TheCable

The Punch reports that state governments’ debts to commercial banks have risen to N2.2 trillion amid worsening revenue challenges. The newspaper says at least eight persons have reportedly died while 11 persons are in critical condition, after allegedly taking alcoholic drinks in some parts of Ogun state.

The Nation reports that the national executive committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to ratify the choice of Abdullahi Ganduje as the national chairman of the party and Ajibola Basiru, former senate spokesperson, as the national secretary.

The Guardian reports that the south-east zone has lost N7.6 trillion in productivity and potential investments, to sit-at-home orders, within the space of two years. The newspaper quotes the APC as saying that a statement credited to Salihu Lukman, vice-chairman of the party in the north-west, as regards the national chairmanship position, was his personal view and did not represent the stance of the party.

Daily Sun reports that there is anxiety in the camps of major political parties as judgement day beckons at the presidential election petition tribunal, where the declaration of the president as winner of the February 25 election is being challenged. The newspaper says Afenifere, middle belt forum (MBF), and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, have raised concerns about the rising cost of living in the country.

Vanguard reports that President Bola Tinubu is yet to fulfill the 60-day constitutional provision for the president to submit names of ministerial nominees to the senate for screening and confirmation. The newspaper says parents, under the aegis of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), have appealed to the president to stop the increase in the fees of government-owned schools.