Read today's newspaper headlines [Tuesday, September 19, 2017]

THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

IPOB’s ban, link to terrorism unconstitutional, says Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday faulted the declaration of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation by the army and the proscription of the group by the south-east governors, saying both actions were taken in breach of the constitution.

CJN okays special courts for corrupt cases

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, yesterday announced a plan to create special courts solely for the purpose of hearing and speedily determining corruption and financial crime cases.

Southwest governors, monarchs insist on restructuring

Some Southwest governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and traditional rulers have joined other leaders in the region to canvass restructuring of Nigeria.

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VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

NASS may halt Presidency’s bid to present 2018 budget

The ambitious bid by the Presidency to present its budget to the National Assembly next month may not materialise after all, due to several factors, chief among which is the postponement of the resumption from vacation by lawmakers.

Anti-graft war: CJN okays special courts, judges to try alleged looters

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Monday, directed all Heads of Courts in the country to compile and forward to the National Judicial Council, NJC, comprehensive lists of all corruption and financial crime cases being handled by their various courts.

Forex: CBN to sanction erring banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has threatened to sanction any Deposit Money Bank (DMB) in breach of its earlier directive to open teller points for retail forex transactions and to have electronic display boards in all their branches, showing rates of all trading currencies.

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THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER

Reps chief whip attacks Saraki for saying IPOB ban illegal

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said the declaration by the Nigerian military that the Indigenous People of Biafra is a terrorist organisation is unconstitutional.

Northern govs visit S’East, move to stop reprisals, commend Ikpeazu, others

A high-powered delegation of the Northern Governors’ Forum, on Monday, visited the South-East states and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, with a message that despite the unfortunate incident in Abia State, steps had been taken to ensure that there were no reprisals in different parts of the country.

Bribe-collecting policemen handcuff passenger to vehicle after driver escaped

Some policemen attached to the Osun State Police Command have allegedly dehumanised a bus passenger at the Erinmo Ijesa end of the Iwaraja-Efon Alaaye Road, Osun State.

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THISDAY NEWSPAPER

Buhari Takes Heat off Nigerian Army, Signs Proclamation Proscribing IPOB

In a move to take the heat off the Nigerian Army and ensure that due process is followed, President Muhammadu Buhari has signed a presidential proclamation proscribing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the group’s involvement in terrorist activities.

ASUU Calls off Strike, Fuel Scarcity Looms as Tanker Drivers Down Tools

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) last night called off its over one-month strike after reaching an agreement with the federal government.

CBN Gives Banks Four-week Ultimatum to Open FX Teller Points

Banks that fail to comply with the directive before October 13, would among other severe sanctions be barred from all future CBN FX interventions.

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THE BUSINESSDAY NEWSPAPER

Nigeria has higher investment risk but beats sub-Saharan Africa peers on returns

Among Africa’s top three economies, it is Nigeria that offers both the highest risk and highest reward to foreign investors, according to a Risk-Reward index developed by global risk consultancy firm, Control Risks Group Limited.

Nigeria failing to maximise free trade benefits

As Nigeria turns down the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) proposed by Europe, checks show that the country is not making maximum use of various international trading agreements with many countries.

Multinational oil companies offer over $1billion in financing for new gas projects

This year alone, multinational oil companies have provided more than $1billion in alternative financing for gas projects in Nigeria, and experts say this may be a viable model to unlock the country’s gas potential.