Good morning! Here are 10 things you need to know this morning:
1.
Nigerian troops on Tuesday confirmed
its major success in the Sambisa forest, Boko Haram’s stronghold, announcing that it has rescued about 293 women from the forest. At least, three major terrorists’ camps were also destroyed in the raid. Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade has however said that the identity of the freed victims and their origins could not be confirmed and that the military was not sure if any of the victim was from Chibok until thorough screening and proper investigations were carried out.
its major success in the Sambisa forest, Boko Haram’s stronghold, announcing that it has rescued about 293 women from the forest. At least, three major terrorists’ camps were also destroyed in the raid. Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade has however said that the identity of the freed victims and their origins could not be confirmed and that the military was not sure if any of the victim was from Chibok until thorough screening and proper investigations were carried out.
2.The
Senate on Tuesday passed N4.493tn budget for the 2015 fiscal year,
without provision for fuel subsidy in the document. It however approved
the N21bn set aside for the funding of the Subsidy Reinvestment and
Empowerment Programme.
3.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has overruled the directive by
President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari that his activities must not be
covered by AIT. Contrary to the order, the party said that all
accredited media organizations in the country, including AIT were free
to cover Buhari’s activities. It however warned against unprofessional
journalism, saying such will attract serious penalty.
4. Following
the bombing of TOA FM, a community radio station in Okene, Kogi state
where three persons were reportedly killed, the Acting Inspector-General
of Police, Solomon Arase, has ordered increased security presence
around media houses in the country.
5.
Over 2000 aides to the Bauchi State governor, Isah Yaguda have been
sacked. In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs,
Government House, Hashimu Yakubu, it was announced that all Special
Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Personal Assistants had been
fired with immediate effect.
6. Report says of the eight people
executed last night by the Indonesian authorities , four were Nigerians.
The victims were convicted for drug offences. They were killed by
firing squad.
7.
For his recent action of recalling Nigeria’s envoys to South Africa
without due authorisation, President Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the
permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Danjuma Sheni.
8.
The Ebonyi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), has
announced the suspension of five members of the party over what it
categorized as anti-party and rebellious behaviours of the members. This
was contained in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Ben Nwobasi and
Pastor Victor Nnali Elem, Chairman and Secretary respectively. The
suspended members include, Chief Austin Igwe Edeze, Prof. Francis Ibiam,
Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze, Mr. Ephraim Eze and Mr. Ngaji Nwodo.
9.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs top officials have pleaded with Nigerians to
forgive South Africans over their recent xenophobic attacks on
foreigners living in their country. The officials said that Nigerians
were not the main targets, confirming that only very few Nigerians were
affected in the attacks.
10.
Report says several motorists in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria
slept in different filling stations till this morning, struggling to get
fuel as acute fuel scarcity hit the city and other states across the
country.