Welcome to the PUNCH newspaper roundup of headlines for this Saturday morning. Developments in security, politics, health, and crime dominate today’s news.
Leading the headlines is the call for the probe of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over his claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was bugged. Aides of the President and politicians, including former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as legal practitioners and security experts, called for El-Rufai’s probe over the claim, arguing that his confession on national television was sufficient grounds for prosecution.
Also, there is the story of no fewer than 36 Nigerians who were reportedly recruited to fight in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, with five confirmed killed. The revelation comes from a new investigative report exposing how vulnerable young men were lured abroad with false promises of employment and educational opportunities, only to be forced into military service.
Meanwhile, no fewer than three United States military aircraft landed in Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, findings by Sunday PUNCH have revealed. The aircraft, it was gathered, landed at military bases in Borno and other northeastern states. Senior officers at the Defence Headquarters disclosed that the aircraft carried ammunition sent to Nigeria by the American government.
Here are the quick reads you need this morning:
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is facing backlash over his claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was bugged.
Aides of the President and politicians, including former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as legal practitioners and security experts, called for El-Rufai’s probe over the claim, arguing that his confession on national television was sufficient grounds for prosecution.
El-Rufai, who appeared on Arise TV on Friday, disclosed that he learnt of an alleged plan to arrest him upon his return to the country on Thursday through a leaked conversation from the NSA’s phone.
Read the full story here.
No fewer than three United States military aircraft landed in Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, findings by Sunday PUNCH have revealed. The aircraft, it was gathered, landed at military bases in Borno and other northeastern states.
Senior officers at the Defence Headquarters disclosed that the aircraft carried ammunition sent to Nigeria by the American government.
The officers, in separate interviews with our correspondents, said the development was part of US interventions to support Nigeria in the fight against insecurity.
Read the full story here.
The All Progressives Congress has assured members and Nigerians that its forthcoming congresses and national convention will be transparent, credible, and reflective of internal democracy.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, expressed confidence that the upcoming processes would promote party unity and deepen grassroots involvement.
In its updated timetable, the APC fixed February 18 for the ward congresses, while the national convention is slated to hold from March 27 to March 28.
Read the full story here.
Suspected bandits on Saturday attacked communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing many people and abducting several others, while setting multiple houses, including a police station, ablaze.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the first attack occurred in Tunga-Makeri on Friday, where the bandits killed six residents and set homes on fire.
The assailants reportedly moved to Paso on Saturday after encountering little resistance from security forces, burning more houses and a police station.
Read the full story here.
The Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria has stated that the country has only about 2,200 registered obstetricians and gynaecologists, as seven million babies are born each year.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the Second Vice President of SOGON, Prof Christopher Aimakhu, said a population of over 240 million requires more than 7,000 registered and practising obstetricians and gynaecologists nationwide, stressing that the current number of specialists is grossly inadequate.
