Politics

Supreme Court fixes March 3 for ruling on states’ lawsuit against Buhari

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday scheduled judgement on the lawsuit filed by governors against the Buhari regime for March 3 over naira notes.

At least 17 states have joined a consolidated suit demanding the prohibition of President Muhammadu Buhari from suddenly implementing the redesign of the national currency.

The Supreme Court, after hearing from dozens of lawyers on both governors and federal government’s sides, said a judgement would be delivered on the matter next month.

The judgment date will be after the presidential election on February 25.

The court had previously issued an order saying the old notes should remain in circulation.

Arguments in today’s hearing focused on a contempt decision against Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, who had failed to implement the court’s decision for old notes to keep circulating until a substantive ruling on the matter.

The states, including Kaduna and Lagos, sued the Buhari regime earlier this month, arguing that implementing a change of banknotes at this time would hurt citizens.

Banks have not been able to make available new notes to Nigerians, which has caused economic hardships.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, which introduced the new notes on Mr Buhari’s directive, said it would try to make available the much-sought N500 and N1,000 notes.

Politics

NSCDC deploys special forces, SWAT teams, bomb squad for Saturday elections

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The commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has approved the deployment of 102,000 personnel to provide security during the forthcoming general election in the country.

This is contained in a statement by NSCDC’s spokesman Olusola Odumosu on Tuesday.

Mr Audi said the deployment aligned with the security agency’s readiness to provide a secure environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise and assured Nigerians of a comprehensive deployment plan to enhance general security coverage nationwide for the people to vote without molestation or intimidation.

“In addition, there would be the deployment of the Anti-vandalism Squad and Special Forces to all critical national assets and infrastructure.

Including flashpoints in states and the FCT, to protect them against vandalism, damage or arson by criminal elements before, during and after the elections,” the NSCDC boss stated.

He explained that the agency would engage officers from the Arms Squad, Counter Terrorism, Chemical, Biological Radiological and Explosives Unit, Female Squad, Rapid Response Squad, K9 and SWAT Units.

“Our specially trained undercover personnel have been dispatched from each Command to work effectively with other security agencies to maintain surveillance and provide intelligence reports and updates on the security situation in different states, especially on flashpoints,” the commandant general added.

Mr Audi said while state commandants would be responsible for field operations, a monitoring team comprising the DCG operations and other DCGs, zonal commanders and other senior officers had been constituted to monitor and supervise the exercise nationwide effectively.

He directed that, in addition to the unified code of conduct for security agencies, NSCDC Officers deployed for the assignment must comply with the corps’ operational code and the principles of the rule of law in discharging their duties.

Politics

Tinubu will lose because of Muslim-Muslim ticket, Nigeria is not Saudi Arabia -Baba-Ahmed

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Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed says APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket featuring Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima will fail because of its faulty “configuration.”

Mr Baba-Ahmed argued that Nigeria is not a religious monolith like Saudi Arabia, Iran or the Vatican.

Mr Baba-Ahmed is a northern Muslim and running mate to Peter Obi (the Labour Party presidential flag bearer), a Christian from the South.

The vice-presidential standard-bearer stressed that Mr Tinubu lost out in his scheme to become President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in the 2015 presidential election because APC believed a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket would scuttle their potential victory at the polls.

“Why today Tinubu is not the vice-president of Nigeria is the same reason he cannot be president,” Mr Baba-Ahmed told Channels TV Tuesday night during an interview.

“What couldn’t happen in 2015 when the then-candidate Buhari asked for any nomination whatsoever from Tinubu – because that configuration has passed.

It can no longer work in Nigeria. (The) Muslim-Muslim ticket cannot work anymore.”

Mr Baba-Ahmed added;

“The creator of the heavens and earth does not make mistakes. This is the Federal Republic of Nigeria as duly filed at the United Nations and registered too. It’s not the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for example, or the Vatican or Iran or Libya or Mauritania. It’s a federal republic, and God didn’t make a mistake by putting all of us, 250 (tribes).”

Mr Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim running mate elicited scathing criticisms, with many accusing the APC of an agenda to Islamise Nigeria.

Lawan Babachir, an estranged Tinubu ally and APC chieftain, threatened that Christians would vote against the APC, describing the ruling party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket as “satanic.”

Last July, Peoples Gazette exclusively reported that the State Security Service, in a secret memo to Mr Buhari, warned that Mr Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim vice-presidential candidate (Kashim Shettima) would trigger a sectarian crisis that could destabilise Nigeria.

Politics

Goodluck Jonathan preaches peaceful elections ahead of presidential poll

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to be patriotic and peaceful and display true sportsmanship as they exercise their civic rights on February 25 and March 11.

Mr Jonathan said this in a message to Nigerians released by his special adviser Ikechukwu Eze in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said Nigerians must not allow elections to be a source of violence and anarchy.

“We must desist from the temptation of yielding to those desirous of making our communities and states theatres of conflicts for their selfish ends.

Let us realise that the primary purpose of democracy is to uphold the freedom and dignity of citizens and deploy the instruments of governance toward advancing and improving the well-being of our people,” the former Nigerian president explained.

Mr Jonathan urged Nigerians to “consolidate the gains we have recorded in our democracy in the last two decades by ensuring that the elections are peaceful, just, and fair,” appealing to politicians to eschew hatred and violence, “be circumspect in their actions and work towards consolidating the nation’s democracy.”

Mr Jonathan, who said that the future belongs to the youth, advised them not to allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence, saying Nigeria is yours to build.

“This election provides you with the opportunity to be key partners in the nation-building process by electing leaders of your choice. Those you can hold to account, those you trust to defend your future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in our great country,” the former president stressed.

According to him, the 2023 elections mean so much to all Nigerians, describing it as a moment of truth and courage.

“Democracy has put our fate in our hands. It has given us power, the power to make the right choices, determine our future, and shape our destiny,” he stated.

Politics

Elections: Violence-prone LGAs identified in Oyo, says INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says some local government areas easily prone to violence during Saturday elections have been identified in Oyo state.

Rahmon Tella, the state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), disclosed this on Tuesday while featuring at a guest forum tagged: “Speak Out”, organised by the Oyo State Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Mr Tella said INEC had developed some strategies to be embarked upon within those flashpoints.

According to him, this will form the basis for how security will be beefed up during the day of the election.

“What we consider necessary and achievable is the teamwork that has been really experienced among the security agencies in the state,” he said.

Mr Tella said parts of the measures implemented to address the security challenges included the identification of security personnel through the use of tags and banning of politicians from moving with security agents.

“A situation where candidates of political parties will be moving around with security agents would not be allowed.

“Operationalising of no other movement during the election day forms part of what the security agencies are coming up with on the day of the election.

“There will be no vehicular movement and movement of people all around, except those really concerned to partake in the election activities.

“Other security strategies include the establishment of situation room to monitor all activities in the respective local government areas and polling units on that day to ensure that election activities go on unhindered,” he said.

Mr Tella said the military personnel that would be deployed for the election would ensure that all neighbouring states that share a border with the state are manned fully to prevent the influx of political thugs and suspected criminals.

He further said that the commission has successfully trained some of the ad hoc staff that would be used for the 2023 general elections in the state.

Mr Tella said that the commission had also deployed some non-sensitive materials to the respective local government areas in the state.

The REC said the sensitive materials would be distributed on Friday in the presence of security agencies, media and political parties.

He put the total number of registered voters in the state as 3, 276,675, while the total number of polling units in the state were 6,390.

The REC put the total number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) collected in the state at 2, 305,903, while the uncollected PVC figures were 760,766.

Politics

Nigerian Army warns soldiers not to snatch ballot boxes for politicians

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The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops to be professional in performing their duties during the forthcoming general elections.

He said this while addressing troops of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army at Ibagwa Barracks in Abak, Akwa Ibom on Tuesday.

The GOC warned them not to involve in any act that would bring disrepute to the Nigerian Army and the country.

He also tasked the soldiers to remain apolitical throughout the elections.

Mr Oluyede, who is also the Commander Operation Delta Safe, urged the officers and men that their duty was to assist the police to avert breakdown of law and order during and after the elections.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, especially for those of us who are soldiers, if we damage our country there is no where we shall go.

“As your GOC, my duty is to beg you to do what is right. What do I mean by that? You are not supposed to support anybody, you are not supposed to disgrace the army by collecting money, you are not supposed to carry ballot box for anybody.

“That is not your work, everything is clearly stated in the pamphlet distributed to you, which I will implore you to read it. The Chief of Army staff has made it very clear that the Army is nonpartisan. Let the people choose whom they want.

“Your duty during the elections is to assist the police to ensure that there is no break down of law and order. The duty of a soldier is not to help anybody and carry ballot box,” Oluyede warned.

The GOC cautioned that any soldier found wanting will be dealt with decisively, adding that civilians would continue to respect soldiers when they do what is right.

He urged the troops to be security conscious anywhere they were deployed to avoid any casualty, adding that the army would do everything to ensure their safety.

“Let me tell you, no civilian can face you and even point fingers at you when you do the right thing. The Chief of Army Staff has advised us to do our job professionally and never to take side.

“I want to repeat myself, that the only time civilians can insult you is when you do the wrong thing. Please, don’t go and spoil the name of the Army and if I find you wanting, you will be penalized. It is an appeal and warning at the same time.

“Remember that you have your family to take care of. Please, face your work, do it as instructed and do it well.

“I want to advise you that as soldiers this is an abnormal times, you must be vigilant at all times. Be alert. Don’t go and waste your life anywhere you are being deployed,” he said.

The 2 Brigade Nigerian Army had earlier joint other security agencies in the state for “operation show of force” to ensure citizens of adequate security during the elections.

Politics

Army, police, SSS, NIA chiefs meet over February 25 presidential election

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, has reassured Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies are ready to provide a safe and secure environment for the February 25 and March 11 elections.

Mr Irabor gave the assurance while briefing journalists shortly after meeting with service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Monday in Abuja.

The closed-door meeting was attended by service chiefs, the inspector general of police, the directors-general of the State Security Service and National Intelligence Agency, and the chief of Defence Intelligence.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to review security arrangements for the elections and develop action plans to ensure that the exercise would be peaceful.

“We have just finished the meeting. The service chiefs, the inspector general of police, the DSS, represented by the director of operations, the DG, the NIA and the CDI.

Looking at the security for the elections, and as you know, the police are the lead agency for elections security, we have compared notes and assessed the entire situation, and we are good to go,” stated the army chief.

He added;

“The assessment is that we are set on all fronts. We got representation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, who, of course, you have interacted with and has also told Nigerians and the world that they are ready for this election.

By and large, we are good to go, and I like to use this opportunity to assure Nigerians that on the security front, we are good to go on all fronts.”

Mr Irabor also gave assurance that the security agencies would cover every part of the country to ensure peaceful elections so that all eligible Nigerians exercise their franchise.

He added that contingency actions had been taken to address areas with peculiar security challenges.

Politics

Supreme Court affirms Olawuyi as APC candidate for Oke-ero federal constituency

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The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the appeal filed by Oluwasegun Adebayo, challenging the candidacy of Tunji Olawuyi as the authentic representative of APC for Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke-ero federal constituency of Kwara.

A five-man panel of justices led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun affirmed the candidacy of Mr Olawuyi, currently representing the constituency.

Mr Kekere-Ekun dismissed the appeal for having filled out of time and therefore is statute-barred.

Mr Adebayo, who had challenged the candidacy of Mr Olawuyi, was seeking to be recognised as the duly elected candidate of the party.

Adebayo Afeez, the defendant’s counsel, spoke after the case and said the appeal was a defect in the originating summon and was subsequently dismissed.

He said that the name of Mr Olawuyi on the INEC list remains the recognised candidate by the party.

In his reaction, Mr Olawuyi described the ruling as a no victor, no vanquish while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the APC leadership in Kwara.

He commended the doggedness of Mr Adebayo, describing him as a fighter, urging him to bury the hatchet and join hands with APC to ensure victory in the February 25 elections.

Lifestyle, Politics

21,640 immigration officers to monitor Saturday’s presidential election

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The Nigeria Immigration Service has deployed 21,640 officers and men for the February 25 and March 11 elections across the 36 states and FCT.

NIS comptroller general, Isah Jere, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.Mr Jere said the service approved the deployment of the personnel to be part of the election monitoring security apparatus of the federal government.

He, however, charged all the state comptrollers to ensure strict elections monitoring.

He said this should be in their respective states, especially as it concerned the non-participation of foreigners in the exercise.

Politics

Group says it plans to reach 100 million Nigerians digitally to vote Tinubu

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Bola Tinubu Support Organisation in the United Kingdom (BTSO UK), says it will reach out to at least 100 million Nigerians digitally to vote enmass for APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu on the February 25 election.

The group, led by one of its Executive members, Anthony Aboaba, stated this while meeting with the Deputy Director-General, APC Campaign Council in Ogun, Abiodun Sanyaolu, in Abeokuta on Monday.

Mr Aboaba noted that the gesture would be achieved between now and the election, saying that It would ensure landslide victory for APC at the polls.

Mr Aboaba stated that BTSO UK came into being in 2019 under the leadership of Ade Adeshina and coordinated by Sunday Soyinka, with professionals from all walks of life who believed in Nigeria’s emancipation.

The executive member stated that the belief and trust in Mr Tinubu was based on his track records and leadership prowess, vision, action, identification and his ability to always put round pegs in round holes.

He added that the group was self-funded by committed members of its executive and had embarked on different projects to support Mr Tinubu.

“Bulk SMS campaign to promote BTSO UK in Nigeria. Anthem to promote the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The anthem is entitled;

“He will make you leaders of men. if you follow him.”

“Sponsorship of grassroots movement. We provided electronic equipment, laptop, mobile phones for officers to aid their daily operational activities. We also fund logistics to propagate our support Tinubu in the Southwest of Nigeria.

“We produced merchandise t-shirts, baseball caps to campaign for Asiwaju. The regalia has the inscription: Bola Tinubu In-It To Win It.

“We hope that this gesture will solidify the recognition of BTSO UK as a strong support group for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC) Headquarters,” he said.

Mr Aboaba added that BTSO UK had established structure of governance in the United Kingdom, with men and women saddled with responsibilities of offices to actualise its objectives to support Mr Tinubu to become president.

“BTSO UK has presence in the cyberspace and social media,” he said.

In his response, Mr Sanyaolu, who commended the organisation for their unflinching support to the APC presidential candidate, stated that Mr Tinubu remained the best man for the job, considering his wealth of experience.

The deputy director-general claimed that it was only Mr Tinubu that had visited all 36 states of the country for campaign, saying it was a sign that he was never tribalistic.

“Tinubu is not tribalistic. He is blessed with knowledge and experience. His own style of governance is to improve the socioeconomic development of the country.

“Tinubu is not unknown to the people, he has done it before in Lagos state and he will do it again and again. He has the ability to identify good heads and he will surely succeed as Nigeria’s president,” he said.

The high point of the event was the presentation of Tinubu souvenir to the deputy director-general by the group.

Business, Politics

CBN confiscated and never swapped currency – El-Rufai

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Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Sunday, February 19, claimed that the Central Bank of Nigeria embarked on currency confiscation rather than a currency swap policy as announced earlier.  

In tweets he shared on Sunday evening, El-Rufai alleged that during the implementation of the cash swap, the CBN withdrew over N2 trillion from circulation and printed only N400 billion. 

The Kaduna state Governor also claimed that trade and exchange have collapsed as a result of the policy.

He added that it has also led to human suffering, impoverishment and economic contraction.  

He tweeted;  

“Currency redesign was approved by the President and announced. Currency recoloring resulted.

“Currency swap was envisaged by s.20(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act as approved by PMB. Swap means I take N100,000 to the bank in old notes & I receive N100,000 immediately in new notes. No more, no less.

“During implementation of the cash swap, the CBN withdrew over N2 trillion from circulation but printed only N400 billion, so in effect, currency confiscation was then unilaterally and unlawfully implemented by the CBN.

Trade and exchange have collapsed. Human suffering, impoverishment and economic contraction resulted.

“The policy objective was derailed into a deliberate national fiasco to sabotage the elections in the name of preventing vote-buying. All efforts to get CBN to implement what was lawfully approved failed.

“Some State Governments had no choice but to approach the Supreme Court for adjudication.

The APC as a party and the Progressive Governors Forum are unanimous that policy implementation must be reviewed, and full compliance of the subsisting ruling of the Supreme Court be observed until final judgment on the suit instituted by the State Governments.”

Politics

APC Rally-Commuters to experience traffic disruption, Lagos announces alternative routes

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The Lagos government has announced a travel advisory for the All Progressives Congress mega rally on Tuesday at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The general manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Bolaji Oreagba, gave the details in a statement on Sunday.Mr Oreagba said there would be a procession of APC presidential candidate, party stalwarts, party faithful and supporters from the local airport to Teslim Balogun Stadium through Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Ikorodu road.

He said the procession would pass through Idi-Iroko, Anthony, Obanikoro, Onipanu, Fadeyi, Jibowu (Empire), Moshalashi, Ojuelegba, Barracks and Stadium.Mr Oreagba advised motorists on alternative routes during the procession, stating that from the local airport to Maryland, they should use Kodesoh, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Kudirat Abiola Way, Old Oregun Road, Ojota, Maryland and connect destinations.From the local airport to Ketu-Mile 12, he advised motorists to take Kodesoh, Obafemi Awolowo, Way Secretariat Road to Mobolaji Johnson Avenue (7-Up), Ojota Interchange(Ketu and connect destinations.According to him, while the procession will hold on the main carriageway on Ikorodu road, the service lane will be open to motorists without any hassle.He added that to reduce inconvenience and travel time before and during the procession, motorists could make use of the following: Ikorodu to Lagos, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to Lagos/Oshodi use: old tollgate, Alapere (Ogudu, Iyana Oworo, Third Mainland Bridge and connect destination.Mr Oreagba said from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to Lagos, motorists should use Oshodi Bridge, Anthony Bridge, Gbagada, and Iyana Oworo-Third Mainland bridge to get to their destinations.He said from Ojuelegba to Surulere, motorists should use Lawanson -Itire Road, Ogunlana Drive, Akerele, Shitta Roundabout; Adeniran Ogunsaya, Bode Thomas; Masha, Adelabu, Census, Babs Animashaun, Bode Thomas or Doyin, Eric Moore, Abebe Village, Nigerian Breweries, Costain to connect to their connect destinations.The LASTMA boss explained that they could also go from Masha to Kilo, from Costain to Surulere, using Costain, Iponri Estate, Bode Thomas and connect destination or from Costain to Abebe Village, Eric Moore, Doyin, Bode Thomas or Babs Animashaun, Census around Adelabu in Masha and connect destination.“In order to reduce inconvenience, travel time and ensure the safety and security of all road users, adequate security and law enforcement personnel will be deployed along the entire dedicated routes to the stadium and alternative roads,” stated Mr Oreagba. “So, we humbly seek the support and cooperation of all road users and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Politics

Buhari attends last AU Summit as President

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday attended his last African Union (AU) Summit as Nigeria’s leader.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the President graced the event at the AU’s Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Nigerian leader departed Abuja on Thursday for Addis Ababa to participate in the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU.

The theme of the AU Summit is “Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation.”

Buhari is participating in three high-level meetings on peace and security, climate change and the political situation in some West African countries.

He will deliver remarks at these events as well as present his National Statement at the opening session of the Summit, which brings together leaders from the AU member countries as well as a number of non-AU countries and international institutions accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa.

Politics

Reps warn naira scarcity could jeopardise general election

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The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on naira redesign has warned that the ripple effects of the policy could jeopardise the 2023 general election.

In a statement in Abuja, Ado Doguwa, the committee chairman, called for an intervention to mitigate the hardship Nigerians face due to the policy.

Mr Doguwa said President Muhammadu Buhari had good intentions in wanting to use the policy to tackle insecurity, reduce corruption and engender the global best practice in fiscal policy management.

He however, said Nigerians were subjected to unwarranted and avoidable hardship due to wrong timing of the implementation coupled with the actions of suspected criminal elements in the banking system.

“We also urge Nigerians to continue to be calm and pursue their lawful businesses within the ambit of the law.

“We will continue to explore available opportunities to make sure that the government does only what is right and in the overall interest of our people,” he said.

Lifestyle, Politics

Governor Adeleke approves farm inputs subsidy for Osun farmers

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has approved the implementation of the Farmers’ Intervention Programme (FIP), focusing on subsidies of farm inputs for farmers in the state.

Spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, said this via a statement on Saturday in Osogbo.

The statement said the new intervention programme would cover subsidies on fertilisers and chemical inputs for farmers.

It said the government would subsidise the fertilisers and chemicals by more than 40 per cent of the price through direct purchases from the producers.

The statement said to safeguard the credibility of the programme, the farm inputs were to be branded with a project manager within the state’s agric sector, who would coordinate the marketing and distribution process.

According to the statement, the intervention is to develop into a revolving fund process such that the project’s sustainability is guaranteed.

The statement quoted the governor as saying: “this is the first of our interventions ahead of the new rainy season.

“My government will ensure that the subsidised inputs get to the farmers. This programme will positively touch the lives of our farming population.

“I will soon publicly flag off the programme statewide. We are an agrarian state.

“Easy availability of farm inputs is a major step forward. We are also working to drive investment into the sector through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.”

Business, Politics

We will destroy commercial banks in Kano that refuse to accept old notes – Governor Ganduje warns

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Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, warned commercial banks operating in the state that he would destroy any bank that refuses to accept the old N500 and N1,000 notes.

He made this known Friday, Feb. 17, during his inspection of palliatives meant for distribution to the citizens to cushion the effects of the hardship caused by the cashless policy, Channels TV reports.

“Any bank that refuses to accept old five hundred and one thousand Naira notes will be destroyed. We will not tolerate such disobedience from any financial institution operating within our jurisdiction,” he stated.

Governor Ganduje further disclosed that the space of the destroyed banks would be used for building schools.

“We will convert the space of the destroyed banks into schools that will provide quality education for our children,” he said according to the publication.

Governor Ganduje’s spokesperson, Abba Anwar, defended the governor’s statement, stating that the state government has the power to take such measures to protect the interests of the citizens.

Anwar said;

“The governor is not making an empty threat. The government has the power to take such measures if it is in the best interest of the people. OThe governor is determined to ensure that the people of Kano State do not suffer any undue hardship as a result of the cashless policy.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Buhari disobedient to Supreme Court, Jigawa will keep spending old naira notes- Governor Badaru

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Jigawa Gov dares Buhari, insists old naira notes remain legal tender.

Press Release

The Jigawa State Government wishes to inform members of the public that, it has come to its notice some individuals and corporate bodies are rejecting the now-old N200, N500 and N1000 notes.

The Jigawa State Government is concerned about the conduct of such individuals and corporate bodies.

As a law-abiding Government, there are suits by various State Governments of which Jigawa State is among before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The court has issued an order restraining the Federal Government of Nigeria, either by itself or acting through the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and/or commercial banks, ministries, parastatals, organisations or through any person or persons (natural and artificial) howsoever, from suspending or determining or ending on 10 February, 2023 the time frame within which the now older versions of the 200, 500 and 1000 denominations of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Jigawa State Government respects the rights of its people and those rejecting the now-old currencies are enjoined to desist from disobeying the law and causing hardship to the people of Jigawa State.

Jigawa State Government will not hesitate to use section 287(1) of the Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws to enforce the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

For clarity, the section provides, “The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court”.

People are advised to report any traders or business organisation that refuses to accept the now-old N200, N500 and N1000 notes as legal tender in Jigawa State to the nearest appropriate authorities.

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim

Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Information, Youths, Sports and Culture,

Jigawa State

Politics

Governor Adeleke dissolves Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme

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Governor Ademola Adeleke has dissolved the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES) and replaced it with ‘Imole Youth Corps’.

This is contained in a circular issued by the secretary to the state government, Teslim Igbalaye, on Thursday in Osogbo.

It said the decision was taken to reposition the youth empowerment programme inherited from the previous government for effective functionality, sustainability and dignity of labour.

The circular noted that the replacement was in fulfilment of one of the governor’s electoral promises to ensure meaningful and proper youth engagement in Osun.

“A new scheme code-named Imole Youth Corps is hereby put in place to engage our teeming youths in the state.

Application forms will be available for prospective youths in all the 30 local governments, including Ife East area office of the state free of charge beginning from Friday, 17th February, 2023,” the circular added.

O-YES was established by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and sustained by his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, for youth empowerment.

Politics

Police deploy 3,000 personnel for election duty nationwide

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The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba-Alkali, says over 300,000 police officers and men have been mobilised for deployment nationwide to ensure successful conduct of the upcoming general elections in the country.

Mr Baba-Alkali disclosed this at the weekly briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

He said;

From INEC records, there exists 176,846 polling units in 8,809 wards of the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory where the elections will be conducted.

“The Nigeria Police with the support of other security agencies have perfected plans to deploy in a coordinated and collaborative manner to cover all these locations.

“In view of the above, the Nigeria Police will deploy 310,973 personnel for the election security operations.

“This will comprise conventional policemen, the mobile policemen, the special counter terrorism unit, the Special Forces, intelligence response team and other sections of the police.

“The manpower requirements for this exercise will be complemented by the military and other security agencies.”

According to him, the NPF has fully mobilised to provide adequate security for the smooth conduct of the 2023 general election.

“As you are all aware, we are counting days for the 2023 general election to commence, particularly the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 25.”

Mr Baba-Alkali stressed that the NPF is galvanising the entire defence and security sector to ensure that they provide adequate security before, during and after the election to enable Nigerians exercise their franchise.

“In other words, we are looking at the issue of political campaigns, rallies and processions that are going on now; the actual Election Day and also our level of preparedness could anything happen after the announcement of results,” he added.

Politics

I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics- President Buhari

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President Buhari says he approved the new monetary policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria and that he is aware that the policy which includes the redesigning of the N200, N500 and N1000 notes, has contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

Speaking during the Nationwide broadcast he had this morning, the President stated that as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, he said this is a bold legacy by his administration and that Nigerians should ensure they come out to vote as security will be provided and that their votes will count.

In his words ‘’2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members.

I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.

I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.

I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.

”Going by the President’s speech, the old N500 and N1000 notes cease to be legal tenders.

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