Top Nigerian Stories (Featuring PENGASSAN, Supreme Court Verdicts, Tinubu, And More)

Good evening,

Here is EKO HOT BLOG’s roundup of top stories in Nigeria today, Friday, August 23, 2024.

Kidnapped NYSC Members Released

Eight members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were kidnapped on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State have been released.

The Director-General of NYSC, YD Ahmed, in a press briefing on Friday, advised Corps Members against traveling at night and reiterated the scheme’s commitment to the welfare and security of all members.

Supreme Court Dismisses Ajaka’s Appeal

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Yakubu Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), challenging the November 11, 2023, governorship election of Usman Ahmed Ododo.

In a unanimous decision on Friday, Justice Sadiq Abubakar Umar ruled that the appeal lacked merit and substance, as Ajaka failed to provide cogent evidence for his allegations.

Supreme Court Upholds Senator Douye Diri’s Election

Senator Douye Diri’s election as Governor of Bayelsa State has been upheld by the Supreme Court.

The apex court, in a judgment delivered on Friday, dismissed the appeal brought by Timipre Sylvia, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court ruled that the appeal lacked merit and was a gross abuse of the judicial process.

President Tinubu Swears in Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, pending her confirmation by the Senate.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, with key government officials and members of the judiciary in attendance.

Bandit Attacks in Niger State Leave 13 Dead

At least 13 people have been killed and several others injured in attacks by bandits on Bassa and Anguwan Magiro communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Niger State Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management confirmed the attacks, which have displaced residents, with over 12 neighboring villages currently seeking refuge in Erena IDPs camp.

PENGASSAN Raises Concern Over Indian Expatriates in Oil Industry

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has raised concerns about the increasing number of Indian expatriates in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo highlighted this issue during the closing of the 3rd edition of the Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja.

Naira Gains Against Dollar at Forex Market

The Naira appreciated against the Dollar in the foreign exchange market, closing the week on a positive note.

FMDQ data showed that the Naira strengthened to N1570.14 per dollar on Friday, a gain of N15.97 from Thursday’s exchange rate of N1586.11.

Police Deploy Helicopters to Rescue Abducted Medical Students

The Nigeria Police have deployed helicopters to aid in the rescue of medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos who were kidnapped along the Otukpo-Enugu Highway about a week ago.

Authorities are fully engaged in locating the 20 medical students and one house officer, with intensified efforts led by the Police Tactical Team from Force Headquarters.

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