Good evening.
Here is EKO HOT BLOG’s roundup of top stories in Nigeria today, September 1, 2024, featuring crucial election updates and political changes to developments in fuel pricing and public safety.
Bwala Suggests Removal of Defence Ministers Over Military Disunity
Former aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, has called for the dismissal of the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and Bello Matawalle (State), if the ongoing lack of cooperation between the Air Force and Army persists. Bwala expressed concern over what he described as “schoolboy errors” leading to bandits capturing the nation’s armored vehicles and munitions.
WTO Chief Okonjo-Iweala Warns Against Political Exploitation
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), issued a stern warning to political operatives using her for propaganda purposes. Okonjo-Iweala vowed to take action against those responsible for a statement attributed to her criticizing Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
Tafawa-Balewa Rejects Parliamentary System as Solution to Nigeria’s Challenges
Former PDP presidential aspirant, Abdul-Jhalil Tafawa Balewa, has rejected calls for Nigeria to adopt a parliamentary system of government. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Tafawa-Balewa argued that this would not solve the country’s socio-political and economic problems.
Defence Minister Matawalle Ordered to Lead Fight Against Banditry in Sokoto
The Federal Government has directed Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, along with other military chiefs, to relocate to Sokoto State to combat banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. This directive is part of an intensified effort to restore peace in the North-West region.
APC Sweeps Kebbi State Local Council Elections
The Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC) declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of all positions contested in the state’s local council elections. APC secured all 21 chairmanship and 225 councillorship seats in the polls, which involved 17 political parties.
NNPC Attributes Fuel Scarcity to Supply Costs
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has blamed rising supply costs for the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country. The company’s spokesperson, Soneye Olufemi, also linked the crisis to NNPCL’s $6 billion debt, which is affecting product supply.
Big Brother Naija: Radicals Pair Evicted from “No Loose Guard” Season
The Radicals pair has been evicted from the ongoing Big Brother Naija “No Loose Guard” season. The eviction, announced by show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, followed nominations from fellow housemates, leaving three other pairs still in the competition.
Wike Unapologetic About Working with APC Despite PDP Affiliation
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has reiterated his satisfaction with working under President Bola Tinubu and the APC government. Speaking at the PDP Congress in Port Harcourt, Wike, the only opposition member in Tinubu’s cabinet, emphasized that he remains unapologetic despite facing criticism.
Afrobeats Star Rema Donates N105 Million to Christ Embassy Church
Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, donated N105 million to a Christ Embassy church in Benin, Edo State, during a Sunday service. In a heartfelt gesture, Rema thanked the church for its support and credited it with keeping him spiritually grounded.