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EFCC arrests 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja

EFCC

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters.

Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

According to him, they were arrested at a nightclub in the Wuse area of Abuja, following credible intelligence about their suspicious involvement in internet-related activities.

“Items recovered from them include three cars and 13 phones.

“They will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.

Anambra monarch proclaims 1025th Igbo new year

The tradditoonal ruler of Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State,  His Majesty, Ezenri Obidiegwu Onyesoh, weekend in his palace, proclaimed the 1025th Igbo new year, (Iguaro), of the Igbo nation as the progenitor of the Igbo race.

Making the proclamation through the regent, Prince Ikenna Okechukwu Onyeso, the monarch traced the history of the Igbo race to the Biblical Eric.

His words, “Before the advent of the white-man, Nriifikwuanim , the first son of Eri, who took after his father, became a high priest among his people. He left Eriaka, his homestead now assimilated in Aguleri, in search of a better living place promised to him by Chukwuokike, (God), just as he did to Abraham. He settled at the present Nri kingdom and started doing what Eri did at Egypt.

He stated that Eze Nri (monarch), instilled litany of legacies on Ndịgbo which include, market days, Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo with their originating shrines in Nri, adding that the act of trading was introduced in Igbo land by Eze Nri through the exchange of goods and later cowry as a medium of exchange which the colonialists later replaced with pounds, shillings and pence.

He disclosed further that Eze Nri introduced yam, cocoyam and other crops as food in Igbo agricultural cycle in keeping with the custom and tradition of total obedience to Chukwuokikeabiama.

“Eze Nri in his capacity as the high priest of Sungod, sacrificed his son, yam sprouted from his grave and matured. Eze Nri was then directed to feed Ndigbo with it. This act was ritualized in ifejioku cult which protects the yam. This is referred to as “Nri Myth of Origin’’.

According to him Eze Nri instituted Ozo title with Nri priests going to different Igbo communities under Nri influence and performing the initiation and rituals of Ozo title and also introduced age grade system, protection of human sanctity, government of non-violence, traditional worship through the original spirituality and finally lunar calendar which regulates the Igbo annual socio-cultural life.

The proclamation of Igbo lunar calendar, (Iguaro Ndigbo), is sole prerogative of Eze Nri being the custodian of Igbo culture and tradition and the keeper of Ofo Ndigbo in Igbo ancestral homeland, Nri and Iguaro is based on 13 lunar month.

He stated that Iguaro Igbo, (New Year) starts in February, same as Chinese, Asia, Israel, among others and the cultures use moon to determine their seasons and time.

He added that, “During the proclamation of Igbo New Year, Eze Nri ushers in the beginning of Igbo planting season. On this day Eze Nri distributes yam seedlings baked with anti pest to Ndigbo for planting. Iguaro is not idol worship but an aged long revered Igbo culture under the custody of Eze Nri which is used to thank God for the past year and asking for his divine protection and bumper harvest and good health in the New Year.

“The yam seedlings distributed on Iguaro day, if planted will be ready for harvesting within the eight month -Onwaasato of the lunar year. By then all will converge again at the Eze Nri palace for first fruit harvest that is thanking God for bumper harvest and giving back to Chukwuokike the first fruit from the farm. This is known as Onwaasato or New Yam festival in Odinani Nri.

During the proclamation of the 1025th Igbo new year, the monarch prayed God for peace, good health, prosperity, bumper harvest for Ndigbo and Nigerians

Contributing, a Chieftain of the community and All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Chief Peter N.C. Umeadi, stressed the need for Igbo to celebrate their Iguaro, ofala and new yam festivals in one day to help foster unity and oneness.

His words, “Iguaro precedes Ofala festival, Igbo should have their Iguaro done in one day for unity. Let’s come together and share the Iguaro at Nri, the progenitor of Igbo people,” he pleaded.

To buttress his claim that Nri is the progenitor of Igbo race he recalled that in years past the Oba of Benin paid homage to Nri kingdom.

Also contributing, the leader of the women wing, UmuadaNri, who was a former Chief Magistrate, His Honour, Nkechi Doris Ezeani, expressed satisfaction that Igbo, especially Nri, still see Igbo culture and tradition as rich heritage that can not go into extinction.

“It is an old age tradition and Nri is the head of the Igbo race. We stand by our culture and tradition. In this occasion you can see the Umuada Nri, Nzenaozor, among others. So with Nri Igbo culture can’t go into extinction.m,” she assured.

On the role of women towards community development she affirmed that these days women were no longer Oriaku, odoziaku but bread winners of their different families.

Hear her, “Women are pulling their weight these days, we are now the bread winners in most families

Edo poll: INEC warns aspirants, parties against unlawful campaign

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commissioner in Edo State, AnugbumOnuoha, has warned aspirants and political parties to stop campaigning for the governorship election with immediate effect or face sanction.

The REC, who stated this on yesterday in Benin, said that the commission was yet to lift the suspension on the campaign, noting that parties and candidates were expected to begin campaigning on April 24.

He said political parties were not expected to campaign publicly for the primary election as it is an internal affair of the parties.

He said the practice was not in line with the INEC timetable, urging them to put a stop to it.

He urged all the political parties and aspirants to pull down billboards, signposts as well as adverts on television and newspapers.

The REC said, “I am calling on the aspirants and the 16 political parties to take part in the September 21 election to comply with the timetable of the election. They are not supposed to campaign publicly for the primary election. It is against the law.“I will urge them to pull down their banners, and billboards and stop running jingles on radio. They should also stop television and newspaper adverts. If they do not comply with this directive, we would have no other option than to sanction them,” he added.

He said the role of INEC in the primary election was to monitor and supervise proceedings and are not expected to announce results as primaries are mainly an internal affair of the parties.

Onuoha said his duty was to do a report and send it to the headquarters of the commission, adding, “We were present at the APC primary election. We saw what happened and we will present our report to Abuja.”

38 years after, court orders AGF to re-open investigation, prosecute Dele Giwa’s killers

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday, ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice to re-open investigation and prosecution of those who murdered the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa, 38 years ago.

Dele Giwa was murdered on October 19, 1986 in his Lagos office through a letter bomb.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his judgment on Friday in a suit filed against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice held that the Chief Law Officer of the Federation is under obligation to prosecute and penalize killers of media practitioners in the country.

Apart from Dele Giwa, the court ordered that the killings of other journalists in the discharge of their lawful duties must be investigated and perpetrators brought to book in line with the provisions of the law.

The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) had dragged the AGF before the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights of media practitioners to safety as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and African Charters on Human Rights.

In the motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1301/2021 filed by their lawyer, MojirayoOgunlana-Nkanga, the applicant sought a declaration that the killings of various journalists and media practitioners in Nigeria are a violation of their fundamental right to life. This right, according to the group, is encapsulated in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, among other reliefs.

In the affidavit, the group listed some of the journalists murdered in the course of their duty including Dele Giwa, killed on Oct 19, 1986; and BoladeFasisi of National Association of Women Journalists, March 31, 1998.

Others include Edward Olalekan of Daily Times, murdered on June 1, 1999; OmololuFalobi of The Punch, October 5, 2006; Godwin Agbroko of Thisday, December 22, 1999; AbayomiOgundeji of Thisday, August 17, 2008; and Edo Sule-Ugbagwu of The Nation, April 24, 2010.Justice Ekwo, in the judgment, ordered the Federal Government to ensure adequate protection and safety of lives of journalists as enshrined in Sections 33, 39 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charters on Human and Peoples Rights.

Apart from Dele Giwa, the court ordered that the killings of other journalists while performing their jobs should be investigated and that offenders should be prosecuted in accordance with the terms of the law.

Justice Ekwo, who observed that the AGF did not file any process to counter the arguments of the applicant, held that since the group’s arguments were not controverted, such arguments would be deemed to be true.

“The applicant has stated names of journalists killed in Paragraph J of the affidavit in support. It is pertinent to note that the respondent has neither denied that these killings took place or that these persons were not journalists or media practitioners.

“The position of the law is that affidavit evidence which is not challenged or controverted howsoever, is deemed admitted and can be relied upon by a court,” he said and added that, the media is a constitutional profession, hence,the journalists and media practitioners ought to be protected in the course of the duties.

The judge said he found in the end that the applicant had established its case by credible evidence and ought to be entitled to the reliefs sought.

“An Order is hereby made directing the Federal Government of Nigeria to take measures to prevent attacks on journalists and other media practitioners.

“An Order is hereby made directing the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of all attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, and ensure that all victims of attacks against journalists have access to effective remedies.

“An Order is hereby made directing the Federal Government to take measures to raise awareness and build the capacities of various stakeholders, particularly journalists and other media practitioners, policymakers, law enforcement, security, intelligence, military as well as other officials and relevant stakeholders on the laws and standards for ensuring the safety of journalists and media practitioners”, Justice Ekwo held.

Dele Giwa and fellow journalists Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed founded Newswatch in 1984, but its first edition was distributed on January 28, 1985.

Dele Giwa’s assassination on Sunday, October 19, 1986, reportedly occurred two days after he had been interviewed by officials of the State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS).

Hardship: Protesters hit Ibadan, urge Tinubu to address hunger

Protesters in their hundreds have staged a peaceful demonstration in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over economic hardship.

They called on President Bola Tinubu to address hunger and insecurity plaguing Nigeria.

Mokola, Iwo Road, and Sango are some of the areas of Ibadan where the protesters crowded.

Most of the demonstrators were young people who claimed they were tired of Nigeria’s situation and that the government must stop the crises.

They carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Hunger is Killing Us” and “Tinubu Must Address Insecurity.”

The high cost of living, according to the demonstrators, is another issue that has made it difficult for people to fend for themselves.

They said food costs were increasing astronomically, making it challenging for many Nigerians to provide for their families.

The protest took place amid several security issues, including terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings in the country.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the state capital was peaceful.

The ICIR reported that youths in neighbouringOsun State staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo on Friday, February 9, 2024, condemning the rising cost of living in the country and calling for immediate intervention by the government.   

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions that read ‘change the unfavourable policies,’ ‘Nigerians are suffering, we can’t cope again.’

They occupied the MDS Road in the state capital.Earlier, in Niger State, residents had protested hardship, hunger and blocked major roads in Minna, the state capital.Many residents took to the streets and major roads in the state to protest against the rising cost of living.

The protesters blocked major roads, including the Kpakungu roundabout at Minna-Bida road, stopping the activities of many commercial vehicles in the area.

The protesters complained about the fuel price hike and its continuous economic impacts, emphasising the need for the government to intervene.

OAU Zoo keeper killed by lion he nursed for nine years

The ObafemiAwolowo University (OAU) community was yesterday thrown into mourning after a lion at the school’s zoo killed a veterinary technologist Olabode Olawuyi.

According to the school’s spokesman AbiodunOlarewaju, the victim who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade was attacked on Monday afternoon when he was feeding the nine-year-old male lion and its mates in their den.

The other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities, Olarewaju said.

On hearing the sad news, the management team led by Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Simeon Bamire abruptly ended an ongoing meeting for an on-the-spot assessment.

Upon arrival, the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre Dr. TirimisiyuOlatunji informed the Vice-Chancellor that all first aid and medical efforts to save the life of the victim proved abortive.

Saddened by this tragic event, the aggressive lion has been euthanized.

MrOlawuyi has been taking care of the lions since they were born on campus about nine years ago but, tragically, the male lion killed the man.

The university management has sent a delegation to the widow and children of the deceased, imploring them to take solace in God who gives life and also has the power to take life.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Bamire has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

Woman gives birth at Lagos bus stop

There was a celebration at Onipanu Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos after an expectant Mum delivered her child while waiting for a bus.

The woman was said to be waiting for a commercial bus around 9 am when she suddenly went into labour and started bleeding.

Commuters along that stretch of the road were said to have rallied round her, while the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) was contacted.

The agency, it was gathered, dispatched officials including paramedics from its Fadeyi office who worked with some market women to provide a temporary clinic for the woman.

The woman was safely delivered of her baby, stabilised and subsequently moved with her son to the nearest hospital for proper attention.

Tinubu returns to Abuja after AU Summit

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Abuja after attending the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government.

NAF 001 pulled up at the Presidential Wing of the NnamdiAzikiwe Int’l Airport at about 04:00 pm local time, concluding his 15th foreign trip since assuming the Presidency nine months ago, and logging 73 days abroad.

Tinubu was received by top government officials including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, NuhuRibadu and the Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle.

Also on the receiving line were the Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma; the Director-General of the Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi, among others.

During his three-day stay, the Nigerian leader discussed thematic issues such as climate change and modalities of the AU’s participation and priorities in the G20.

At the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme on Saturday, February 17, Tinubu argued that addressing Africa’s health sector challenges would require states to forge partnerships that transcend borders and sectors, leveraging collective expertise, knowledge, resources, and the private sector.Tinubu, who spoke in his capacity as the newly-appointed AU Health Champion, said Africa’s effective collaboration with the rest of the world to tackle existential health challenges is not merely a strategic choice, but a moral imperative.

Addressing a plenary session attended by several of his counterparts, he affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host the African Central Bank according to the vision of the Abuja Treaty.

On Sunday, he held talks with Brazilian President, LuizInácio Lula da Silva, with both countries now planning to establish direct flight operations between their respective financial capitals of Lagos and São Paulo.

Nigeria and Brazil also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations mainly to increase the volume of trade and cooperation across solid mineral exploration, healthcare, and agriculture.

Tinubu has so far visited Paris, France (thrice); London, the United Kingdom; Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Berlin, Germany.

His return coincided with protests in Oyo State over the rising cost of living.

FCTA seals Abuja orphanage over alleged trafficking of 23 children

The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said the Federal Capital Territory Administration has sealed off an orphanage in Karonmajigi, the Priesthood Orphanage, after 23 children, aged 1 – 14 years, trafficked from Plateau state, were rescued from the orphanage.

Benjamins-Laniyi stated this when she addressed pressmen yesterday, adding that the FCT Minister, NyesomWike, had authorised the Secretariat to profile and recertify orphanages operating within the nation’s capital.

“There is no question, yesterday, with immediate effect, that ‘home’ was sealed, shut down. We have the name of the proprietor of the orphanage home, but we are not naming names now for obvious reasons. When the entire material investigation is concluded, there will be an official gazetted presentation of the facts, the findings, and the delivery of this intervention we’ve started here today.

“NAPTIP, as we speak is already on it. Using this as an example, one of the first things I have done is to get approval for the recertification of orphanage homes in Abuja. The minister has approved that there will be a full thorough reprofiling of anything that has to do with orphanage and recertification status of all orphanages in Abuja,” she said.

She noted that the Women’s Secretariat was already working with the office of the Commissioner of Women Affairs of Plateau State, to reunite the children with their families, some of whom she said had been at the uncertified orphanage for five years, since 2019.

“We are working with the Plateau state government to reunite the children that I had earlier mentioned by name and by age, with their families in Plateau state. This is a transition arrangement,” she said.

The Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Caroline Dafur, narrated that the Proprietors of the orphanage home abandoned the children at the orphanage, under the care of one Pastor Abraham, in a terrible condition of hunger. Three of the children had then escaped and were discovered by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, who reported the case to the NAPTIP and took the children to the Human Rights Radio, who then notified the Plateau State government and the FCT Women’s Secretariat.

“We came in yesterday and on reaching here, we were told that they went to church. We kept going from one church to another, looking for them until we found them in a Deeper Life Church, where we were able to pick them up, and we went to the home. And we saw the place, it is not supposed to be called a home.

“The place is just so unkempt. I wonder how the children were sleeping in the small room. Nine girls were sleeping in a very small room with just two mattresses. And then for the boys, they were in a small room too, with two mattresses just on the floor. And I mean, it’s so pathetic the way human beings treat human beings in this country.”

She stated the displeasure of the Plateau state government while appreciating the Mandate Secretary for the assistance in evacuating the children, and relocating them to the Karu Children’s Home.

FG approves new book by  Imo-born author …As author, Ononuke thanks Uzodimma’s govt for support

Fundamentals of Government: A Complete Guide for Schools & Colleges

The Federal Government has approved a new book authored by Mr Christopher Ononukwe, a kinsman of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state.  

The approval,  conveyed in a letter dated 24 January  2024,  and signed by the Executive Secretary of the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Ismail Junaidu, highlighted  the book’s assessment by NERDC, as ”useful” and its recommendation for general readership.

The 319-page book, “Fundamentals of Government: A Complete Guide for Schools & Colleges”, has been lauded for its educational value, quality and potential impact on governance discourse,  up to the tertiary education level.

Fundamentals of Government: A Complete Guide for Schools & Colleges

Mr Ononukwe, who previously served as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the former Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman of Oru East Local Government Area, Hon (Nze) Nyerere Ogbonna, expressed gratitude to  Governor Uzodimma’s administration for the support received during the book’s fund-raising and launch,  acknowledging the government  for impacting on his political knowledge and providing inspiration for the bookwhich he began crafting in 2006.

Mr Ononukwe, who hails from Oru East LGA, extended appreciation to Engr. Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, former MD/CEO of Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation, for his support and leadership during the book’s launch, adding that his mentorship has always been of help towards the growth of his writing career.

The book, rooted in Ononukwe’s extensive experience as a teacher, administrative officer, communication specialist, and entrepreneur, is poised to contribute positively to national discourse on governance and leadership. It also aims to challenge negative mindsets among leaders and citizens, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education and peace, justice, and strong institutions.

With its approval by NERDC, the highest implementing education agency of the Federal Government, the book is set to make waves across the country, offering valuable insights and perspectives on good governance and citizenship.

We will collectively frustrate illegal sales, theft at Ports –FPRO

The Nigeria Police Force has again reiterated its commitment to enforcing all laws and employing anti-crime strategies to curb illegal activities at our various ports and around the economic hubs in Nigeria.

The commitment is geared towards stimulating the government’s agenda of quick economic recovery and development in our dear county.

The commitment which was re-echoed when the Eastern Port Police Command confirmed the arrest of 5 suspects in connection with the diversion of bags of wheat belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) and recovery of about 1,238 bags of wheat in Port-Hacourt on the 6th of February 2024.

The 1,840 bags of wheat which were to be transported from Ibeto Port Terminal, Port-Harcourt, to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp located in Kano State were fraudulently diverted by the drivers tasked with this assignment, alongside their accomplices, who were intercepted and apprehended by the operatives of the Nigeria Police attached to the Eastern Port.

The operatives arrested five (5) suspects namely Umar Hashim, Edidiong Umoh, Udah Stanley, Abubakar Jariri and Yunusa Babangida, and recovered 1,238 stolen bags of wheat along with the truck and a bus used in carrying out the crime. The recovered bags of wheat have been returned to the World Food Programme, and efforts are in top gear to recover the missing 602 bags of wheat and arrest the other suspects associated with the crime.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has re-emphasized the goal of the Nigeria Police to ensure that individuals engaged in activities aimed at sabotaging the economy of the country and entrenching hardships among the vulnerable members of the public are ardently dealt with in line with extant laws.

He has therefore ordered that the suspects be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations and tying of all loose ends.

Oversight Function: Imo Assembly Committee on Commerce, Industry  kick-starts visit to  allied ministries, industries

IMO ASSEMBLY

The Imo State House of Assembly standing committee on commerce and industry has commenced  familiarisation visit to allied government Ministries and Industries in the private sector with a  visit to the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Industry as well as the CAMELA Vegetable Oil Company and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company located at the Onitsha road industrial estate, Owerri.

Addressing Permanent Secretaries and heads of departments of the two Ministries, the chairman of the house Committee on Trade and Industry, and member for Ikeduru state constituency,  Hon Chief Johnleoba Iheoha  said the committee members were on a fact-finding tour with a view to ascertaining the scope of operation, achievements, staff strength, constraints and prospects of the ministries and agencies under their control.

The Committee chairman demanded that the ministries should as a matter of urgency and due process, forward to the committee in writing and within reasonable time, situation reports in the ministries and affiliate bodies as a guide to the committee.

Hon Johnleoba Iheoha, while commending the management of the ministries for being able to sustain the tempo of activities in the ministries and relevant agencies since the dissolution of the state expanded executive council, assured them of the co-operation of the house committee on trade and industry in the execution of government directives, programmes and policies.

Hon Iheoha who expressed inplicit confidence in Governor Hope Uzodimma’s ability and willingness to make the entire state a haven of place within the next four years of his second term in office, warned against all forms of malpractice in the discharge of official duties.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Ebere Orji told the committee that every department of the ministry which according to her, has a staff strength of 159 workers is in active business, striving to rake in revenues for government.

Mrs Orji assured that the ministry would never deviate from the rules and regulations governing the operations of the ministry.

On her part, the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of industry, Mrs Eucharia Onwumere  disclosed that the ministry with a workforce of 59-member staff, had been facing the challenges of poor and irregular power supply, lack of operational vehicles and lack of biometric capture of the staff.

The ministry according to Mrs Onwumere, has Industrial zones in the three senatorial districts of the state and Industrial clusters in the 27 local government areas of the state.

On the second day of the visit, the House committee was confronted with complaints bordering on a horrible and terrible condition of roads in the Onitsha road Industrial estate within Owerri, the state capital.

The chief executive of Camela Vegetable Oil Company, Chief Okey Ikoro while playing host to the House committee on commerce and Industry, lamented that over the years, successive governments had merely made promises without actually tackling the  chronic problem of bad roads at the Industrial estate which according to him, has about 154 Industrial plots.

Chief Ikoro among other things, pleaded to the committee to persuade government to restore the original masterplan of the Industrial estate and extend gas supply from Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema local government area to the Owerri industrial estate.

The Nigeria Bottling Company located at the Industrial estate while addressing the committee through its plant manager, Engr Collins Idika, called on Imo state government, to expedite action in providing the enabling environment for industries located at the estate to survive.

Mr. Idika harped on the essence of  constructing an all-season road from Onitsha road through the vast and expansive estate.

The house committee chairman, Hon Johnleoba Iheoha was accompanied during the visit by a member of the committee, Rt. Hon Johnson Iheonukara of Ideato  state Constituency, clerk of the committee, Mrs Blessing Onyeji and some support staff of the committee.

Economic hardship: Let’s be patient, pray harder for God’s intervention – Eze Obiefule

Eze (Dr) Thomas Obiwuru Obiefule (MFR,fcei)

A prominent traditional ruler in Nigeria and 42nd-year-on-the-throne royal father of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom of Orlu local government area of Imo state, His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Dr) Thomas Obiwuru Obiefule (MFR,fcei), has advised Nigerians of all the ethnic groups  not to lose hope in trusting God for positive change in the economy and turn-around recovery of dwindling economic fortunes.

Eze Obiefule who is presently, the President of National Association of Royal Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and the Orlu zonal chairman of Imo State Council of traditional rulers and community policing, pointed out that the cost of living is fast getting beyond the reach of the masses and lamented that the situation cuts across all parts of the country with adverse effects on all classes of persons in the society.

Eze (Dr) Thomas Obiwuru Obiefule (MFR,fcei)

Eze Obiefule who is also, the patron, Imo State Council of traditional rulers expressed the view that rather than continue to apportion  blames to one another and point accusing fingers to government, Nigerians should sincerely and patiently pray for positive change as according to him, the present predicament occasioning hardship across all strata of the society resulted from a long period of mismanagement of the nation’s resources by past administrations in the country.

“The hardship which of course, did not start today but a  product of so many years of decay in the system, is already here with us. Those who think military intervention is the answer have got it wrong and those who think folding our arms and continue grumbling is the answer have also failed to see from the right perspective. Let’s pray and make meaningful suggestions. We as a nation had in the past, had several military interventions and that did not solve the nation’s economic problems but laid the foundation for what we are suffering today”, Eze Obiefule concluded.

Protest erupts in Ibadan as youths block roads over economic hardships in Nigeria

Ibadan youth protest

A protest erupted in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, yesterday over the economic hardships caused by the policies of President Bola Tinubu.

The protesters, who were mostly youths, blocked major roads in the city to express their grievances over the rising cost of living in the country.

Youths of Ibadan, the largest city, by land mass, asked the government to address the issue of hunger in the country, saying that they were fed up with the situation.

The placard-carrying protesters chanted anti-government songs, while security agents looked on.

Some of the placards have inscriptions such as ‘Open Border, End Hardship’, ‘End food hike and inflation’, ‘The poor are starving’, and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises’, among others.

It would be recalled that a similar protest occurred in Minna, the capital of Niger State, two weeks ago. Hundreds of women and youths blocked roads over the high cost of living in the country.

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had also declared a two-day nationwide mass protest slated for February 27 and 28 over the biting hardship in the country.

The country’s food inflation rate rose from 33.93% in December to 35.41% in January.

A medium-sized sliced bread priced at N750 in January 2023 has seen a 33 percent increase, now sold at N1,000. The cost of a piece of egg doubled from N100 to N200, and the cost of a crate of eggs rose from N2,200 to N3,500 within the same period.

Also, foreign parboiled rice in a 50 kg bag ranges between N70,000 and N77,000, compared to N34,000 to N36,000 last year. Local parboiled rice in a 50 kg bag now sells for N55,000 to N65,000, up from N30,000 to N34,000 in January 2023.

A derica measure of beans has surged from N450 to N1,100, and a 25-litre container of vegetable oil is now priced at N45,000, a significant increase from N22,000 last year. A paint container measure of garri has doubled in price, reaching N2,000 from N1,000 in the same period last year.

Gunmen abduct dead body, family members travelling to Enugu for burial

Bandits

Gunmen have ambushed a vehicle transporting the corpse of late Ugwuanyi Israel along with family members from Lagos to Nsukka for burial in Enugu State.

The abduction occurred along 9th Mile Road in the Umuoka community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The assailants not only seized the body of the deceased but also abducted all the family members accompanying it.

The incident has raised concerns about the condition of the deceased’s body, given the potential delays in securing the release of the family.

A family source revealed that the kidnappers have established contact with the family and are demanding a ransom of N50 million for the release of the abducted individuals.

The family expressed fears that the corpse might decompose before the kidnappers release them.

“His corpse was on its way from Lagos yesterday (Sunday) when the vehicle conveying his body was halted by kidnappers and people in the vehicle alongside the driver were all kidnapped atUmuokaUdi LGA of Enugu State.

“They called Monday morning to inform us to look for N50 million.

“Our fear is that the corpse will decompose before they release them. We don’t know what to do because our community people in Lagos spent so much money on the sickness of Israel,” a family source told The Nation.

Again, EFCC arrests two Chinese, others for illegal mining in Ilorin

Operatives of the Ilorin, Kwara State Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested two Chinese over illegal mining activities in the state.

The suspects, Xiao Yi, and Duan Yahong were arrested on Sunday, according to a post on the EFCC’s official X handle.

The post stated that the two expatriates were arrested alongside two Nigerians, Mumini Jamiu and Israel Nwachukwu suspected to be accomplices in the illegal business.

The development, according to the commission, brings to 48 the total number of persons arrested for suspected illegal mining activities within the last two weeks in the state.

“The suspects were trailed to their mining sites located at Isolo in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, where they were arrested on Sunday after days of surveillance by the EFCC operatives.

“Jamiu, a driver, was arrested while conveying a truck loaded with solid minerals from Banni in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State to a Chinese company in Lagos without lawful permit.

“Items recovered from the suspects include a truck with registration number JJJ 386 XT containing substances suspected to be solid minerals, phones, and travel documents,” the statement added.

Manufacturers list conditions to slash rising cement price

Cement Manufacturers have agreed to sell a 50kg bag of cement at a retail price between N7,000 and N8,000, depending on location nationwide.

However, the manufacturers stated that the price drop from the current market price would depend on the fulfilment of certain government interventions to ameliorate critical challenges faced in the industry.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi disclosed this after a meeting with leading manufacturers yesterday in Abuja.

The meeting was against the backdrop of the ballooning price of the commodity to approximately N13,000 in several retail stores in the Federal Capital Territory, and Enugu, indicating the impact of inflation within the country.

Findings by our correspondent indicated that the price hike was attributed to the increase in wholesalers reselling to retailers and the escalating inflation rates.

But at the meeting directed by President Bola Tinubu, Umahi lamented the current rate stating that it was abnormal and detrimental to economic prosperity sought after by the current administration.

Reading the communique, the minister said certain issues including smuggling, bad roads, high energy costs, and the Forex crisis caused the high prices but stressed that manufacturers have expressed their readiness to be willing to bring down the prices in the future.

He said, “The cement manufacturer has noted to the government that the present high cost of cement in the market is very much abnormal in some locations nationwide. Ideally, they noted that cement price, and retail price to a consumer should not cost more than between N7,000 to N8,000 per 50 kg bag of cement.

“Therefore, the government and the cement manufacturers, which are DangotePlc, BUA Plc and Lafarge Plc have agreed to have their cement price nationwide between N7,000 to N8,000 naira per 50 kg pack of cement, depending on the locations, which means that this price depends on the locations.

“Going forward, the government advised manufacturers to set up a price monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with the prices that are set today.”

EFCC grills former Kwara gov, EFCC grills former Kwaragov, Abdulfatah Ahmed

former Kwaragov, Abdulfatah Ahmed

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is currently quizzing a former governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, over shady transactions running into billions of naira while he was in office.

The former governor was seen arriving at the Ilorin office of the EFCC yesterday morning.

The anti-graft agency invited him and he is currently answering questions relating to how his administration spent the funds.

It was reported that Ahmed was governor of Kwara State between May 2011 and May 2019, before handing over to the incumbent, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

Ahmed was once interrogated in May 2021 by a crack team of operatives at the EFCC headquarters in the Jabi area of Abuja, the nation’s capital, in connection with the alleged diversion of funds to the tune of about N9 billion from the coffers of the Kwara State Government.

The money was alleged to have been diverted during Ahmed’s tenure as governor of the state, and when he served as the Commissioner for Finance in the administration of ex-Governor Bukola Saraki.

Abuja DisCo to disconnect presidential villa, 86 MDAs over N47bn debt

Abuja DisCo

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company yesterday said it will disconnect electricity in the Presidential Villa and 86 Federal Government’s Ministry Department and Agencies over N47,195 billion outstanding debts as of December 2023.

AEDC made this known on Monday in a report made available to newsmen.

Some of the affected MDAs are Chief of Defence Staff – Barracks and Military Formations owing N12bn, FCT Ministry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of State Petroleum, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture.

Others are the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ministry of Education, CBN governor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Interior, Head ECOWAS, and Ministry of Transport, among others.

While issuing a notice of disconnection to the affected MDAs, AEDC said, “The Management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has given a 10 days’ notice to 86 Government to pay up the N47.1bn electricity debt they owe or risk disconnection.

“The Abuja Electricity Distribution PLC is constrained to do this publication with the details of Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies with long outstanding unpaid bills for services rendered to them through the provision of electricity supply in that our previous attempts to make them honour their obligations have not achieved the desired results.”

The firm also urged the MDAs to pay up before the disconnection time slated for Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

“The relevant MDAs are hereby given notice that the AEDC shall, after the expiration of 10 days from the date of this publication, that is, after Wednesday, February 28, 2024, embark on the disconnection of our services to them until they discharge their obligations to us by paying their debts.

In 2019, it was reported that The Federal Executive Council approved the inclusion of the presidential villa in the eligible customer policy to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the villa.

This was made known by Hakeem Bello, special adviser on communications to the then Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, who said the approval aimed to improve the electricity supply and distribution in the country.According to him, the approval was made at the FEC meeting in response to a memorandum submitted by the minister seeking approval to include the presidential villa in the distribution expansion programme earlier approved by the council.

The eligible customer regulation, which was issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in mid-2017, permits electricity customers to buy power directly from the electricity generation companies (GenCos), other than distribution companies (DisCos), in line with the provisions of section 27 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.

The programme seeks to enable unutilised 2000 megawatts (MW) from the GenCos to be distributed to targeted metered customers.

“The Ministry had earlier obtained approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) following its letter to the Bureau intimating it of the Council’s approval of the Distribution Expansion Programme with the intention of the Ministry to procure civil works that would facilitate uninterrupted power supply to the Aso Rock Villa and curb the present erratic supply of power in spite of the availability of power by the Generation Companies (GenCos),” Bello said.

“The project to be executed by Messrs Dextron Engineering Limited, has a completion period of six months under the Distribution Expansion Programme. An arrangement has also been put in place such that a GenCo, North-South Power Company Limited, will procure the dedicated supply to the Villa from the National Grid while the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has indicated interest in ensuring the success of the project.”

Fuel crisis imminent as NARTO withdraws petrol trucks from loading products

A fresh crisis in the petroleum downstream sector appears imminent as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) said it has directed all its members to withdraw their petroleum trucks from product-loading activities from Monday, February 19, 2024.

The decision by the association follows operational high operational cost in the industry which has led to its request for oil marketers to review freight charges.

This disclosure is contained in a letter titled dated February 15, 2024, which was signed by its National President, Othman Yusuf, and addressed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

The letter titled ‘Notice of withdrawal of operation’ was also sent to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Department of State Security (DSS) and the executive secretary of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (NEMAN).

NARTO had said despite the deregulation of the downstream sector, oil marketers have refused its request to review the rates.

It stated that it can no longer continue with operations due to the state of the economy.The association said several efforts made to get the freight rates for their operations reviewed have had no positive results.

The statement from NARTO reads, “We are deeply constrained to seek the support and understanding of your Union and members towards the excruciating challenges petroleum trucks owners are facing with the high operational costs in the Industry.

“As you are already aware of several efforts we have made to secure negotiations for appropriate and commensurate freight rates for our operations from all conceivable authorities concerned in the industry, most especially the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria but which have received no positive responses from them.

“We have no other options but write to inform you that the NARTO National Executive Council (NEC) has resolved to direct all our members not to make their Petroleum Trucks available for Petroleum Products loading activities with effect from Monday, 19th day of February 2024.

“In the light of this directive, we implore all our employees (Petroleum Truck Drivers), who are your members to show maximum cooperation, support and understanding to our collective efforts for continued sustainability of the Petroleum Haulage business and effective service delivery by ensuring adequate and immediate compliance.

‘’There is definitely no way we can continue in this business within the context of the current economic situation in the country.’’

Tinubu, Brazilian president meet in Addis Ababa

President Bola Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil on Sunday met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for discussions on comprehensive strengthening of bilateral ties in all fields.

A statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President Media & Publicity, disclosed that while speaking at the meeting, Tinubu emphasized the strength of Nigeria’s economic potential and influence, saying that the country is witnessing a leap forward, despite some short-term reform pains, as his administration is removing all encumbrances to business.

He also informed the South American leader that his administration is investing in critical sectors of the economy like healthcare, education, and agriculture to ensure the welfare of all Nigerian citizens and to create sustainable economic prosperity for future generations.

Tinubu stated: “We have a very vibrant population of young Nigerians who are trainable, dependable, and should be empowered. The economic potential of Nigeria is enormous. We are ready to break all the walls standing in our way to progress.

“We are ready to fight corruption from top to bottom. We are ready to invest in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and others. I have one of the most dedicated teams on agriculture,” the statement quoted President Tinubu as saying.

Assessing Nigeria’s natural and human resource wealth akin to Brazil’s, President Lula da Silva said Africa’s largest economy and South America’s largest economy have a long and interesting history together.

The Brazilian leader said Nigeria and Brazil once had a trade volume of more than $10 billion in the past, which has now plummeted to $1.6 billion, emphasizing that he is determined to strengthen bilateral relations.

“I am back to try to restore; to reclaim our good relations with Nigeria. I cannot imagine that a country of 216 million people and another of 213 million people do not have strong relations.

“Mr. President, I am 78 years old. You are 71. What keeps me energetic is that I fight for a cause. The cause of my nation and people. A great cause is the elixir of sustained vitality for experienced leaders.

“Nigeria and Brazil need stronger relations from the academic viewpoint; from the cultural viewpoint; from the commercial viewpoint; from the agricultural viewpoint; from the industrial relations viewpoint, and from trade relations viewpoint.

“It is meaningless that there are no direct flights from Lagos to Sao Paulo and vice versa. I cannot understand that. We have to sit at a table and find a solution for that. In aviation, there are many areas of potential collaboration with our manufacturers who seek to have a greater presence in Africa, “Lula Da Silva said.

Responding, Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to deepen ties with Brazil, noting that it is a “legacy of what can be done together to change the future for countless millions of our citizens”.

“We are stopping at nothing to remove all encumbrances to business. Red tape is being shredded around us. There is nothing we will not do to manifest the great potential of our nation. We are fighting corruption from the bottom to the top. We will prevent it, and we will remediate.

“We are very aware of your progressive legacies of social security provision, infrastructure, and reforms in Petrobras. We are in the process of implementing similar reforms in the NNPCL. We are focusing on investment in new production and new energy sources. We are investing in research, and we are removing obstacles to further partnerships in all areas of operation. There is opportunity for both companies in partnership,” he posited.

While identifying solid mineral exploration, agriculture, education, and healthcare as areas of immediate concern, Tinubu, who also emphasised that the will of the two leaders to collaborate is firmly established stated: “I agree that our countries must now have direct air links. I will form a committee of cabinet members who will work directly with your cabinet ministers, and they will urgently form a joint plan of action for the benefit of our two great countries. We may have missed opportunities in the past, but we now look ahead.

EAGLES : 2024 JUST LIKE 1984

In the grand finale of the 1984 African Nations Cup, Nigeria scored first in the first half and ended up as losers. That was exactly what happened on February 11, 2024. William Troost Ekong’s header was not enough to give the Super Eagles glory.

Muda Lawal beat Indomitable Lions goalkeeper, Joseph Antoine Bell, ten minutes into the game, forty years ago. Rene N’Djeya responded in the 32nd minute before second half goals by Captain Theophile Abega and Ernest Ebongue gave Cameroon a 3-1 advantage.

Joseph Antoine Bell

In 2024, Ekong’s opener was cancelled in the second half and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire powered on to win earn a 2-1 victory that denied Nigeria another gold. The 1984 grand finale was in Abidjan, host of the 2024 final.

Remarkably, both grand finale games were played at stadia named after incumbent Ivorian leaders. Felix Houphouet – Boigny Stadium was the venue in 1984. Allasane Ouattara Stadium hosted in 2024.

In 1984, Green Eagles finished as runners – up in their group. Group leaders, Algeria, did not advance to the grand finale. In 2024, Guinea Equatorial topped the group, Nigeria placed second. The group winners were kicked out before the final.

Stephen Keshi who captained Nigeria in 1984 was a central defender. Ekong played the same role in 2024. In the 1984 semifinals, Keshi scored from the penalty spot against Egypt during regulation time. Ekong did it against South Africa in 2024.

Stephen Keshi

The 1984 semis against the Pharaohs went into penalty shoot out. Ademola Adesina, of Yoruba background, missed for the Eagles. In 2024, Bafana Bafana dragged the semis into penalty kicks. Ola Aina, from the South – West, missed.

In the 1984 edition, the Eagles used two goalkeepers, Peter Rufai and Patrick Okala. In 2024, the Eagles featured Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho. It is interesting that Rufai and Nwabali have Rivers State connections.

Rufai lived in Port Harcourt, as Peter Jaja. An Idimu, Lagos prince, he was born to a Rivers woman. Nwabali, hails from the Egbema part of Rivers State just like former Inspector General of Police, Chief Mike Okiro who once served as Lagos State Police Commissioner.

Sportflakes

When Nigeria faced Cameroon in 1984, the first goal was scored by a Yoruba, Muda Lawal. When the two countries met again in 2024, Ademola Lookman, from the South – West got the opening goal.

In 1984, the Eagles had a player with Paul as first name. Forty years later another Paul came. Paul Okoku and Paul Onuachu played youth football in Lagos before rising to the top. The other Paul in 1984 was a surname, Kingsley Paul.

The referees for the duel against Cameroon in 1984 and 2024, respectively, were from North Africa. Ali Bennaceur of Tunisia was in charge at the Felix Houphouet – Boigny Stadium while Morocco’s Redouane Jiyed handled proceedings at the Allasane Ouattara Stadium.

There was the Egyptian touch in 1984 semi finals where Green Eagles beat Pharaohs through penalty kicks. In the 2024 penalty shoot – out with Bafana Bafana, the man at the centre was Amin Omar of Egypt.

Rigobert Song was Manager when the Indomitable Lions lost to Green Eagles at the Felix Houphouet – Boigny Stadium. Forty years earlier, the Cameroonians were in Cote d’Ivoire with a player, Dagobert Ding, when they confronted Nigeria at the same stadium.

The Ivorians have a similar group stage story. In 1984, they lost two of their matches and one of the victors advanced to the grand finale. Egypt defeated the Elephants 2-1 while Cameroon humbled them 2-0. The Indomitable Lions played in the final against Nigeria.

In 2024, Cote d’Ivoire lost 1-0 to Nigeria in their second group match, after a brilliant 2-0 start against Guinea Bissau. The worst happened in the next match when Guinea Equatorial pounded the hosts 4-0. That disaster which led to the dismissal of French coach, Jean – Louis Gasset became a blessing as the Championships progressed.

Yousouf Fofana, at 17, was the youngest player at the Cote d’Ivoire 1984 African Nations Cup. He later won the trophy, in 1992, in his last attempt. Simon Adingra was voted Young Player of the Tournament in 2024. He won in his very first attempt.

From one Fofana in 1984, the Elephants paraded two more, goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and Seko Fofana in 2024. What one Fofana could not do in 1984, two Fofanas achieved forty years later.

The Green Eagles who played in the 1984 grand finale were all based at home. And they were led by a Nigerian, Adegboye Onigbinde, who threw away his foreign name, Festus. The coach had no African Nations Cup experience and was not given much chance.

The Super Eagles of the 2024 grand finale were all based outside Nigeria. Manager Jose Peseiro, wore Nigerian traditional attire to Abidjan, had no African Nations Cup experience and was given little respect before the championships by Nigerians.

Police nab chef for masterminding kidnap of 12-year-old in Abuja

The operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested one Ulagu Philemon Chukwuma ‘m’ 29 years for masterminding the kidnap of his boss’ son, Justin Nwakwo ‘m’ 12, on February 10, 2024, in Jabi, Abuja.

Philemon, a domestic worker, who serves as a Chef to the Nwakwo family, was arrested by officers of the Utako Police Divisional Headquarters who were following up on investigations to rescue the abducted boy and also to arrest the perpetrators.

According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, investigations by the Police revealed that the principal suspect, who has since confessed to the crime, conspired with one Mc Donald Arinze, currently at large to commit the crime.

Adeh said the suspects had earlier forcefully obtained a cash sum of three million, nine hundred thousand naira (3,900,000) as ransom from the victim’s father.

She said: “The arm of the law however caught up with the criminals following intensified efforts by the Police. The boy was rescued unhurt and reunited with his parents. The cash sum earlier extorted was equally recovered.

“While effort is still ongoing to apprehend the suspects at large, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igwe, psc, mni, wishes to reiterate his unflinching commitment to ensure the safety of all in the Territory.

“He equally encouraged residents to involve the Police in the profiling of their domestic workers, noting the new trend and pattern of kidnapping by domestic workers. He urged residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883; PCB: 09022222352.”

Nigeria needs urgent solutions, says Tambuwal

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said that the country is in dire need of urgent solutions, emphasizing the need for leaders and citizens alike to reassess and revitalize the country amidst ongoing challenges.

He urged Nigerians to engage in honest introspection and collaborate in the nation’s restoration.

Tambuwal also reiterated the importance of empathy in leadership, highlighting the accountability that comes with trust.

He said: “Nigerians are going through serial challenges of hardship. We need soul searching to drive to find solutions to current realities.”

The former governor of Sokoto state said he deliberately chose to remain silent for nine months on the state of the Nigeria nation, saying he was on sabbatical.

He noted: “My quiet mood is my state of mind. I simply chose not to speak. When you are involved in something and the unexpected happens, you remain quiet. I have been introspective.

“We should all ignore partisanship of all sorts and return to the basis as citizens ready to demonstrate the needful for the country.”

Tambuwal made the remarks in Sokoto while speaking to journalists who he also charged to step up to their professional responsibility to make the country great.

He stated: “Nigeria needs you most at this trying moment. You are not doing enough. You have more than enough space to x-ray the country in defence of public and national interest. You are watchdogs and the voice of the voiceless. You need to hold and make the system drivers accountable.

“Journalism is service to humanity in the interest of the nation. Nigeria needs every one of us as a driver. The country is in the ICU for resuscitation.

“Is now that the country needs your professional strength for the needed change. We need to collectively give hope to the country and its citizens.”

Tambuwal said he was an active co-founder of APC but decided to leave for obvious foreseen situations.

He said: “My leaving the party in 2018 was signalled by foreseen situations that were not in tandem with realities.”

Senate vows to protect Nigerians against further increase in fuel price, electricity tarif

The Senate has assured Nigerians that it was doing necessary oversight activities to ensure that there is no hike in petroleum pump prices and electricity tariffs, despite the falling value of the naira against major world currencies.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, gave the assurance in an interview with journalists in Abuja.

When questioned about the Senate’s response to concerns regarding potential increases in electricity tariffs and fuel prices, due to high petroleum landing costs and the Federal Government’s indebtedness to electricity generating companies, he affirmed that the Senate was committed to preventing Nigerians from facing exorbitant costs for electricity and fuel.

Recall that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had last week hinted that Nigeria was not likely to sustain the current electricity subsidy.

He explained that the indebtedness of the country’s power sector to electricity-generating companies (GenCos) and gas companies (GasCos) had risen to over N3tn.

It has also been reported in the Media that due to the prevailing black-market rate of about N1,600 per dollar, the landing cost of petrol has soared to about N1,009 per litre, marking a substantial increase from N720 per litre recorded in October 2023.

Adaramodu said: “The issue of petroleum matter and that of power, especially the two, one, if you can just recall, the Senate, especially has instituted Committee probes into the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and even the oil sector generally and then we are awaiting the reports.

“The reports will determine our own approach to what we are going to advise or what we are going to compel the executive to do about this issue.

“On the issue of power too, a Minister can come out and say whatever he would like to say, which is as it applies to his ministry, but the minister is not the last voice on such issues.

“The presidency is there and even our own side, we have a committee solely responsible for power matters.

“Appropriately, those committees will swing into action and then, they will brief the Senate accordingly, and from their briefing, we would take a position

“When these committees swing into action, it’s not going to be the committee members alone that will be thinking and be talking.

“They are going to meet with very critical stakeholders and users of electricity, which are Nigerians, and users of petroleum products, which are Nigerians too, and then from there, we take it up.

“What I want to assure Nigerians is that the 10th Senate will not abandon them because it means that we have abandoned ourselves. We are not here on our own.

“There’s nothing that happens to one Nigerian that does not happen to us and because of that, we feel it even more than any other person because we are the very close people to our people.

“When they yawn, we feel the malaria and when they take even Panadol, we feel the relief.”

The Senate spokesman also insisted that the Senate would intervene appropriately on the planned strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He said: “On the issue of the NLC strike, we learnt that the Federal Government has been meeting with them and yes, there’s an analogy, which I want to draw.

“When a child is crying for food, and the father is going up and down to ensure that food is provided for the child, if the child cries too much, by the time the food comes, the child will be too weak to eat the food. So it’s an analogy and I’m very sure that is what is taking place now.

Burrow-pit of death: Naze residents send SOS to Gov Uzodimma over activities of sand excavators

By Chris Anucha…

Residents of Naze in Owerri North LGAs have expressed concern over the activities of some youths, who are illegally excavating sand inside the premises of Naze Secondary School, thereby creating a very deep and dangerous burrow-pit inside the school.

According to some concerned residents, the dangerous burrow-pit poses danger to the students, under aged children and the school’s buildings.

Besides, they are also afraid that some persons could see the burrow-pit as a dumping ground for refuse, including dead bodies. Some of them told STATESMAN  that some criminal elements could also use the burrow-pit as a hideout, after carrying out their criminal activities elsewhere.

They, therefore, called for speedy investigation and intervention by the Imo State Ministry of Education, the Secondary Education Management Board and Imo State Environment Transformation Council (ENTRACO), among other relevant authorities.

Speaking to STATESMAN on the ugly development, a native of Umuakali Naze and concerned mother, Barrister (Mrs) Hope Ugboku Bendaniyah, disclosed that the illegal, massive sand excavation going on inside Naze Secondary School, if not checked, could result in disaster, as well as lead to high rate of crime in Naze and the neighbouring communities or towns.

She also appealed to Owerri North Town Planning Authority, Owerri Capital Development Authority, Imo State Ministry of Health/Health Management Board and other relevant agencies of government to wade in urgently.

Hear her: “The most agonizing thing about this dangerous burrow-pit is that, it is situated right in the middle of human habitations in the community, with very close proximity to residential houses.”

“We, the residents within its closest proximities feel most concerned because, we now leave in terror and agony, in anticipation of the dangers and negative consequences of this monster in the nearest future and during rainy seasons, which range from the dangers resulting from massive flood that may carry off our under aged children, the very old, and the sickly into this pit of death, to the dangerous gullies and subsequent landslides, to the detriment of surrounding buildings and roads that will surely be.”

Barrister Bendaniyah, who is also the State Legal Adviser to many APC women and non women groups in Imo State, insisted that the burrow-pit would fast become a paradise of convenience for lazy refuse disposers.

“Criminal elements will convert it into a past and convenient way of disposing criminally murdered corpses, aborted fetus and unwanted children, born to prostitutes and irresponsible mothers, students of the school will also have their own fair shares of troubles in all these hazards enumerated,” she further told the reporter.

Findings, however, revealed that the burrow-pit, where sand is excavated for the on-going road construction project of the old Owerri-Aba Road, is now abnormally deep and dangerously encroaching into Naze Secondary School premises because of the nefarious activities of some individuals, who are diverting the excavated sand from the burrow-pit for their private/ personal uses. It was discovered that some persons, with the backing of some politicians in the area are excavating the sand for sale, thereby, endangering the lives of persons and buildings in the vicinity.

For instance, there is allegation that a youth leader in the area is seriously involved in the illegal excavation of sand from the burrow-pit for sales.

According a source, money made from the excavated sand is shared between the youth Leader and his alleged political godfathers.

Other residents, who spoke to the reporter on condition of anonymity disclosed how the area where the burrow-pit is sited, had been in contention between Umuakali and Umuosu villages.

They also alleged that some of the remote reasons for sitting the burrow-pit is to use it to alienate some portions of the school land, by some influential natives and subsequently, annex such alienated portions for sale and conversion into personal enterprises.

They also appealed to Governor Uzodimma to wade into the illegal, personal excavation of sand from the burrow-pit inside Naze Secondary School to forestall future crisis and calamity.

Nigerian emerges overall best in UK school of health

Nigerian Douye Nomayo

Nigerian Douye Nomayo has received the prize for best overall performance in the School of Health & Psychological Sciences at City, University of London.

The Medical doctor who graduated with a distinction received the prize after obtaining a Masters degree in Health Policy from City, University of London.

Before migrating to the United Kingdom, UK, Nomayo worked at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for nine years.

Nomayo in a press statement said she decided to pursue a second degree in Health Policy because of her interest in public service.

Nigerian Douye Nomayo

“During my time spent working in the hospital, I saw the suffering people went through to access healthcare, due to high cost or unavailability.

“I realised that healthcare practitioners must get more involved in politics in order to get problems in the health sector on the political agenda quickly. I set out to understand the financial and political aspects of policy-making in healthcare and learnt how to formulate, evaluate and improve on existing policies.

“Several countries have gone through health system reforms and their experiences can be leveraged upon to produce changes that will be financially feasible and acceptable to both healthcare providers and the Nigerian population,” she said.

Economic hardship, high cost of living could lead to social unrest in Nigeria – AfDB warns Tinubu

AFDB

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has said the economic hardship and the rising prices of fuel and other commodities could lead to social unrest in Nigeria.

In its macroeconomic performance and outlook for 2024 released on Saturday, the AfDB said internal conflicts and violence could also result from rising prices for fuel and other commodities.

According to the financial institution, Ethiopia, Angola and Kenya could also experience social unrest following the rising cost of living and high prices of food items.

The AfDB projected Africa’s economy to grow higher than the 3.2 per cent recorded in 2023, adding that the growth on the continent will rebound to 3.8% in 2024.

However, the bank cautioned that an increase in fuel and commodity prices occasioned by currency depreciation or subsidy removal in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya and Ethiopia could trigger internal conflicts.

It stated, “Internal conflicts and violence could also result from rising prices for fuel and other commodities due to weaker domestic currencies and reforms.

“For instance, the removal of fuel subsidies in Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria and the resulting social costs has led to social unrest driven by opposition to government policy.”

Also, the AfDB said the rise of geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, in addition to the El Nino phenomenon, may trigger supply chain disruptions, which could aggravate energy and food inflation across the world, with Africa more vulnerable to these shocks.

Naija News reports that the rising cost of living in the country has led some Nigerians to hit the streets in some states in recent times in protest.

The protest over increasing hardship started in Minna, Niger State, on February 5, with many other states such as Kano and Ogun holding similar protests after.

Nobody can challenge us in 2027 – Wike vows

Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday, expressed confidence that his political camp would defeat any opposition in the 2027 elections.

The former Rivers State Governor who has been in a face-off with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, stated this during a thanksgiving service by a federal lawmaker, Senator Barinada Mpigi in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The FCT Minister claimed that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), are united in Rivers State ahead of the next general elections.

He said, “With the forces we have, I don’t know of anybody who can challenge us. I can tell you it is like tomorrow is 2027. For me it is still very far, I can’t wait.

“The two leadership of the party, APC is here, PDP is here; where can you find that leadership unity? Which state? It is only in Rivers that you can find that unity.

“And that is what many people don’t like. When they see people united and working together, they find how to make sure they are divided, but since we know, we have refused to be divided”.

Recall that Rivers State was recently in a political crisis following alleged moves by Wike to impose decisions on the current administration.

APC Publicity Secretary Shot Dead

The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Sylvanus Namang, is dead.

It was learnt that Namang was shot dead in Pankshin town, Pankshin Local Government Area of the state.

According reports, the deceased left home on Saturday to attend a burial in Pankshin, where he was suddenly killed outside his hotel room in the area by hoodlums who opened fire at him around 7:30 am.

Confirming the incident, an APC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Namang died from injuries sustained in the attack.

He stated that the late Namang was a dependable ally and deeply committed to the development of the APC at the grassroots and state levels, adding that the party would issue a statement regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

Delta polytechnic shut down as hoodlums invade hostel

Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku

Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, has been forced to close down following incessant attacks on students by hoodlums.

The Rector of the institution, Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu announced the closure of the institution during the weekend.

According to her, students are expected to resume academic activities on Monday, February 26.

The Students Union Government, (SUG), of the school also issued a statement ordering all students in the hostels to comply with the management’s directive to proceed on semi semester break.

Reports from Ogwashi- Uku said most of the hostels outside and inside the campus have been deserted over fears of attacks by hoodlums.

Some students have lost handsets and laptops to the hoodlums, while some females have been raped.

An eyewitness who gave her name as Chisom Gladys, narrated how the hoodlums attacked the students.

“They went to the first room, bending the steel protector and pulling out the rods in the casement window in order to gain entrance and proceeded to rob the boy who stays in the room.

“If they had continued breaking down the doors like that, they would have come across my room, but it seems they noticed that most of the persons staying in the first block of the hostel were girls, so they switched to the second block which was occupied by boys and that was how I escaped being robbed.

“They robbed the first room in the block, carting away phones and other valuable properties and it was in the second room that they shot the boy residing there on the leg.

“According to what we heard coming from the room, the boy was shot twice, but the first bullet failed to penetrate his body, while he was able to extract the second bullet from his leg by himself before the police arrived and took him to the hospital hours later.

“The last room that was robbed was occupied by a boy who happened to be sleeping on his corridor because of the heat. Immediately he woke up and saw the robbers, he tried to run inside the house but he was caught and beaten thoroughly with cutlasses and other weapons.”

It was gathered that the state Commissioner of Police, AbaniwondaOlufemi, has summoned the area commander and the divisional police officer in Ogwashi-Uku over the matter.

Labour Party crisis: I’ll sue suspended Treasurer, Oparah for defamation —Abure vows

Abure

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure has vowed to sue the party’s national treasurer, Oluchukwu Oparah for allegedly defaming his person, reputation and character.

Abure made this vow in an interview with Arise Television, during his right of reply to the claims of Oparah.

The Labour Party chairman said Oparah only made the claims to mislead the public and destabilize the party.

Abure said, “She has come to lie and to misinform members of the party in order to bring us and the party to disrepute. She was in this studio and said she never had access to the account and didn’t know how the account was run and so, I came here with these checks that she co-signed.

“Those checks that were signed between February and march 2021, but these are public documents that you can get from the bank and so you can ask her to bring the evidence that those monies were withdrawn without her signature.

“I must also state that beyond a right of reply, if not that there was an insistence that I should reply, ordinarily I will get people to reply and put all the facts before you. But I decided to come and make a few clarifications.

“My lawyers are working and by today, those cases of defamation will be filed against Oluchukwu Oparah who came on national television to defame my reputation and bring down my person.

“There is no way I would have taken this for granted. By today or tomorrow, my lawyers will file. I find it very embarrassing that it is even those within the party that are being used to destabilize the party.”

Abure also provided some cheques, which he said were signed by the national treasurer, who had claimed that she has no idea of what is going on with regards to the party’s finances.

He said “First and foremost, I need to make it abundantly clear that I am the first national chairman of the party that has been able to make and ensure that we have financial records in the office.

“Before my assumption as the national chairman in 2021, there were no financial records in the office. Oluchi Oparah has been the national treasurer of the office from 2014 till date. I will challenge her to bring all her records from 2014 till 2021 before I assumed office in 2021.

“I must make it clear that I have never at any point in time stopped or prevented Oluchi Oparah from carrying out her duties as National treasurer of the party. Today, it is no longer in vogue that people will pay into the treasurer’s account. People do direct transfers.

“I must also put on record here that it is not true that the party has collected over 3.5 billion. I need to make it clear that we already have audited reports made by a certified auditor of the party who has reviewed all the records and we have all the audited statements of accounts from 2022 to 2023.

“The total money that entered the party in summary between 2022 and now is 1.3billion. We also got 700 million which were the campaign funds that went straight to the campaign organizations for the campaigns. So, I didn’t know and I cannot reconcile where she got the 3.5 billion that she talked about.”

“We have three accounts. One in zenith, fidelity and one in UBA and then the signatories are myself as A signatory, national secretary as B signatory and the national treasurer as signatory C.

“The party came under attack just after the 2023 elections, obviously the intention is to destabilize, disorganize and take over the leadership of the party and therefore destroy the very foundation of the party so that there will not be credible opposition in the country. It is clear and very obvious that a lot of people are being used to disrupt the party.”

Meanwhile, Abure debunked the claims that he has plans to run for governorship in Edo state.

He said, “In Edo state for instance, I must say here that I am not interested in the gubernatorial race and I am not going to run.

“I feel like the process must be transparent, open and must be competitive and I feel the reason we have bad leadership is because all other political parties have lacked internal party democracy and therefore the best cannot come out of the parties, that’s why in Edo state, I have that responsibility to do that for the people of Edo that they get the best.”

Tinubu’s economic policies will soon yield positive results – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured Nigerians that the economic policies of the Bola Tinubu administration will soon yield positive results.

Wike gave the assurance on Sunday during a thanksgiving service organised by Senator Barinada Mpigi in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The minister called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s economic reform policies to address the economic hardship and poverty in the country.

According to Wike, it won’t be easy to turn the fortunes of the nation around in a short time frame, following the bad economy inherited by President Tinubu.

He said: “God in His infinite mercies will continue to give us the strength to work together to support Mr President. So many people in this country hardly remember yesterday, we are in a rush – we have problem, but have you asked yourself how was yesterday? Decisions of Mr President, if we are patient by the end of the day, we will get to where we want to get to.”

The event was also attended by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, among other dignitaries.

Organised Labour shifts ground on N1m Minimum Wage

NLC President

The Organised Labour is prepared to lower its demand for N1m minimum wage for workers in the country, in line with realities on the ground.

The President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and a member of the labour unions, Akeem Ambali, stated this in an interview.

Recall that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had in a recent interview said the rising inflation in the country might push organized labour to demand N1 million as minimum wage.

Speaking with newsmen, Ambali, who is also a member of the Minimum Wage Committee, said the organized labour has shifted its ground on the N1 million proposed minimum wage.

Ambali said one of the principles of collective bargaining allows all parties to look into all factors before an amount would be agreed on.

He stated that the shift in position will likely be communicated to the Federal Government during the second meeting of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage on Monday and Tuesday.

He said: “The principle of collective bargaining allows compromise, once the parties look at all factors to ensure an agreeable amount is reached.

“The second meeting of the minimum wage committee has been slated for Monday and Tuesday.

On the timeline of March for the expiration of the current minimum wage, we hope that the committee, the Presidency, and the National Assembly will expedite action to ensure that the new Minimum Wage Act would have come to replace the old one by April 1, 2024.”

Tackle hunger, insecurity in Nigeria – Catholic bishop tells govt

Bishop David Jang of Lafia Diocese...

 The Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. David Ajang, has urged the Federal Government to urgently take steps toward tackling hunger and the security challenges currently confronting the nation.

Ajang made the call on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Mass organised by the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, held at St Aloysius Catholic Church, Doma.

The bishop said tackling insecurity and hunger would not only promote peace but would significantly improve the living standard of Nigerians.

“This is a critical time; security is a big problem and the second one is hunger.

I think something is needed to be done” he said.

The cleric, who quoted various verses in the Bible, called on Christians and Nigerians in general to eschew evil, adding that such move would enable them inherit God’s kingdom.

Ajang also urged Nigerians to use their God’s given talents toward promoting peace and development in the nation.

He admonished Nigerians, especially the youths, to shun cyber and all forms of crime.

“Before now people were doing Yahoo in hiding, but today a lot are proud of doing yahoo in the open

”Young people must desist from all forms of crime, that way our society will be better,” the bishop advised.

He urged Christians to regularly show gratitude to God at all times, to attract God’s favour and blessings.

The bishop assured the deputy governor of his support and constant prayers for God’s guidance as he support his principal in running the affairs of the state.

Emefiele did many terrible things, we don’t even know what to charge him with – Akpabio

Emefiele

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has accused a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, of committing so many economic offences during his time in power as the head of the country’s apex bank.

The atrocities the Senate President accused Emefiele of committing include illegal possession of firearms, printing naira notes without authorization, and others which put Nigeria in an economic mess.

He said there is hunger in Nigeria today because of the type of policies and actions taken under Emefiele’s watch during the past administration.

Akpabio, however, submitted that despite the damages caused by the past administration, the government of President Bola Tinubu is battling to ensure Nigerians can sleep with their eyes closed and eat three square meals a day.

While appealing for patience from Nigerians, Akpabio, who spoke personally during a recent event, said the current leadership would get to the bottom of everything and turn things around for the better.

He said the damages that have happened in Nigeria for so many years can not be corrected in just six months.

Recall that Emefiele, after he was removed from office by President Tinubu, is currently standing trial before a court on charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit felony.

Economic hardship: ‘I don’t know why South East is quiet’ – Ex-NHIS boss, Yusuf

South East

Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, (NHIS), on Saturday, said he is surprised the South Eastern part of the country has remained quiet amid the worsening economic hardship facing the country.

This is even as he urged the President to buy food, flood the market and feed the people before things get too late.

Yusuf made this known on Saturday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

There have been agitations against the increasing hunger in some parts of the country, most of them from the south west and northern part of the country.

However, Yusuf found it surprising that the South East has remained calm.

He said: “I honestly don’t know why the South East is quiet, uncharacteristically quiet. But the President needs to find out. The North is where I know I live; even my heritage is. The silence in the North is more lethal than anywhere else in the country. And the President needs to listen to that.

“The silence in the North, from the people of the North, in spite of the suffering people are going through, is more lethal than people coming out.

“We are going into the month of Ramadan, people are going to pray. We ask the President to buy food, flood the market and feed the people before things get too late.

“The whole country is suffering. There’s hunger in the land. We hope you listen. Don’t listen to your advisers. Bring a whole lot of money for food, don’t wait for the governors.”

Bandits kill six, abduct five in community

Six people have been killed while five others were abducted in an attack by bandits on Kwasam community, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A resident of the community, who pleaded anonymity, said in a telephone interview on Saturday that the incident happened a few minutes after 10pm on Friday.

He said the bandits came in large numbers and were armed with sophisticated weapons.

According to him, on arrival, the bandits abducted two people, who at gun point, led them to the residence of one Mr. Zakariya Markus, a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his younger brother and wife.

He said as the bandits were leaving the community with the five abducted persons, the residents rushed out in an attempt to rescue them.

However, the bandits started shooting sporadically at them and in the process, six people were killed, while two others were injured.

He said: “The village came under attack by Fulani men a few minutes after 10pm on Friday. When they came, they picked two people, who at gun point, led them to the residences of Mr. Zakariya Markus, a  prominent man in the community, who happened to be a retired director of the CBN and kidnapped him.

“After picking him, they moved to their family house and picked his younger brother, Mr. Monday Markus and the wife.

“So five people were kidnapped, but as the kidnappers were leaving the community with them, residents rushed out to pursue the criminals in an attempt to rescue the victims.

“But the bandits were shooting sporadically at them and in the process, six people were killed, while two others were injured.”

According to him, those killed included DanmasaniGwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, KapishiBarmu, GanyaUbangida, ShigamaSalisu and GaniMagawata.

Mansir Hassan, spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, could not be reached when contacted as his telephone was not connecting.

 

Lagos begins full enforcement of styrofoam ban Monday

Foil

The Lagos State Government will on Monday, February 19 commence the full enforcement of the ban on the usage and distribution of Styrofoam food containers all over the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, TokunboWahab, disclosed this on Friday while meeting with all market leaders in the state at the BlueRoof in Alausa, Ikeja.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the ministry’s spokesman, KunleAdeshina.

According to the statement, the commissioner said that enforcement officers from LAGESC/KAI, Environmental Health Officials and LAWMA Police and the Ministry would go after all those having the styrofoams in their shops, stores or outlets and confiscate them.

“I would like to appeal to all our traders to desist from selling on the railway lines and all the roads. Also, we must stop littering our market with waste.  We must segregate our wastes in our respective markets; bag our wastes and ensure we patronise PSP operators,” the commissioner said.

Monarch suspended for abusing naira notes

The Olu of Owode in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba KolawoleSowemimo, has been suspended for two months without pay.

A viral video in early January showed the royal father decorating a popular fuji musician, WasiuAyinde, with new notes of N1,000 .

The council moved against Sowemimo for publicly degrading Nigerian currency, an offence that contravenes the law of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

However, during the Egba Traditional Council meeting chaied by the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba AdedotunGbadebo on Friday, ObaSowemimo was suspended.

The meeting in a joint resolution adopted the suspension of the monarch following the recommendation of its Ethics Committee which declared that during the period of his (Sowemimo) suspension, he should not parade himself as a traditional ruler.

It was further gathered that the resolution emphasised that Sowemimo should not be invited or seen at any government or public function as a traditional ruler, and for three months should not receive any payments

The Chairman of a three-member Ethics Committee of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba SakaMatemilola, who read the report of the committee, said that the committee came to its decision after examining the viral video in which Sowemimo breached the ethics of a Yoruba traditional institution by defacing Nigeria’s currency.

The committee chairman, who is the Olowu of Owu, said findings revealed that the embattled traditional ruler was seen holding strewn naira as a bead and hanging onto the neck of a musician in public.

The chairman added that a lot of public condemnation of the act inundated the council with derisive comments on the traditional institution, stressing that the said Oba’s action is in contradiction of Section 21(1) of Central Bank Act, 2007.

The suspended monarch confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that he was suspended due to the way he spent money on a musician.

“They said the suspension was due to the way I spent money on one musician.

“And when I was asked if I had anything to say, I stood up and apologised for whatever I had done wrong and the suspension which was earlier announced to be for three months without salaries was reduced to two months.

“I totally accept the verdict of the council because it is the person that we love that we chastise, so I am good with the decision,” he said.

Reacting to the video in a statement signed and directed to the monarch, Director General, NOA, LanreIssa-Onilu, said the display was an abuse of the national currency that attracts imprisonment, fines or both.

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