Top 5 Stories Of The Day | Nigeria Dismisses Allegations of Collusion with France to Destabilize Niger Republic

• Nigeria dismisses allegations of collusion with France to destabilize Niger Republic
• Ganduje urges nigerians to exercise patience as Tinubu’s reforms begin to yield results
• ₦2.7 trillion GenCos debt and frequent grid collapses hamper Nigeria’s 6,000mw powerplan
• NDLEA seizes 2.1 tons of cocaine in major drug bust
• Okupe asserts Atiku cannot become president in 2027 due to geopolitical considerations

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Nigeria Dismisses Allegations of Collusion with France to Destabilize Niger Republic

The Nigerian government has firmly rejected claims made by Niger Republic’s leadership, alleging that Nigeria is collaborating with France to destabilize their country.

Nigeria’s Information Minister labeled these accusations as baseless and a form of blackmail, emphasizing that Nigeria has not engaged in any alliance with France or any other nation to sponsor terrorist activities or undermine Niger Republic’s stability.

The Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as baseless and a form of political blackmail aimed at deflecting attention from Niger’s internal governance challenges.

These accusations come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, following the July 2023 coup in Niger and the subsequent economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Nigeria is a significant member.

Ganduje Urges Nigerians to Exercise Patience as Tinubu’s Reforms Begin to Yield Results

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on Nigerians to remain patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He acknowledged that the economic reforms initiated have caused discomfort but assured that positive outcomes are emerging.

Ganduje expressed optimism that by the next Christmas, the economy would have stabilized, leading to improved conditions for citizens.

₦2.7 Trillion GenCos Debt and Frequent Grid Collapses Hamper Nigeria’s 6,000MW Power Plan

Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a 6,000 megawatt (MW) power generation capacity has been thwarted by a cumulative debt of ₦2.7 trillion owed to Generation Companies (GenCos) and persistent national grid collapses.

These financial and infrastructural challenges have significantly impeded the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance electricity supply across the nation. This situation reflects deeper systemic issues in the power sector, including inadequate infrastructure, poor maintenance, and a lack of financial accountability.

The resultant electricity shortages have stifled industrial growth and worsened the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

NDLEA Seizes 2.1 Tons of Cocaine in Major Drug Bust

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine and apprehended four major drug lords.they were sentenced to various jail terms which totalled 28 years  This operation, conducted at a residential estate in Ikorodu, Lagos, marks the largest singular cocaine seizure in Nigeria’s anti-narcotic history.

The NDLEA stated, “The convicts—Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican—were charged with six counts between October and December 2022. Meanwhile, the trial of a fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday, arraigned alongside them, is still ongoing in court.

The charges include conspiracy to establish and operate a drug trafficking organization (DTO), management and financing of a DTO, as well as the importation and possession of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine, among others.

Additionally, properties in Victoria Garden City (VGC) and substantial cash amounts have been forfeited, highlighting the agency’s intensified efforts against drug trafficking.

Okupe Asserts Atiku Cannot Become President in 2027 Due to Geopolitical Considerations

Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is unlikely to become president in 2027.

Okupe argues that geopolitical considerations necessitate the presidency to be zoned to the South after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, making it inequitable for the North to reclaim the position.

 Okupe acknowledges that while Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is eminently qualified to run in 2027, geopolitical considerations make his candidacy unsuitable. He contends that Atiku’s bid could face challenges similar to those in 2023, where his candidacy was perceived as disrupting the North-South power rotation.

Okupe emphasizes that although the power rotation agreement is not enshrined in the constitution, it is a widely accepted practice aimed at promoting national cohesion. He asserts that the North should not terminate the South’s tenure in 2027, as it would be inequitable.

This perspective contributes to the ongoing debate about Nigeria’s power rotation between the North and South, a practice intended to ensure balanced representation and unity in the country’s diverse political landscape.

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