyelure as non-executive board chair.
7. Tinubu’s Government Redeploys 135 Civil Servants
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has initiated the redeployment of 135 directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, and other officials within the Federal Civil Service. The reshuffling, outlined in a memorandum issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation on November 30, 2023, affects various ministries, departments, and agencies.
8. Peter Obi Criticizes COP28 Delegates’ Understanding of Climate Change
Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has taken aim at President Bola Tinubu for allegedly sponsoring 1,411 delegates to the COP28 Climate Change Summit in Dubai. Obi drew attention to disparities between China and Nigeria in terms of budget allocation per delegate, questioning the understanding of climate change by the Nigerian delegation.
9. PDP Questions Over-Bloated COP28 Delegation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised significant questions regarding President Bola Tinubu’s over-bloated COP28 delegation in Dubai. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the APC administration for what they perceive as wasteful and frivolous spending, particularly at a time when prudent resource management is crucial for infrastructural regeneration and economic revamping.
10. Federal Government to Disburse Presidential Grants, Loans
The Federal Government has announced the commencement of the disbursement of the Presidential Conditional Grant and the Presidential Palliative Loan to businesses. Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister for Industry, Trade, and Investment, highlighted that these programs are targeted to alleviate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies on Nigerians. The Presidential Conditional Grant Programme will disburse a grant sum of N50,000.00 to nano businesses across the 774 local government areas in the country.
11. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured victory in all 38 chairmanship and 177 councillorship seats during the local government election held in Ekiti State on Saturday. The electoral process encompassed all 16 local government areas, 22 Local Council Development Areas, and spanned across the 177 wards in the state.
That wraps up today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For a more in-depth look at these stories and additional news coverage, please visit Ejes Gist News.
