Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 19th December, 2021

Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Ezenwoko's Blog roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Sunday, 19th December 2021.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is set to hold a nationwide rally to protest against the plan by the federal government to remove the fuel subsidy on January 27, 2022.

Ezenwoko's Blog reports that the labour made this known in a communique released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday in Abuja.

The communique signed by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, and its Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, added that a national protest would take place in Abuja on February 1 2022.

The NLC said in case the government decides to announce new petrol prices before the proposed protests, the protest will kick off instantly in every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory without any other further notice.

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has again called out President Muhammadu Buhari over the state of affairs in Nigeria.

Ortom in a statement on Saturday told Buhari that all is not well with the country and the President needs to wake up to his responsibilities.

The Benue State Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur in which he congratulated President Buhari on the occasion of his 79th birthday said the country has been taken over by terrorists and insecurity is prevalent, contrary to what Buhari promised Nigerians in 2015.

Ortom lamented that killings and other criminal activities are going on in many parts of the country and Nigerians are no longer at ease.

An operative of the Department of State Service (DSS) has been abducted by unknown gunmen during an attack in Abaji, Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Ezenwoko's Blog understands that the suspected kidnappers carried out the attack on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

The armed gunmen were said to have invaded the community in their numbers and attacked a DSS outpost in the area.

The Chairman, board of directors of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings, Remi Babalola, has resigned his appointment, Ezenwoko's Blog reports.

This online news platform reports that this is coming days after billionaire businessman Femi Otedola acquired more shares to become First Bank major share holder.

The resignation of Babalola, who was appointed Chairman in April 29, 2021, has come as a surprise to many in the banking and financial industry.

The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal, states and local councils in Nigeria shared N675.946 billion from the federation account for November.

Ezenwoko's Blog reports that this was made known by the Acting Director, Information, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Olajide Oshundun, on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Oshundun, the federal government received N261.441 billion, while states and local councils got N210.046 billion and N155.456 billion, respectively.

Immediate past Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings, Remi Babalola has revealed why he resigned from his position.

Ezenwoko's Blog earlier reported that the resignation of Babalola, who was appointed Chairman on April 29, 2021, has come as a surprise to many in the banking and financial industry.

Babalola resigned from his appointment days after billionaire businessman Femi Otedola became the major shareholder of the company and stated that he has no plans to become the chairman or hold any key position in the company.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) says the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has not sent any disciplinary recommendations on the suspended Head of the Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari.

Ezenwoko's Blog reports that Kyari was suspended and probed over his alleged role in a $1.1m fraud committed by billionaire fraudster, Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi.

Kyari had earlier been indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), which recommended that the police officer be extradited to the United States to face trial.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and other top government functionaries were among the dignitaries that stormed Daura, Katsina State on Saturday for the turbaning ceremony of President Muhammadu Buhari's son, Yusuf.

Some other lawmakers as well as the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje were also in attendance at the event.

As earlier reported by Ezenwoko's Blog, Yusuf, son of President Muhammadu Buhari, is now the new District Head of Kwasarawa, Duara in Katsina State.

The Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Salihu Lukman, has asked leaders of the ruling party to stop bickering and engage in meaningful conversations and negotiations.

Lukman said APC leaders should make negotiations a top priority in order for the party to be victorious in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

He made this known in a letter alongside a publication dated December 16, addressed to the Caretaker Chairman of the APC and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni.

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim has visited the leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, at his Abuja residence on Friday, December 17.

Ezenwoko's Blog reports that different political groups have declared support for the presidential ambition of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

This development follows the public declaration of his intention to contest in the upcoming 2023 presidential election on the Peoples Democratic Party platform.

That's the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Ezenwoko's Blog. See you again tomorrow.