Index to Nigerian Newspapers

President Bola Tinubu has dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet to Plateau State to foster peace and community harmony following recent violence. Essiet met with local leaders, including Christian clerics and Fulani representatives, and held a town hall in Jos to reinforce community-based peace structures. Her visit, part of a broader effort for inclusive engagement, follows escalating violence in the region and aims to mediate longstanding disputes. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also called for unity and forgiveness among citizens during a Thanksgiving service, emphasizing the need for collaboration to enhance security and stability in Plateau State. Additionally, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has distanced itself from violence, asserting its role as a lawful trade association committed to non-violence and socio-economic representation.

Nigerians living in the Diaspora have urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the persistent challenges associated with obtaining National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Nigerian passports abroad. The call was made by several Diaspora organisations, including the International Advocacy for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption, Concerned Nigerians in Germany, and the Nigeria Business Forum in Switzerland. Their joint statement follows the release of a comprehensive report detailing the recurring delays, inconsistent procedures, high costs, and logistical difficulties experienced by Nigerians overseas during NIN and passport processing. Based on a cross-country survey across Europe and North America, the groups highlighted systemic obstacles, prolonged processing times, and additional travel burdens imposed on applicants. They emphasised the need for full digitalisation of the identification and passport systems, improved funding for foreign missions, modern equipment, increased staffing, and clear operational guidelines. The organisations also warned that reliance on private agents has resulted in irregular fees, inadequate oversight, and widespread dissatisfaction. They recommended an integrated, secure, and technology-driven NIN platform that Nigerians worldwide can access directly at embassies without intermediaries. The appeal underscores the urgent need for administrative reforms to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in identity management services for Nigerians abroad.

President Bola Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party governors on Tuesday intervened to stop the impeachment moves against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The President conferred with the embattled governor and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, disclosed this shortly after the Nigeria Police Council met for the first time under the Tinubu administration. Both Wike and Fubara had attended the meeting which was held at the State House. However, photographs and videos capturing the moment were muffled by security operatives who threatened any media house that published them with eviction from the Presidential Villa. Some cameramen confided in The PUNCH that while others were asked not to take photographs and videos of the two men, those who had done so before the directive were asked not to publish them. This happened as the police arrested about 120 youths in Port Harcourt for protesting the moves to impeach the governor. Online videos showed the youth sitting on the ground at the premises of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau in Port Harcourt. Our correspondent gathered that among those arrested was the state Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Chijioke Ihunwo.

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, criticized the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, for urging United States President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s political issues. Wike accused Turaki of threatening national security and ignoring court rulings, calling the request a display of impunity. This critique followed a tumultuous situation at the Peoples Democratic Party national secretariat, which was sealed by police due to clashes between rival factions. Wike emphasized that instead of blaming external parties like Trump, Turaki should be held accountable for not adhering to court judgments, pointing out the lack of investigation into serious claims, such as genocide against Christians. The police action came after conflicting notices for a National Executive Committee meeting led to chaos, with each faction claiming legitimacy, escalating tensions further.