Nigeria’s Top News Headlines For Tuesday, September 10th, 2024

Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to today’s Naija News roundup for Tuesday, 10th September 2024. Here are the top newspaper headlines:

1. AGF Fagbemi Warns Anti-Graft Agencies Against Unjust Arrests The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has issued a warning to anti-corruption agencies, urging them to avoid arresting suspects without conducting thorough investigations. During a roundtable discussion hosted by the ICPC, he emphasized the need for strong evidence before taking legal actions. Fagbemi also proposed that convicted individuals should not be eligible for state pardons as a deterrent to corruption.
2. DSS Arrests NLC President Joe Ajaero Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was arrested by DSS operatives on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while on his way to the UK. His arrest, which was later confirmed by the NLC, has sparked outrage, with the union demanding his immediate release.
3. No VAT Increase – Finance Minister Clarifies Finance Minister Wale Edun has denied rumors of a VAT increase from 7.5% to 10%. He reassured Nigerians that the rate remains unchanged, emphasizing that government policies are aimed at fostering economic growth and reducing poverty.
4. Labour Party: No Automatic Tickets for 2027 The Labour Party’s NEC has announced that Peter Obi and Alex Otti will not receive automatic tickets for the 2027 elections. The party stated that nominations would be open to all eligible candidates, refuting claims of favoritism.
5. TUC Condemns Ajaero’s Arrest The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has criticized the Tinubu administration over the arrest of Joe Ajaero, describing it as unjust and a violation of human rights. The TUC has called for his immediate release.
6. FG Clarifies Relationship with China Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar stated that Nigeria’s relationship with China is based on mutual understanding and national interests, denying claims of exploitation.
7. Abure Accuses Obi and Otti of Betrayal Labour Party chairman Julius Abure has accused Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of betraying the party. He also blamed the mismanagement of campaign funds on former campaign officials Doyin Okupe and Akin Oshuntokun.
8. NLC Issues Red Alert Over Ajaero’s Arrest Following an emergency meeting, the NLC condemned Ajaero’s detention and demanded his immediate release. The union placed all affiliates on high alert, warning of further actions.
9. PDP Reveals Sponsors of #EndBadGovernance Protest The PDP has claimed to know the sponsors behind the August #EndBadGovernance protests. The party criticized the government for focusing on protesters rather than addressing national hardships.
10. Peter Obi Responds to Abure’s Allegations Peter Obi has expressed disappointment with Julius Abure’s accusations, calling them politically motivated. Obi’s camp has dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading.