Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 31st July 2024 can be accessed below
1. Lagos High Court Restricts Protests to Designated Parks
A Lagos High Court has restricted protesters to two designated parks—Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu—for the proposed August 1 nationwide protests. The decision follows a preemptive application by the Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, aimed at maintaining public safety and preventing potential property damage. The ruling is in response to concerns about possible unrest similar to the EndSARS protests of 2020.
2. FG Declares Prisons ‘Red Zones’ Ahead of Nationwide Protest
Ahead of the August 1 nationwide protest, the Federal Government has declared all 256 custodial centers across the country as “red zones,” warning against any unauthorized access. Controller General of Corrections Haliru Nababa emphasized that these facilities are critical national assets, and any attempt to disrupt them could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
3. Some Salary Earners Exempted from Personal Income Tax
The Federal Government has announced that certain categories of income earners will be exempt from paying personal income tax. Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, explained that the exemption applies to both public and private sector workers, as well as self-employed individuals. Oyedele noted that those earning more than five million naira monthly would still be required to pay taxes. The committee aims to raise the threshold for withholding tax from ₦25 million to ₦50 million through legislative approval.
4. Former SGF Babachir Lawal Urges President Tinubu to Reshuffle Cabinet
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has called on President Bola Tinubu to revamp his cabinet by incorporating more politicians and technocrats. In a statement on Tuesday, Lawal expressed concerns over the nationwide protests and government warnings against participation. He urged Tinubu to address the nation with clear and persuasive policies aimed at alleviating current economic challenges. Lawal criticized the Senate’s leadership, warning of a potential uprising if issues are not addressed.
5. Minister Festus Keyamo Grounds Arik Air Operations
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has grounded the operations of Arik Air due to an outstanding $2.5 million debt. The decision was enforced by a Federal Capital Territory High Court order. Arik Air CEO Roy Ilegbodu expressed disappointment, stating that the grounding would negatively impact passengers, the airline, and the Nigerian economy. Ilegbodu urged the Minister to reconsider the decision, arguing that it violates court processes.
6. Protest Organizers Reject IGP’s Proposal for Confined Demonstrations
Organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protest, planned for August 1-10, have rejected a proposal by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for confined protests. During a meeting, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and other representatives insisted on street processions before gathering at designated locations. The organizers emphasized the need for police to focus on preventing disruptions by thugs, asserting that the protests are peaceful.
7. Atiku’s Spokesman Criticizes President Tinubu’s Leadership
Paul Ibe, spokesman for former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as a curse on Nigeria. He refuted former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose’s claim that overpopulation is to blame for Nigeria’s economic woes, instead blaming poor leadership and policies by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Ibe also accused Fayose of mismanaging funds during his tenure, contributing to poverty in Ekiti State.
8. Senator Ireti Kingibe Demands Apology from Minister Nyesom Wike
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has demanded an apology from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over his remarks threatening to unseat her in 2027. The two have been at odds since assuming office. Kingibe criticized Wike’s comments, stating that they were inappropriate and called for an apology to move past their disagreements.
9 Federal Government Suspends Import Duties and Taxes on Essential Food Items
In response to rising inflation, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has suspended import duties and taxes on certain essential food items. This move is intended to make these goods more affordable for Nigerians amid economic challenges. Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi announced the initiative, highlighting the government’s efforts to ease inflation. The NCS has also streamlined export processes to boost trade and create opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
10. Senator Ndume Rejects New Office Allocation in National Assembly
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has rejected a new office allocated to him by the Senate Services Committee. Ndume, recently removed as Chief Whip of the Senate, cited the allocation as not reflecting his seniority. In a letter to the committee, he emphasized that offices should be assigned based on seniority, noting his position as the most senior senator after Sen Ahmad Lawan.