10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers Sunday morning, October 20, 2019

These 10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers will make your Sunday morning.

1. IMN Shiites strike conciliatory tone, offer dialogue with Nigerian govt ‘without condition’

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has said that the movement is ready for dialogue with the Federal Government without conditions. IMN interim leader, Yakubu Yahaya, made this comment on Saturday in Katsina at a press conference in place of the usual symbolic procession to mark the Arba’een (40th) day of the murder of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad who was killed on the 10th of Muharam. He stated that Shiites understood the government despite the fact that the government had failed to understand the movement.

2. 147 victims rescued from yet another Islamic ‘rehabilitation’ centre; are we in national crisis territory yet?

Yet another ‘rehabilitation home’ has been uncovered in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This makes the third of such discoveries in only the span of a month. The question on the minds of many Nigerians is just how widespread this rather uncivilized practice is within the region and possibly beyond. Many wonder how many more would be discovered were a coordinated search and rescue mission be undertaken by the federal and state governments.

3. Presidency denies claim on number of SIP beneficiaries

Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Mrs Maryam Uwais, has asked the public to disregard reports claiming that 6.6 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians were benefiting from the National Cash Transfer initiative. Media reports had quoted the presidential aide as saying that 6.6 million people were being paid the N5,000 monthly stipend.

4. HURIWA berates Buhari over ‘delay’ in prosecuting suspected killer herdsmen

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has taken a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari over his delay in prosecuting suspected killer herdsmen responsible for the death of several farmers across the country. The group, in a statement issued on Saturday, said there was a perception out there that the delay in bringing the killers to book was because majority of them belonged to Buhari’s ethno-religious affiliation.

5. Henceforth, we’ll seize cows of ‘bad elements’ among us who attack farmers —Miyetti Allah

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has warned its members in Nasarawa State against deliberate encroachment on farmlands, stating it was ready to expose bad elements. State chairman of the association, Mohammed Husaini, made this comment during a meeting with members on Saturday in Keana Local Government Area. Husaini said the leaders would expose the bad elements among them to the security agencies for immediate prosecution.

Read also: 10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers Saturday morning, October 19, 2019

6. INSECURITY: Army recruits 5,000 personnel

Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, has assured that Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other security challenges facing the country would soon be over as the Nigerian Army recruits 5,000 personnel. Olonisakin, who was speaking at the passing out parade of the 78 Regular Recruits Intake of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, said the recruitment would go a long way to tackle the security challenges in the country.

7. KOGI GUBER: I will never endorse Bello —PRP candidate

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Kogi State, Ayodele Ajibola, has dissociated himself from the supposed endorsement of Governor Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress for a second term in office. Recall that a coalition of 45 political parties had at a news conference last Wednesday, adopted Bello as their sole candidate for the November 16 election. Ajibola, while speaking with newsmen on Saturday in Lokoja, maintained that his party was prepared for the forthcoming election and would never make such endorsement.

8. EFCC arrests ministry’s Director for diverting staff salaries in Sokoto

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) on Friday arrested two officials from the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Sokoto State for allegedly diverting N6.7 million from the ministry’s coffers. Those arrested were Danladi Chindo, Director of Finance in the ministry and one Nasiru Umar. A statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said the duo were arrested for an alleged conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of the said funds.

9. CBN report suggests 7 banks might not survive heavy withdrawals

A Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Financial Stability Report for 2018 has shown that seven banks are not adequately funded if there was a bank run within 30 days. This came to light after the CBN’s Banking Industry Stress Test. Though the names of the banks were not revealed, what it means is that if customers were to make heavy demand within that time frame, the banks would have had funding difficulties. This does not mean the banks are in trouble, but that they are short of capital

10. Home Eagles lose to Togo on aggregate, fail to qualify for CHAN 2020

Despite a 2-0 second-leg victory over Togo, the home-based Super Eagles have crashed out of the race for the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The Hawks of Togo emerged winners of the tie on aggregate, having won the first leg 4-1 in Lome thereby carrying the day 4-3 overall. They, ahead of Imama Amapakabo’s boys, sealed their qualification for the 2020 tournament billed for Cameroon.

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