Good morning! Here is an in-depth look at today’s key stories from Nigerian newspapers, expanding on significant events that shape the news landscape this Friday:
- ASUU Warns of Shutdown Amid Electricity Crisis in Nigerian Universities
The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, has raised concerns about the impending collapse of Nigeria’s public universities due to the surging cost of electricity. Speaking at a national conference in Abuja themed “Nigeria in a State of General Crisis: The Search for a New Path to Development,” Osodeke highlighted the detrimental impact the rising cost of electricity is having on institutions. According to him, without immediate intervention, many universities may be forced to close as they struggle to keep their facilities running. - President Tinubu Submits Four Tax Reform Bills to House of Representatives
President Bola Tinubu has submitted four critical tax reform bills to the House of Representatives, urging their expedited passage. The bills, aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s tax structure, are designed to align with Tinubu’s broader economic agenda of boosting revenue generation while simplifying tax administration. The letter was read during Thursday’s plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, signaling the administration’s commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment. - Federal Court Bans VIO From Stopping or Impounding Vehicles
In a landmark ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), to cease stopping vehicles on the road, impounding them, and imposing fines on motorists. The ruling comes after numerous complaints from citizens regarding the arbitrary actions of the VIO, which the court deemed unlawful. - Death Toll Rises to 36 in Niger State Boat Tragedy
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed on Thursday that 20 additional bodies were recovered from the capsized boat in Mokwa Local Government Area, bringing the total death toll to 36. The boat, which was carrying Mawlid celebrants, capsized earlier in the week due to overloading, plunging the passengers into the river. Local divers, working alongside officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), have been engaged in recovery efforts, though hopes of finding more survivors have dimmed. - Arewa Consultative Forum Expresses Alarm Over Insecurity in the North
Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has voiced concerns over the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria. During a visit to Borno State, Dalhatu described the situation as “frightening,” warning that it threatens the very existence of northerners. His remarks followed a meeting with victims of the recent Maiduguri floods, where he also pledged support for the region’s recovery efforts. - ASUP Threatens to Shut Down Polytechnics Across Nigeria
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a stern 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to lock up all polytechnics if their demands are not met. The polytechnic staff union, after an emergency National Executive Council meeting, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to address issues ranging from salary arrears to inadequate funding for polytechnic education. - Kwankwaso Predicts Major Political Shift in 2027
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has predicted that Nigerians will demand a political shift in 2027 due to the prevailing socio-economic challenges. Speaking at an event where numerous All Progressives Congress (APC) members defected to NNPP, Kwankwaso emphasized that the current trajectory of governance will lead to widespread calls for change. - Rivers State LG Poll to Proceed Despite Protests
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has confirmed that the scheduled local government election for Saturday, October 5, will go on despite mounting opposition from loyalists of former Governor Nyesom Wike. The election has been a point of contention, with several groups calling for its postponement, but Fubara warned that any attempts to disrupt the process would be met with consequences. - Manhunt Underway for Gunmen Who Killed Two Police Officers in Anambra
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the murder of two police officers in Nnewi North Local Government Area. The attack occurred in Uruagu, where the officers were ambushed by unidentified gunmen. Authorities are intensifying efforts to bring the assailants to justice amid increasing concerns about the safety of security personnel in the region. - Security Foils Attempt to Siphon Diesel from Dangote Cement Plant in Ogun State
Security guards at the Dangote Cement plant in Ibese, Ogun State, thwarted an attempt by a gang of thieves to siphon diesel from heavy-duty trucks. One suspect, Odogwu Chibuzor, was shot while trying to escape, while three other members of the gang fled. The incident occurred on Thursday, and Chibuzor is currently in police custody.
