The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has said it rescued 10 pregnant women from a baby factory operated by a 56- years-old suspect, Eunice Eze.

The Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia in Uyo on Tuesday.

Ayilara said that the suspect, who specialises in running a baby factory at World Bank estate in Owerri was arrested on July 15, at 4:30pm through actionable intelligence.

On July 15 at about 4:30pm, based on actionable intelligence, Mrs Eunice Eze f age 56yrs was arrested for running a baby factory at World Bank Estate in Owerri.

The suspect specialises in stealing babies and pregnant women from Akwa Ibom through her agent, Ability Tom, Ayilara said.

The commissioner said that the police also arrested a wanted kidnapper in the state.

He said that the kidnapper and his group had been responsible for kidnapping and killing of several persons in the state. Ayilara said that the police recovered two AK-47 Rifles, two G3 Rifles, one double barrel Rifle, five magazines and seven live ammunition. He added that the firearms used by the kidnapper and his syndicate were recovered at a private mortuary, being used as the armoury at Ekeya in Okobo Local Government Area of the state.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has increased the benchmark lending rate to 26.75 per cent.

The hike in the Monetary Policy Rate was disclosed by the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, at the end of the 296th MPC meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The MPC had maintained a hawkish stance to tame inflation since it resumed meeting this year and thus far, it has hiked rate by more than 500 points.

The rate was raised to 26.25 per cent in May.

However, with inflation moving to 34.19 per cent in June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the headline inflation increased by 0.24 per cent relative to the May 2024 headline inflation rate which was 33.95 per cent.

On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.40 per cent points higher than that of June 2023 (22.79 per cent).

Also, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in June 2024 was 2.31 per cent, which was 0.17 per cent higher than the rate recorded in May 2024 (2.14 per cent) meaning that the rate of increase in the average price level was higher in June than in May.

Repeatedly, the CBN governor has maintained that the MPC members were committed to price stability and were willing to keep tightening until inflation is tamed.

Multiple reports from investment houses had projected that the MPR would be hiked,

Cowry Asset Management, in its weekly report, projected a 25bps to 50bps hike in interest rates, while the Meristem report anticipates a 100 basis point increase in the monetary policy rate to 27.25 per cent while likely keeping other parameters unchanged. Overall, we anticipate that the committee will prioritize inflation control and capital inflow sustainability, crucial for maintaining a stable exchange rate system, and accordingly, implement a rate hike to achieve these objectives.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has suspended its plan to embark on strike to protest the new scheme of service approved by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.

Chairman of the union, Federal Poly, Offa chapter, in Kwara State, Dr Atilola Moses Idowu, disclosed this to newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday.

He said the institution is in full session following the suspension of the strike action on Monday.

The decision to suspend the strike action was taken at the unions NEC emergency meeting on July 22, 2024, to review its position on the controversial new scheme of service approved by the NBTE.

The NEC resolved to suspend the earlier scheduled industrial action in recognition of the fact that the demands of the union have been met substantially, a statement by the National President of the union, Shammah Kpanja, stated.

The statement appreciated the productive intervention of the Federal Minister of Education and the receptive disposition of the Executive Secretary of the NBTE in arriving at the decision as well as the media for being worthy partners.

Our correspondent reports that the two weeks ultimatum which was to expire on Monday, July 22, 2024, involved vexed issues in the new scheme of service for polytechnics as released by the NBTE on June 19, 2024.

The union has reviewed the document and identified several positions that fundamentally altered the tertiary education system of polytechnics in the country, and deepened the condemnable and age long discrimination against holders of the Higher National Diploma certificates.

The new scheme of service, according to the union, distorted employee relativity in the Nigeria polytechnic system and unnecessarily expanded the overheads of the institutions, among others misgivings.

The union, therefore, demanded a suspension of the implementation of the contentious provisions and the commencement of a thorough review through a stakeholders engagement process.

The 15-day ultimatum was to provide the government ample time to address the grievances of the union or face diverse forms of industrial action by the aggrieved members.

Our correspondnt gathered that the unions leadership, was invited to a tripartite meeting with the leadership of the NBTE and Federal Ministry of Education on July 19, 2024, where it was resolved that the implementation of the flawed document on the new scheme of service be suspended and a review process be initiated in line with the demands of the union.

The Hon. Commissioner for Transport Imo State Hon. Dr Chika Benson Abazu in an effort to reposition the Ministry and align it with key Federal Government programmes and Initiatives paid a working visit to the Hon. Minister of Transport at the Transport Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. Discussions during the visit centred on potential areas of collaboration, including but not limited to:- Capacity building and training for staff of the Ministry, Infrastructure development and projects financing opportunities, Technology transfer and innovation in transportation, Policy harmonization and regulatory framework

The Hon. Commissioner who used the opportunity of the meeting to intimate the Hon. Minister of the activities of the Ministry under leadership of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Imo State Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma in line with the 3R mantra of the administration invited the Minister and Management of the Ministry to strengthen the capacity of the the State Ministry through technical assistance, capacity building and projects/program financing and inclusiveness.

The Hon. Commissioner opined that this is the only way the Sub-national governments can leverage on the vantage position the Federal Ministry to execute projects and initiatives that will drive economic growth.

The Hon. Minister in his welcome statement thanked the Hon. Commissioner for the visit and pledged to work with Imo State in the execution projects. He extoled the good relationship he has with the Governor of Imo State Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma whom he described as an achiever.

The Ag. Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transport Mr. Pius Imoistikhe thanked the Hon. Commissioner for the visit and requested that the Hon. Commissioner furnish the Federal Ministry of Transport with proposed projects and programs of Imo State Ministry of Transport for the Ministry to see to their execution.

The Hon. Commissioner promised to furnish the Minister with a detailed proposal of the Imo State Ministry of Transport’s projects and programs. The meeting ended in a convivial note with a group photograph.

Engineer Bismarck Lumanze has been overwhelmely endorsed for chairmanship position for Owerri North local Government Area in the forthcoming LG election.

This was contained is a statement issued in Owerri yesterday, by the office of the Director- General Bismarck Emmanuel Campaign Organisation (BECO).

The endorsement was expressed on Friday, 19th July 2024, as members of his community, friends, associates and members of his political party queued behind to pick his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

His excited supporters who trooped out in their numbers were seen clapping and singing solidarity songs, as he picked his nomination form.

“They were thrilled and delighted to hear that their esteemed son, friend and associate had gone to pick up the nomination form for Owerri North local government Chairmanship election

“This was a momentous occasion for our community, and I am proud of Engr. Bismarck for taking this bold step towards leadership. His dedication, passion, and commitment to our community’s development are truly inspiring”, an elder statesman in the LGA said.

He continued: “I have no doubt that Engr. Bismarck will bring positive change, progress, and prosperity to our local government. His leadership will be a beacon of hope and a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and genuine love for Owerri North.”

“Let us all rally round Engr. Bismarck and support his candidacy with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.”

The Nigerian Senate has passed the Police Act Amendment Bill 2024, seeking to amend the Police Act of 2020. The Bill was sent to the upper chamber yesterday by President Bola Tinubu.

It was reported that the Police Act Amendment Bill proposes changes to the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, IGP.

The bill sought to increase the retirement age of police officers from 60 to 65 years and their tenure of service from 35 to 40 years.

The new Police Act Amendment bill will enable an appointed Inspector General of Police remain in office for four years.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday sent an Executive Bill to the House of Representatives seeking to amend the Nigeria Police Act in accordance with Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The amendment, as it was learnt, seeks to alter the Police Act in relation to the appointment and tenure of the Inspector General of Police, IGP.

The bill sought to amend the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (Principal Act) to enable the person appointed as IGP to remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment.

The bill seeks that Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by adding a new subsection (8A) (8A) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.

Here is another executive bill. The message reads as follows:

“Transmission of Nigeria Police Act Amended Bill 2024, the House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, said while reading the correspondence at plenary. Tinubu’s letter read, Function to Section 58 sub section 2 of the Federal Constitution of Nigeria as amended I forward here the above bill for consideration and passage by the House of Representatives.

“The Nigeria Police Amended bill 2024 seeks to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 with respect to appointment and tenure of the Inspector General of Police and related matters. While hoping that the House of Representatives will consider this submission in its usual expeditious manner, please accept, RT Honorable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration”

The bill has been passed for a second reading and sent to the Committee on the Whole.

Currently, the Act said that an officer considered for the position of Inspector General of Police must have at least four years in service.

However, the President did not take that into consideration in the appointment of Kayode Egbetokun, the current IGP.

Egbetokun is said to be due for retirement in a few months.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has apologized to the Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for rebuking her.

Last week Thursday, Akpabio had cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan on the floor of the Senate, saying she was not in the night club.

The Senate was in session when Akpabio said those in favour of the second reading of a bill to say Aye, while those against should say Nay.

The Nay response came the loudest and as the Senate President contemplated his next action, Akpoti-Uduaghan rose to explain why she and some others were against the second reading of the proposal.

“Mr President, we dont want it to be killed. We just want a bit of modification. We don’t want the bill killed but there should be slight modification”

Responding to her, Akpabio said, “You see Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We’re not in a nightclub”

However, Akpabio has said his night club remark was reported out of context.

Speaking on the floor of the Senate yesterday, the Senate President said: “We are still learning, even those of us who have been in the Senate for 16 years, we are still learning”

“But in the cause of speaking with one of my distinguished sisters on not speaking when not recognized, I made reference to the fact that we are not in a night club where people have to shout above the noise of the music”

The social media went agog, my wife called me that they published her number and she received around 2,000 to 3,000 calls per day.

“I’m happy with the interest generated by Nigerian’s with what goes on in this chambers because we are here for their interest.

“The communication was totally misunderstood, instead of making meaning with what we said, they went into private abuses; I don’t want to say what they did to me.

“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman, I have a wife and four daughters and I always pray that God will lift a girl to the highest zenith in Nigeria politically and in business. So Senator Natasha I want to apologize to you if you felt offended.

“There is nothing I will say that would not be misrepresented, I felt I should tender a public apology to you”, the Senate President concluded.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has voiced his support for the Dangote Refinery, urging the Nigerian government to resolve ongoing conflicts and provide necessary assistance for the project’s success.

In a statement yesterday via X, Obi emphasised the critical importance of the refinery to Nigeria’s economic future. The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling, Obi stated.

He stressed that the issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances and is fundamentally about Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

Highlighting the refinerys potential impact, Obi said, The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.

He underscored its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis and boosting foreign exchange earnings.

He said, “The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare”

Obi praised Aliko Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial landscape, describing him as a national and African brand symbolising patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship. He pointed out Dangote’s diverse industrial portfolio, which spans over 15 sectors including cement, sugar, fertiliser, and petrochemicals.

Alhaji Dangote’s unwavering dedication to Nigerias industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, despite adversities, warrants full support and protection, Obi said.

He argued that given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, enterprises like Dangote Industries should be regarded as national treasures, meriting robust support and protection.

The former Anambra State governor called on the Federal Government to recognise the significance of Dangote’s contributions and provide all necessary support, particularly for the refinery.

“The success of Dangote is intrinsically linked to the success of Nigeria and Africa”, Obi said, warning that its failure would be a significant setback for both the country and the continent.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated yesterday that the proposed nationwide protest was ill-advised, urging the citizens to abandon the plan.

His comment was in response to social media campaigns mobilising for a nationwide protest slated for August 1 due to the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking during a meeting with commissioners of police in Abuja, Egbetokun noted that the country has its fair share of violent protests with dastardly consequences.

The IG added that the last #EndSARS protest aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts

He said, Before concluding this address, “it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks. Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategising and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

“While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder. As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences. The last #EndSars protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, and the loss of several lives.

“Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise. Rather than lead to any positive outcome, EndSars merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country. Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests”, IGP added.

He, urged the citizens to jettison the proposed protest, adding that the police have the responsibility to protect citizens and their properties.

Egbetokun said, “Hence, our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities. We will therefore not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleash violence on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again”

Egbetokun stated that measures are in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters will be apprehended.

He said, “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians. Consequently, I want to seize this opportunity to sound the note of serious warning to hoodlums who may want to take laws into their own hands in the name of protests. Do not worry”

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr. Afam Osigwe, has emerged as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

Osigwe, SAN, who previously served as General Secretary of the association, polled a total of 20, 425 votes to defeat his major challenger, Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe who polled 10, 998 votes, while a former Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the NBA, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), got 9,018 votes that were cast for the position.

Other national officers of the NBA that emerged from the election that commenced by 12am on Saturday, July 20 and ended by 11:59pm, are: Mr. Sebastine Anyia as the 1st Vice President of the association, Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun as 2nd Vice President and Mrs. Zainab Garba as the 3rd Vice President.

Others are: Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara as the General Secretary, Mr. Henry Ehi the as Assistant General Secretary, Mrs. Blessing Udofa-Poroman as the Treasurer, Mr. Nyada Auta as the Welfare Secretary, Mrs. Bridget Edokwe as the Publicity Secretary, while Miss Ebiere Ekpesie polled 26, 955 votes to emerge as the Assistant Publicity Secretary.

Whereas Mr. Augustine Ike, Mr. Daniel Ka-Ayii Kip, Mr. Ejia Ibe, Mr. Micheal Onuorah and Mr. Obi Anizoba, were elected as representatives of the General Council of the Bar (Eastern Zone), Mr. Tijjani Magaji was elected the sole representative of the Northern zone in the Council, while Mr. Isreal Lagbamue, Mr. Kingsley Asagba, Mr. Olukunle Edum, Mr. Precious Nwadimuyah and Mr. Sulayman Dawud, were elected as representatives of the Western zone.

Announcing the election results yesterday, Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA, ECNBA, Mr. Oluseun Abimbola, SAN, who is a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, noted that though a total of 72, 059 lawyers were eligible to participate in the electoral process, however, only 40, 656 ballots, representing 56.4%, were cast.

He disclosed that a total of 3,945 ballots were opened but never cast during the election that was done electronically.

Abimbola, SAN, said a total of 233, 524 text messages were exchanged between the committee and the voters, a total of of 655, 652 emails sent out, with 3,923 calls received from the help lines.

The ECNBA Chairman said his committee never received any official communication that any of the candidates that contested in the election, withdrew before the process was concluded.

In his speech, the outgoing President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, implored those that lost at the poll to take the outcome in good faith and join the winners to move the association forward.

On his part, the incoming President of the legal body, Osigwe, SAN, while appreciating his opponents, said he would run an inclusive administration that would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection and promotion of rule of law in the country.

Meanwhile, one of the presidential candidates, Ikwuazom, SAN, had midway into the election, announced his decision to withdraw from the process which he alleged was compromised to favour predetermined outcome.

In a statement, Ikwuazom, SAN, said: It is with a heavy heart that I, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, (SAN), announce my decision to withdraw from the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association Presidential race.

“This decision has not been made lightly but is necessitated by a series of alarming developments that have compromised the integrity of the electoral process. Since the commencement of voting earlier today, my supporters and I have observed disturbing patterns that do not align with the actual votes cast.

“It has become increasingly evident that the integrity of the electoral process has been compromised. Despite the overwhelming support from my dedicated supporters, the reported figures do not align with the true expression of our votes.

“It would appear that the system has been manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome, consistently placing me in third position.

“As a candidate committed to upholding transparency and the rule of law, I cannot in good conscience continue to participate in a compromised electoral process.

“Therefore, I am withdrawing from the presidential race effective immediately. While today marks a sombre moment for our bar, let us remain resolute in our commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity within our noble profession.

“Together, we must continue to strive for a bar association that is free from manipulation and true to the aspirations of its members”, Ikwuazom concluded.

A senior advocate of Nigeria and former general secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, emerged as the president-elect in the 2024 NBA election.

The 2024 NBA election was held online and was monitored by our correspondent.

The Voting began at 12am on Saturday and ended at 11.59 pm with the live results for all positions presented at https://go.ecnba.org/results/

As of the final compilation at 12:40 am on Sunday, Osigwe secured 20,435 votes, defeating his closest rival, Chairman of the NBA-Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, Tobenna Erojikwe, who garnered 10,998 votes while former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), got 9,018 votes.

Osigwe is set to succeed the outgoing president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).

In other positions, Sabastine Anyia emerged as the 1st Vice-President with 12,114 votes, while his closest rival, Bartholomew Aguegbodo, garnered 6,864 votes.

Mrs Bolatumi Animashaun won the 2nd Vice-President position with 26,534 votes, defeating Pius Oiwoh, who scored 11,121 votes.

For the 3rd Vice-President position, Mrs Zainab Garba won with 23,550 votes, while her closest rival, Michael Olorunmola, got 13,897 votes.

Dr Mobolaji Ojibara emerged as the General Secretary with 25,713 votes, while his rival, Abdulwasiu Alfa, received 11,730 votes.

Henry Ehi won the Assistant General Secretary position with 28,552 votes, defeating Oluwaseun Aka, who got 8,317 votes.

Mrs Blessing Udofa-Poromon secured the Treasurer position with 17,998 votes, defeating her closest rival, Mbamala Chukwuemeka, who garnered 9,825 votes.

Also, Nyada Auta won the Welfare Secretary position with 18,369 votes, defeating Oaikhena Osagie, who scored 12,855 votes.

Mrs Bridget Edokwe won the Publicity Secretary position with 19,542 votes, defeating Charles Ajiboye, who scored 10,989 votes. While, for the Assistant Publicity Secretary position, Miss Ebiere Ekpese won with 26,955 votes, defeating Lawrence Ayewa, who scored 9,690 votes.

Elder statesman, Dr Chike Obidigbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restrain his aide, Bayo Onanuga, from making intemperate public statements that could destroy Nigeria.

Obidigbo regretted that the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Strategy has been making inciting remarks and provocative hate speeches that could not only damage Nigeria’s feeble national cohesion but also set the nation on a needless conflagration.

The industrialist condemned Onanuga’s recent statement claiming that the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP), Peter Obi and his supporters called the Obidients should be blamed for the planned national protest against bad governance.

In a statement released to journalists on Sunday, Obidigbo lamented that despite Onanuga’s experience in media practice and knowledge of Nigeria’s troubled political history, the presidential aide continues to spew hate and divisive utterances.

Many people still remember Onanuga’s role during the military era, when the Nigerian press adopted guerilla tactics to call attention to the oppressive regimes in the country. But, having witnessed and currently benefiting from the nation’s democracy, this veteran journalist has thrown caution to the wind.

“Onanuga has formed the habit of talking down on Nigerians as if he is at the head of a military junta. When he is not withdrawing ill-conceived communication, he churns out statements dripping with deep-seated bile and hateful innuendos sentences.

“His latest attempt to link the former Governor of Anambra State with the youth-propelled national protest comes as one of the unthinking statements unbefitting a presidential aide. Onanuga should be reminded that when the dark clouds he is invoking bring down rain, nobody’s roof will be safe”, Obidigbo stated.

He regretted that at a time when countless multinational business organisations were leaving the country due to unstable economic indices, the likes of Onanuga should find time to gloat about the last presidential election.

Obidigbo stated: Onanuga and indeed all those in public offices should reckon that Nigeria is at a tricky crossroads and show some level of empathy to Nigerian masses who are going through excruciating hardship compounded by insecurity, rising food prices and cost of living challenges.

“In his heart of hearts, Bayo Onanuga knows that Mr Peter Obi has been exemplary in conduct and character and has remained focused on the issues of economic development, especially mitigating mass poverty and giving a helping hand to the poorest of the poor.

“During the electioneering, Mr Peter was elegant in his public communication and campaign messaging. He resisted provocations and attempts to be drawn to divisive rhetoric that bedevilled Nigerias partisan politics.

“But, Onanugas attempt to single out Igbo for hate by his dangerous innuendo is not lost on well-meaning Nigerians. This is not the first time the veteran journalist should descend so low to promote bigotry and ethnic baiting against the Igbo. And it is high time President Tinubu calls him to order unless Igbo bashing is at the core of the presidential communication”

Obidigbo said the myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria trumps the continuing efforts to isolate Igbo through nepotism and ethnic bashing, adding that the day equity and justice become the hallmark of national reconciliation, Nigeria will begin the process of national healing.

“Denying Igbo of political offices could be excused but trying to despoil their reputation and dependence on self-help could end up as the last straw that breaks the Camels back”, he cautioned.

Enugu state governor, Governor Peter Mbah, has accused a Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, of murdering and terrorising residents of Nigerias South-East.

Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the IPOB, has been allegedly linked to some deadly attacks and enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders in the region.

The governor, who received members of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence in Enugu, accused the Biafra agitator of being a scammer who has been feeding fat on the suffering of Igbos.

“It is surprising that the Finnish government allows this man to reside peacefully in their country and then, perpetrate terrorism in Nigeria.

“And I think, this is something your committee may have to wade into and see how this guy can be repatriated and then be brought to justice.

“Through his (Ekpa) statements and his actions, a lot of people have died and he continues in that trajectory. So, this is a tragedy that we must all work as a country to end. He doesnt represent the Igbo interest”, Mba said.

According to the governor, his administration has ended the illegal sit-at-home situation in the state and will remain determined to ensure the safety of all residents.

He also called on young people in the South-east not to yield to Mr Ekpas antics and vowed that the state government would not be intimidated by the agitators threats.

“As you may also have noticed recently, they have continued to make attempts, particularly, that megalomaniac (Ekpa), who ironically resides with his family peacefully in Finland, a country where the rule of law reigns, but he encourages anarchy here and goad some of our youths to their self-destruction.

“This is also a business for him (Ekpa), pretending to be fighting for Igbos interest, but does not know anything about the Igbo or have their interest at heart”, he stated.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has alleged that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and his supporters are behind the proposed nationwide protest.

The presidential aide claimed that the organizers are the same individuals who hijacked the #EndSARS protest in 2020.

There recurrent reports that youths and groups are planning nationwide protests over the state of the nation, slated for August 1, with viral hashtags and promotional flyers circulating on social media.

Onanuga made this known in a length post on X on Saturday.

He wrote, “Obi should be held responsible for anarchy. Don’t be fooled: the malcontents planning to stage nationwide protests are supporters of Peter Obi, the failed presidential candidate of the Labour Party. And he should be held responsible for whatever crisis emanates from the action.

“The protest planners are also the same people who were instigated by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to launch the destructive ENDSARS protest in Nigeria in October 2020

“ENDSARS began as a genuine protest by youths against the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad, notorious for its high-handedness.

“IPOB members planning to extricate the South East region from Nigeria infiltrated the protest and hijacked it for their own agenda.

“Lagos still bears the scar of the malicious destruction by IPOB elements until today. Two years after ENDSARS, the IPOB and the gullible innocents joined the Labour Party in 2022 to support Peter Obi, a sympathiser of their cause. They are the people spreading the hashtags ‘EndBadGovernance’, ‘Tinubu Must Go,’ and ‘Revolution2024’.”

“They are not democrats but anarchists. They are attempting to call out our people via propaganda because their Messiah, Peter Obi, failed to win the Presidency in the 2023 election,” he said.

“As bad losers, they don’t have the patience to wait for another election in 2027; they would rather destabilise Nigeria by staging a civilian coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“If they understand the meaning of their hashtags, they will realise they are clarion calls for treason. Wanting to end an elected government is high treason.

“Wanting revolution is a call for a coup d’etat, which is also high treason. I have been on the trail of one of the protest planners, who is nameless but claims to have an internet radio station, PTM100.88 Abuja.”

Onanuga stated that the federal government has implemented several measures to address the economic hardship in the country, including increasing the minimum wage, disbursing student loans, and rolling out palliatives.

He wrote, “President Tinubu has a four-year mandate to run his agenda. Those calling for protest should wait till 2027 to either re-elect him or elect their Messiah, Mr Peter Obi.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced its intention to invest funds from dormant accounts, unclaimed balances and other financial assets into Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) and other government securities.

This plan is part of the new “Guidelines on Management of Dormant Accounts, Unclaimed Balances, and Other Financial Assets in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria” released on Friday.

According to these guidelines, the CBN will create an “Unclaimed Balances Trust Fund (UBTF) Pool Account” to manage unclaimed balances and establish a committee to oversee its operation.

This committee will issue guidelines, monitor compliance, manage funds, and handle claims and complaints.

It will also annually publish the list of unclaimed balance owners and procedures for reclaiming funds on the CBN website and in national newspapers.

Also, the guidelines ensure that the principal and any interest from these investments must be refunded to beneficiaries within ten working days of a request. If an extension is necessary, the requesting financial institution will be notified with reasons for the delay.

Eligible accounts and exemption

The CBN’s guidelines state that eligible accounts include dormant account balances that have remained with financial institutions (FIs) for ten years or more.

Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.

By Henrietta Ashikodi

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, (CONYL), the umbrella body of all the youth groups across the six geopolitical zones in the country has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers with a promise to review it after every three years.

The group which spoke through its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem said the new minimum wage was truly a living wage that will put smiles on the faces of Nigerian workers while also encouraging them to put in their best at their respective place of work.

“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the negotiations, knowing the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians, and the need to provide urgent succour to workers.

“We call on the Federal Government to ensure that the various State governments are assisted and mandated to pay the new minimum wage because if it’s not properly handled, most states will be unable to pay their workers the approved new wage.

“We urge Mr President to give the needed necessary support and assistance to private establishments most especially media houses in the country to pay the minimum wage to their workers and journalists who risks their lives on daily basis to perform their duties which is pertinent to the growth and development of the nation.

*We thank the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero and that of the Trade Union Congress, (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo for coming into an agreement with the federal government on the way forward.

“President Tinubu has truly shown that he is a father to all Nigerians by this wonderful gesture”. CONYL disclosed

The president general reiterated that the nation was surely heading on the path of progress and development.