10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers Thursday morning, November 7, 2019

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

1. Buhari’s govt has abandoned Rivers —Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has pleaded with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to forgive the state for any wrongdoing which may be the reason for the supposed federal neglect it currently suffers. He made this plea during the maiden delivery of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to downstream investors, Stockgap Terminal by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Bonny in Port Harcourt. The governor noted some issues believed to have warranted federal neglect of the state. Read more

2. ‘Only God is Excellent’, call me ‘Mr Governor’ henceforth ―Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced his decision to drop the title ‘Your Excellency’ for ‘Mr. Governor.’ In a statement on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu said he preferred to be addressed simply as ‘Mr Governor’ to foster close ties with the people of Lagos whom he has been elected to serve. He added that “Only God, the Almighty, is the Most Excellent.” Read more

3. AGF Malami scraps asset recovery committees; strips EFCC, ICPC of powers

Asset recovery and tracing committees set up by the Federal Government have been scrapped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. The Minister, in a Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette Vol. 106, No 163, titled, ‘Asset Tracing, Recovery and Management Regulation 2019’, dated October 29, 2019, also stripped the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences (ICPC) of the power to seize assets. Read more

4. Controversial bill to increase VAT from 5 to 7.5% passes second reading in Senate

A bill which seeks to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent Wednesday passed second reading in the Senate. The bill, which has generated much controversy in the country, was passed for second reading amid complaints by some senators that they were not given copies of it and did not know what the proposed legislation contained. The bill entitled ‘Nigeria tax and fiscal law, 2019’ was sponsored by Yahaya Abdullahi, the Senate Majority Leader. Read more

5. N2.1BN FRAUD: Maina’s request to be transferred from police custody denied

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by Faisal Maina to be relocated from the custody of the Nigeria Police Special Tactical Squad to the Nigerian Correctional Service facility. Faisal and his father, Abdulrasheed, the former Pension Reform Task Team chairman are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 12 counts bordering on operating fictitious bank accounts, money laundering, and fraud to the tune of N2.1billion. Read more

Read also: 10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers Wednesday morning, November 6, 2019

6. Lawmakers investigate N126bn unclaimed dividends in capital market

The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into unclaimed share dividends in the capital market valued at over N126.03bn. This was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by Babangida Ibrahim at the plenary on Wednesday, entitled, ‘Need to Investigate the Rising Value of Unclaimed Dividends, Unremitted Withholding Tax on Dividends and their Attendant Effects on the Nation’s Economy.’ Read more

7. Nigerian roads ‘not that bad’, negative reports ‘mere hype’ —Fashola

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Wednesday described reports on the poor state of Nigerian roads as mere hype. He also said that Nigerian roads were not as bad as they were being portrayed. In a chat with State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he said: “I know that this (discussion) is going to be your headline, but the roads are not that bad. Read more

8. #SexForGrades: Bill against sexual harassment in varsities passes second reading in Senate

A bill seeking to address the sexual harassment of students in tertiary educational institutions Wednesday passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate. This follows a recent national outcry over new revelations around demand for sex in exchange for grades in some universities. The lawmakers during plenary debated over the Bill for an Act to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment of students and for other matters connected with it. Read more

9. Akwa Ibom varsity sacks 8 lecturers over sexual harassment, extortion

At least eight lecturers of the Akwa Ibom State University have been sacked by the university authorities over alleged sexual harassment and extortion, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said on Tuesday. Ibanga disclosed this while briefing journalists on the activities lined up for the 4th and 5th combined convocation at the institution’s main campus in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state. Read more

10. 5 and not 13 students killed in Kogi State University —Police

Police have confirmed that five students of the Kogi State University, Ayangba have been killed. The Kogi police command on Wednesday made this known in a statement to correct false reports claiming that about 13 students had been killed in the month of November. Read more

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