The rape scandal rocking founder and pastor of a popular Church in Nigeria and the
controversy surrounding the plan to build settlement for herdsmen are some of the leading
in Nigerian newspapers on Monday.
ThisDay reported that the senior pastor of the Commonwealth or Zion Assembly (COZA),
Biodun Fatoyinbo, has cancelled the church’s upcoming week-long programme as protests
seeking his dismissal gather momentum.
Channels TV said protesters stormed the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) in Abuja
over the rape allegation against the Founder of the church, Biodun Fatoyinbo.
Bearing placards with inscriptions such as ‘Thou shall not rape’, and ‘Your pastor is not your
God’, the protesters are calling on the pastor to step down, and be investigated, among
other things.
The Guardian said that as the controversy rages over the plan to settle herders, the
Presidency has reeled off reasons why this move has become inevitable.
The defence of the scheme also referred to as Ruga, came from Senior Special Assistant
on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, saying: “The Federal Government is planning this in
order to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers as
well as herders.’’
The Punch reported that primary health centres are on the verge of extinction with many
of them not functioning, while others are dilapidated due to neglect by the state and
local governments.
The Nation said that with the apparent resolution of the contentious positions of Senate
principal officers, the battle appears to have shifted to lobbying for juicy committees.
The Sun said that barring any last-minute intervention by the Federal Government, the
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has resolved to commence an indefinite
nationwide strike, which will cripple activities at the nation’s seaports from July 3, 2019.
The Tribune said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that
no amount of media campaign against its Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, will stop the
prosecution of the former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
MM/GIK/APA