Odogwublog’s Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 30th April, 2020

Good Morning, Nigeria, Welcome To Odogwublog Roundup Of Top Newspaper Headlines In Nigeria For Today Thursday, 30th April 2020

1. COVID-19: El-Rufai Must Refund Workers 25% Salary Deduction – NLC Says

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sent a strong warning to the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai against his purported plans to remove 25% from the salaries of civil servants earning above 67,000.

The union also asked El-Rufai to return the deducted amount to those already affected or face action from the Union.

2. Jonathan Reacts As FG Opens Fresh Investigations Into His Bank Accounts

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to the report that the federal government has requested for some of his bank statements.

The request was reported to have been made by Abubakar Malami, the attorney general of the federation, to help an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as it concerns investigations on some individuals reportedly involved in the Process & Industrial Developments Ltd gas deal.

3. Alleged Fraud: Court Reject Maina’s Bail Review Request

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the request by the Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina to further review the conditions attached to the bail granted him on November 26, 2019.

Odogwublog learnt that Maina who is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on money laundering related charges, has been unable to meet the condition attached to the bail.

4. Nigerian Man Arrested By Police For Alleged Blasphemy Against Prophet Muhammad

The Police Command in Kaduna State has arrested a man identified as Mubarak Bala for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad in a Facebook post.

Odogwublog understands Bala was arrested at his residence in Kaduna followed a petition against him by a group of lawyers.

5. IMF Approves $3.4 billion Emergency Withdrawal As Support For Nigeria

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday approved the sum of $3.4 billion as requested by the Nigerian government for emergency support.

The approval was granted after a meeting of the IMF executive board where it discussed Nigeria’s request for emergency support under the rapid financing instrument.

6. Ebonyi Records Another COVID-19 Case

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has confirmed that the state recorded the second index case of COVID-19.

According to Umahi, the 27- year-old patient was intercepted at Ishieke in Ebonyi Local government Area with his seven- month- old pregnant wife and a maid when coming into Ebonyi from Delta State in a bus.

7. Sanwo-Olu Gradually Eases Lagos COVID-19 Lockdown

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday announced the gradual and controlled easing of the lockdown in the state.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a media briefing at the Lagos State Government House, Marina.

8. COVID-19: Buhari Govt Reveals When Banks, Offices Can Open

The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has disclosed that bank branches in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT will be opened to customers from Monday, May 4th, 2020.

Odogwublog recalls that President Buhari had on Monday announced the gradual easing of the lockdown imposed on Lagos, Ogun and Abuja to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19).

9. Federal Government Launches Campaign Against Drug Abuse And Mental Pressure

The Federal Government has launched a special campaign titled “I Choose Life Campaign” to address mental and emotional pressures that could push youth into substance abuse during COVID-19 lockdown.

Odogwublog understands that Mr. Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mrs Lere-Adams Adjobome, Director Press of the ministry, in Abuja.

10. UK Prime Minister Welcome A Baby Boy With Fiancée, Carrie Symonds

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a baby boy.

Odogwublog understands that the lovers welcomed a “healthy baby boy at a London hospital on Wednesday, they said in a statement.