1. Trouble is escalating within the Senate as the Northern Senators Forum formally accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his associates of inflating the 2024 budget by a staggering N3 trillion. The forum announced its intention to escalate the issue to President Bola Tinubu for further action and investigation.
2. Amid the ongoing search and rescue operations by the military for the abducted schoolchildren in Kaduna, a glimmer of hope emerged as 28 out of over 200 abducted students managed to escape captivity. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Kaduna to assess the situation on behalf of the federal government and engaged in discussions with the parents of the remaining abducted children.
3. The late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wiwge, was bid farewell in a poignant ceremony attended by top government officials, business leaders, and prominent Nigerians. Tributes poured in for Mr. Wiwge, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s banking sector, leaving many mourners in tears.
4. In a shocking incident, the Police in Lagos State apprehended a mother for attempting to end the life of her ailing infant using the lethal insecticide known as sniper. The Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, reported the incident to the police, prompting swift action to prevent further harm to the child.
5. The Federal Government issued a directive requiring health workers intending to seek employment abroad to resign from their current positions before departing the country. Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, made the announcement during his visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, stressing the importance of prioritizing local healthcare needs.
6. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, raised concerns over the conduct of Levant Construction Company officials involved in the East-West Road reconstruction project. Umahi, during his inspection of the Sapele-Ologbo-Benin Road, threatened to terminate the contract due to reported misconduct by the construction company.
7. Despite ongoing threats of crackdowns on bandits and terrorists targeting schoolchildren, the security situation remains dire as 15 pupils were abducted from an Islamiya school in Sokoto State. This abduction follows the recent kidnapping of 287 schoolchildren in Kaduna State, highlighting the persistent threat posed by insurgents.
8. The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, asserted that only President Bola Tinubu possesses the authority to reopen the country’s borders. Adeniyi made this statement during an interaction with members of the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State, emphasizing the need for presidential approval.
9. Tragedy struck in Ubune-Ivbiaro community, Edo State, as gunmen fatally attacked Danjuma Emokpaire on his farm. The assailants ambushed Emokpaire as he was leaving the farm, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by rural communities in the region.
