Welcome to Gistlover roundup of top and latest news headlines for today Tuesday, 2nd March 2021.
1. Akeredolu Bans NURTW, RTEAN in Ondo State, Gives New Directive
The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has banned the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) from all motor parks in the state.
The Governor also instructed both unions to immediately stop collecting dues and levies from commercial transport drivers in the state.
Akeredolu’s directives were issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale.
Odebowale explained that the new directive from the Governor is due to the leadership tussles in the union.
The tickets sold by the transport unions will now be taken over directly by government officials.
2. Give Buhari Credit for Tackling Insecurity Promptly – Presidency
The Presidency has stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government should be commended for tackling security challenges rocking the nation promptly.
This was stated on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today’ programme.
He stated that the Buhari-led federal government would tell Nigerians if it pays any ransom to secure the release of the over 300 schoolgirls abducted by bandits in Jangebe in Zamfara State.
Femi Adesina stated that the federal government is willing to do anything to secure the release of all Nigerians in captivity “without compromising the sovereignty of the country”.
3. DSS Releases Sacked Ganduje’s Aide, Salihu Yakasai
The Department of State Security Service (DSS) has reportedly released Salihu Tanko-Yakasai, a former spokesman to the Kano state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Yakasai’s release was confirmed by his elder brother, Umar Yakasai.
He disclosed that his brother is currently on the way home.
Another brother to Yakasai, Abdullahi, disclosed Salihu’s release via his Twitter handle.
4. Bandits Kidnapping Schoolchildren Is Better Than Killing Residents – Gumi
Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has described the kidnapping of schoolchildren by bandits as a lesser evil.
Speaking while featuring on BBC Pidgin on Monday, Gumi said kidnapping schoolchildren by bandits was a lesser evil compared to the invasion of communities and killing of residents.
The cleric also noted that his meetings with the bandits have started yielding positive results, saying bandits are now careful about human lives.
5. Gov Sule Raises Alarm over Regrouping Of Boko Haram Members in Nasarawa
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has raised the alarm over the regrouping of Boko Haram members in three local government areas of the state.
Speaking during an expanded Security Council meeting at the Government House, Lafia, on Monday, the governor asked the federal government to come to the aid of the state government.
The governor revealed that Boko Haram members are regrouping in Wamba, Nasarawa, and Karu Local Government Areas.
6. Why it’s Very Difficult to Speak Truth to Power in Nigeria – Peter Obi
The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, Peter Obi, has said that it is very difficult to speak the truth to power in Nigeria.
Obi made this known while speaking on Monday in Abuja at the launch of ‘Made in Aba’, a book written by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
The former governor of Anambra state added that Nigerians see being courageous enough to speak truth to power as an offence.
Obi asserted that some Nigerians always criticize him when he speaks in public or grants interviews, adding that his critics hate it when he speaks the truth.
7. APC Governors’ Forum DG Slams Buhari On Insecurity, Says Situation No Longer Acceptable
The Director-General of the All Progressives Governors Forum, Dr. Salihu Lukman has told President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently find a solution to the rising spate of insecurity and poverty in the country.
Lukman in his submission said poverty is feeding insecurity in the country and the government must find practical ways to deal with the issues.
The Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum in a paper titled ‘Poverty and Existential Problems of Nigeria’, which he presented in Abuja, on Monday said what the country needs is beyond blame games and partisan politics but workable solutions to lift Nigeria out of the current mess.
He, therefore, charged the leadership of the APC to also rise above partisanship comments and activities by providing leadership that will move Nigerians out of poverty.
8. Accident Involving Bauchi Governor’s Convoy Leaves Policeman in Coma
Some vehicles in the convoy of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed were on Monday involved in an accident.
Gistlover understands that a Toyota Hilux van conveying about ten members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) who were in the Governor’s convoy lost control while on top speed and somersaulted severally.
It was further learnt that the accident was caused by poor visibility on the road which is currently under construction.
The Governor was said to have been on an inspection tour of some of the on-going projects awarded by his administration.
However, immediately after the accident happened, people at the scene and others in the convoy rushed to save the life of the police officers but one of the officers was already discovered to be unconscious.
9. FG Opens Portal For COVID-19 Vaccination E-registration
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to register for COVID-19 vaccination via the portal of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
In a tweet via its Twitter handle on Monday, the government asked Nigerians to visit the NPHCDA website and register for the vaccination.
“Please visit the website and click on ‘COVID-19 Vaccination e-registration’ to register for #COVID19 vaccination,” the tweet read.
10. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Officially Resumes As WTO DG
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Monday officially resumed at her new office.
Gistlover reports that she is expected to address the global economic crisis at the WTO.
The former Minister of finance was appointed after Brazilian career diplomat, Roberto Azevedo last August resigned, a year ahead of schedule.
Okonjo-Iweala who had spent 25 years at the World Bank was finally anointed by the WTO’s 164 members on February 15.
That’s the latest news headlines for today Tuesday, 2nd March 2021. Read more Nigerian news on Gistlover website. See you again tomorrow.
