Politics

Nigerians should look at our investment profiles, not debt- President Buhari

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With less than 48 hours to his regime expiration, President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to look at the investments done by his regime and not focus on the debt accumulated.

“In eight years, I am proud to say that we have doubled Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure to GDP from about 20% to over 40%, and that is no small undertaking,” Mr Buhari said in a series of tweets on Saturday.

“So, as we look at Nigeria’s debt profile, I urge us to also look at the assets and investment profiles, some of which was paid for by debt and some by investment income.”

Nigeria’s total debt profile stood at N12,118, 849.45 with the official exchange rate of $1 to N196, according to Debt Management Office (DMO).

With reckless borrowings of the Buhari regime in eight years, Nigeria’s debt profile hit N46 trillion and is estimated to hit N77 trillion, according to DMO.

Speaking on Mr Buhari’s borrowing spree, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, whose administration got Nigeria’s debt cleared, wondered what the Buhari-led regime is borrowing for.

Mr Obasanjo condemned the continuous borrowing by the Mr Buhari regime, saying accumulating debt for future generations is “foolish” and “criminal.”

World News

Nigeria resumes oil exploration in Chad Basin 28 years after pulling out

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Nigeria has resumed the exploration of crude oil and gas in the Chad Basin area, 28 years after pulling out of the region.

Speaking virtually on Tuesday, May 23 in Abuja at the Wadi-B Drilling Campaign which physically took place in Borno State, President Buhari said he was aware that crude oil and gas exploration activities had been ongoing in the Chad Basin since 1976, as well as the discovery of some commercial gas at Wadi-1 well in 1985.

“I am also aware that active drilling activities were suspended in 1995 to enable re-evaluation of exploration activities in the entire frontier basins.

“I am happy that the NNPC has since then conducted extensive Basinal Analysis and Evaluation of all frontier basins leading to the successful drilling and discovery of crude oil and gas in commercial quantities in Kolmani River 2 and providing insight to the ongoing crude oil and gas drilling campaign in Nasarawa State as well the current re-entry activities into the Chad Basin.”

Buhari affirmed that the country stands to benefit immensely from a positive outcome of the operations.

President Buhari also thanked the Government and people of Borno State for their support in ensuring the resumption of drilling campaigns, urging security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that the venture meets with a resounding success.Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, said:

“NNPC Limited is committed to carrying out detailed exploration of the Frontier Sedimentary Basins using the best industry standards and technologies, with the aim of attaining commercial discoveries of crude oil and gas.

“This is a spud-in event that will reinforce the Government’s commitment for exploration in the Nation’s Frontier Basins, primarily aimed at increasing the Nation’s hydrocarbon reserves. This is a mission that we will take to delivery. We are very committed. It does not depend on Mele Kyari. It will work. This is a process, and this process has value, and this value will be created for everyone,” Kyari further said.

Politics

Jonathan conceding defeat in 2015 unprecedented and Un-Nigerian – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari, has stated that the act of his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to concede defeat, even before the formal announcement of the election result, was unprecedented and, definitely, not Nigerian.

Buhari made the assertion at a farewell meeting with his media support group, Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), at the State House, Abuja on Thursday, May 18.

Jonathan called me at 5:25 that evening to say congratulations. I said pardon me Mr. President? He said yes, I called to concede and congratulate you. That was equally very un-Nigerian.”

While calling on Nigerians to walk on the path of duty if they really wanted to see the country achieve new heights, the president showered praises on members of BMO for volunteering their time and energy throughout the eight years of his administration “without salary, letter of appointment or any formal rewards, describing their sacrifices as ‘very un-Nigerian.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Peter Obi says Nigeria is gradually descending into anarchy

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Amid recent wanton killings in various states, including his home state Anambra, Peter Obi, a candidate in the last presidential poll, has warned about Nigeria’s “frightening gradual descent into anarchy.”

The opposition politician and former Anambra governor condemned the recent killings in Mangu LGA in Plateau, noting that “different reports of violent and criminal acts across the country have remained a source of serious worry to Nigerians.”

“The reports of violent attacks by gunmen in the Mangu council area of Plateau State, where many lives, including women and children, have been lost, come with grave concern,” he added.

While urging security agencies to tackle “incessant acts of killing, kidnapping, maiming and other acts of terrorism,” Mr Obi said, “I most sincerely urge the security agencies and the government to rise to the occasion of arresting this frightening gradual descent into anarchy.”

Peoples Gazette reported how gunmen on Tuesday laid an ambush on the diplomatic convoy conveying staff of the U.S. Embassy to Anambra on a humanitarian mission.

The Anambra police command revealed Thursday the gunmen killed nine people in the convoy.

In Plateau, a violent clash between Fungzai and Kubat in the newly created district of Bwai in the Mangu council left at least 60 people, including women and children, dead.

Politics

Buhari is not aware of promises made to Nigerians by support groups in 2015 – Femi Adesina

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President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina has said that his principal is not aware of some of the promises made by some support groups to get him elected in 2015.

Commenting on some of the promises made during the 2015 campaign during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, April 27, Adesina insisted that what happened in 2015 was that there was a rash of documents passing off as the All Progressives Party manifesto.

He said;

“What happened in 2015 was that there was a rash of documents passing off as the party’s manifesto.

“You didn’t know which one was from the party or a support group. For instance, there was a document, ‘100 things Buhari will do in 100 days’. It was when I resumed as his media adviser that I asked him about that document and he knew nothing about it.

“I’m not strictly a party person, so I do not know if some promises are part of the manifesto. But I know that each party would have promises before being elected into power and whoever is elected to power must key into those promises.

“What I’m telling you is that as at 2015, there were various types of documents which even the party didn’t know because there were many support groups who came out with their own promises.”

Adesina added that Buhari couldn’t fulfill some of his pre-election pledge due to sad economic realities.

He said;

“A country can only spend the money it has, it can’t spend the money it doesn’t have. When the realities of the economy change, you have to adjust and do what you are able to do according to the realities of the economy.”

World News

President Buhari to attend Gulf of Guinea Summit

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President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday, April 25, join other members of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) in Accra, Ghana, to participate in the Commission’s third Extraordinary Session.

According to the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari will be delivering remarks on strategies for strengthening peace and security in the fight against maritime-related crimes in the region.

The statement read;

“President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja for Accra on Tuesday, April 25, to attend the third Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), convened by President Nana Akuffo-Ado of Ghana.

“The president is scheduled to participate and deliver remarks at the high-level discussion on strategies for strengthening peace and security in the fight against maritime-related crimes in the region.

As the immediate past Chair of the Assembly, President Buhari had championed collective efforts by Member-States of the region, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) and their partners to address and prevent piracy.

“In June 2019, Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019 (POMO Act) which aims to prevent and suppress piracy, armed robbery and other unlawful acts against a ship.

“The president will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj.-Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd), Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Amb. Ahmed Abubakar, among other government officials.”

World News

NLC tasks Buhari on safety of Nigerians in Sudan

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal government to guarantee the safety of lives of Nigerians in the ongoing war in Sudan.

Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this on Saturday in Abuja in a statement titled, “Nigerians in Sudan Should Not Die’’.

According to Mr Ajaero, “we have watched with increasing alarm and despair the unfolding tragedy in Sudan as a result of the ongoing war in that country.

“That is between two major factions of the Military; the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, and the Sudanese Army, commanded by Gen. Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, which has led to untold human carnage and destruction of properties of citizens of that nation.

“At this point, we are not specially concerned about the history and immediate causes of the war but are worried because many Nigerians have become unwitting victims of the war and are stranded in that country and unable to get out.

“They have cried out for help to escape the horrors which the war has continued to mete out to persons still trapped in Sudan,’’ he said.

He said that the NLC was worried that since the war broke out towards the end of last week, reports have said that the number of human casualties was horrendous and frightening.

He added this leaves every patriot anxious about the safety of our nationals in that country, especially that of our students.

According to Mr Ajaero, “we believe that it remains the responsibility of any government to ensure the safety of their nationals.”

He said this includes making sure that in the event of a war in foreign countries, their citizens are protected in whatever way possible.

He noted that this was one of the central reasons of governance: the safety of lives and properties.

Mr Ajaero added, “we are at a loss as to why the federal government of Nigeria finds it difficult to guarantee the safety of the lives of our citizens in that country.”

He said that this was beyond the tokenism effort at protection through an advisory to all Nigerians in that country to either seek refuge in Nigeria’s embassy in Khartoum or stay indoors which they believed was safer.

The NLC president also said the excuse that attempting to evacuate Nigerians through the Airport was risky begs the question and is unacceptable.

“We do not understand whether other possible options at evacuating our citizens have been explored before relapsing to this seeming helplessness and apparent abandonment of our citizens who are obviously in great distress and are afraid for their lives on a daily basis.

“It is trite diplomacy that in such a situation, serious governments will reach an understanding with the warring parties for the removal of their nationals from the theatre of war which drastically reduces the risk of loss of lives and that of the equipment used in such operations.

“If the airports are not safe as suggested by the government, can we not work out a safe-corridor to neighbouring countries to allow our citizens safe passage and evacuated through the various land borders,’’ he asked.

He also suggested that the government should work out an arrangement with the international community to create a safe haven for all foreign nationals in that country.

“Our concern is that while our government resorts to the usual lethargy and excuses, the lives of our nationals in Sudan already exposed to serious danger may begin to experience losses or injuries.

“We urge the federal government through the concerned agencies and ministries to take urgent steps to avoid death and injuries to our citizens in that country.

“Nigerians must not be allowed to die in Sudan because of negligence. No effort should be spared in ensuring their safety and ultimately evacuation to Nigeria if the war persists and escalates into a full-blown war.

“It remains the duty of the government and we urge the federal government to make this happen.

“As we await a quick and positive action towards evacuating our citizens, we would want measures to be put in place to make their lives comfortable on arrival, especially for those who own businesses in Sudan and have suffered loss of businesses as a result,’’ he said.

Mr Ajaero, however, commiserated with the people of Sudan, while calling for an immediate ceasefire to allow for a peaceful resolution of the issues in dispute that led to the war.

Politics

Don’t stoke nationwide unrest with naira policy – Arewa Consultative Forum caution Buhari

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Northern leaders, under the aegis of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari over the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) naira redesign policy.

According to the group, the Federal Government’s refusal to abide by Supreme Court judgment on continued use of old naira notes has brought severe hardship on Nigerians and can lead to social unrest.

“Whatever the CBN or anyone else may say about the benefits of the policy, which evidently are many, it is of little comfort as soon as the highest court in the country has deemed that it is, or, at least, the manner of its implementation, breaches the law,” the ACF said.

Secretary General of the ACF, Murtala Aliyu, speaking on Sunday, said the FG should have complied with the apex court’s ruling and also circulated new naira notes to assuage the sufferings of Nigerians.

“10 days is long enough time for the government to find its way towards complying with a court order, which import is central to the achievement of peace, order and good governance in the country.”

“President Buhari is under oath to defend the Constitution of Nigeria. As his long-term supporters, it will be remiss of us if we fail to warn that the much-touted benefits of the naira redesign can never justify the damage to his credentials as a democrat and a stickler for the rule of law.

“This is quite apart from real possibility of the crisis morphing into serious social disorder, leading to possible breakdown of law and order throughout Nigeria. We do not believe or can we advise him to pay such a heavy price on account of a policy, which immediate goals are not entirely clear to majority of Nigerians.”

“Some 10 days ago, the Supreme Court of Nigeria held that the President breached the Constitution of Nigeria in the way he issued a directive to the CBN for redesign of the naira without consulting the National Council of States and the Federal Executive Council. It went further to rule that the unconstitutional use of powers by the President on the naira redesign has breached the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens in various ways.

“The state governors have persistently argued that the policy, which permitted the CBN to place an embargo on the circulation of old N500 and N1,000 notes, while not providing their replacement in sufficient amounts, triggered severe cash shortage and chaos in the economy.

“It has led to runaway inflation in food and other commodities. Huge crowds and long queues form around bank offices and ATM points across the country, as people struggle to get the new cash which has remained extremely scarce. It has triggered riots and other forms of civil unrest.

“The current approach of the CBN raises concerns about respect for civil liberties and rights of Nigerians as it relates to their freedom to use legitimately earned income as they so wish. They believe that the CBN is, in truth, pursuing a policy of naira confiscation, which would possibly set off crippling depression.”

Politics

Buhari commends Osinbajo for ‘sterling service’ at 66

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The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday, commended his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for a sterling service to the nation, as he turns 66.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said the celebrant has served the country “as an academic, Attorney-General of Lagos State (1997-2007), and Vice President (2015 till date)”.

The statement is titled ‘President Buhari celebrates VP Osinbajo at 66.’It reads “President Buhari rejoices with Vice President Oluyemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN on the occasion of his 66th birthday, March 8, 2023.

“The President equally felicitates with the entire Osinbajo family, wishing them many happy returns, as their son, husband and father turns another year, in good health and sound mind.

“President Buhari lauds the sterling service the celebrant has provided to the country, as an academic, Attorney-General of Lagos State (1997-2007), and Vice President (2015 till date).”

Buhari also applauded the way Osinbajo, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has combined scholarship with governance, and pastoral work, commending such “dedication to the younger generation whom the Number 2 man serves as a torchbearer to”.

Therefore, he wished the Vice President and his family a joyful celebration, and greater grace ahead.

Politics

Buhari leaves for Qatar for conference on Least Developed Countries conference

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President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday leave for the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Doha, the capital city of Qatar.

Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said this development followed an invitation by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The conference, which is from March 5 to 9, under the theme: “From Potential to Prosperity,” holds once in a decade.

It provides an opportunity to garner the support of the international community for accelerating sustainable development in the LDCs as well as assist them make progress towards achieving prosperity.

According to Mr Shehu, while in Doha, Mr Buhari will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to support the most vulnerable countries to meet their development challenges.

The presidential aide revealed that the president would also highlight areas through which the Nigerian government had provided them with various forms of assistance over time.

“As most of these countries struggle to find sustainable solutions to challenges of poverty, adverse effects of climate change, food and energy crisis as well as high-debt burden among others, the Nigerian leader will vigorously reiterate the need for sustainable solutions for countries facing these severe challenges.”

The Summit will be attended by world leaders, the private sector, civil society and youth organisations.

It aims to share developmental ideas and mobilise political will, solidarity, action and solutions to transform the LDCs, by finding sustainable solutions to the challenges of poverty, food insecurity, hunger and weak or non-existent infrastructure.

The summit will also address the challenges of inadequate health facilities, climate change among others as they struggle to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The president’s delegation includes some ministers and top government officials who are expected to use the opportunity of the visit to sign some agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the Qatari government.

The Nigerian leader is expected to return to the country on Monday.

World News

Nigeria ranks 93rd on Global Soft Power Index

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Nigeria has fallen 24 places down on the Global Soft Power Index which provides a comprehensive assessment of nations’ presence, reputation, and impact on the global stage.

Soft Power, according to Brand Finance, the brain behind the Index, was “a nation’s ability to influence the preferences and behaviours of various actors in the international arena through attraction or persuasion rather than coercion.”

Nigeria, which was ranked 69th last year, is now 93rd out of 121 countries according to the Index after scoring poorly on the familiarity, reputation, and influence metrics, which are major determinants of how a country is perceived.

The U.S. came ahead of 120 nations to secure the first position on the Index, scoring 74.8 out of 100 points.

UK held the second position with 67.3 points and Germany came third with 65.8 points.

With only 35.4 points, Nigeria fell to 93rd rank under the harrowing leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The nation’s reputation continues to suffer on the international stage under Mr Buhari whose two terms have been marred by banditry, high inflation, abductions for ransoms, energy crisis, terrorism and a rushed naira redesign that left many citizens struggling to spend cash despite having money in banks.

The European Union on Monday described Nigeria’s February 25 presidential elections as lacking transparency and credibility, an assessment that has further dented the nation’s already damaged reputation.

Lifestyle

Naira Scarcity-MURIC urges Buhari to obey Supreme Court’s ruling

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The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to abide by the pronouncement of the Supreme Court on the naira swap.

The group’s director, Ishaq Akintola, made the appeal in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

He lamented that Nigerians had faced starvation and hardship due to the policy, leading to psychological trauma.

Mr Akintola called on the presidency to call the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to order without further delay.

“It is obvious that this institution has failed to effectively distribute the new notes as well as monitor its disbursement to members of the public.

“Apart from this, Mr President must find a way of abiding by the decision of the Supreme Court, which earlier ruled that the old and new currencies should run parri passu,” he said.

He also appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience.“This cup will pass. Any resort to violence will only cause more harm to the poor masses and struggling businessmen and women,” he said.

He called on religious leaders to intensify prayers for the nation.“Prayer points should include peaceful 2023 elections, smooth transition, political stability and economic buoyancy for our dear country, Nigeria,” he said.

Lifestyle

Naira Scarcity- Nigerians beg CBN, banks to dispense N100, N50 notes

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As the effects of the current cash crunch bite harder, Nigerians have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to prevail on commercial banks to dispense N100 and N50 notes to Nigerians.

They made the call in separate interviews on Thursday in Lagos.

Benedict Chukwuweike, an accountant, said dispensing the N100 and N50 notes would help solve the immediate challenge of access to the new naira notes.

Mr Chukwuweike noted that in countries like the United States, the highest denomination in circulation is $100 and that Nigeria could imitate the U.S. as issuing more N500, N1,000 banknotes becomes a problem.

According to him, the development will help to curb inflation and attract more value to the nation’s currency.

Eniola Gbadamosi, a teacher, said dispensing the N100 and N50 notes should have been the alternative until issues surrounding the new naira notes were resolved.

According to her, the N100 and N50 banknotes have become valuable to her.

“I started gathering the N100 and N50 notes since January when the heat of the January 31 deadline enveloped the nation,” stated Ms Gbadamosi.

“Little did I know then that the crunch would degenerate into what it is now. Today, my N100 and N50 notes have been very useful.”

Catherine Lawson, an unemployed youth, said she boarded a bus on Wednesday using N100 and N50 notes.

Judith Chukwukadibia, a lawyer, said that since the crisis started and those in the urban areas were crying for cash, she knew it would be worse in the rural areas.

“So, what I quickly did was to change my money into N50 notes which I sent to my parents in the village. The aim was to avoid (the) pressure my parents would go through. I didn’t want them to be stranded,” Ms Chukwukadibia explained.

“I am happy that the step has proved very helpful. I even did (the) same to myself and have been very comfortable since the naira crunch started.”

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has said old N200 notes remain legal tender until April 10.

In a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, he said the old and new N200 bills would exist side by side to ease the cash scarcity.

Business

Buhari orders CBN to make only old N200 note legal tender

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President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and by extension to accept only the old N200 notes as legal tender, ignoring the Supreme Court’s order.

Mr Buhari directed the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, to release more of the old N200 banknotes and the new N200 notes to the public.

The old N200 notes will be legal tender for 60 days.

The president made the announcement in a national broadcast on Thursday.

Business, Lifestyle

Buhari, CBN destroying lives, livelihoods with badly implemented naira policy: NECA

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The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has condemned the CBN’s poorly implemented new naira banknotes policy sanctioned by President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring it is ruining lives and livelihoods.

NECA urged the Buhari regime to look beyond the politics of the naira redesign and focus on the damaging effects on businesses and the economy at large.Its director-general, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

In the last few weeks, with the cash squeeze and the purchasing ability of Nigerians greatly impaired by the poor implementation of the policy, the economy has witnessed a significant bashing.

This is so, with report stating that the Real sector witnessed about 40 per cent drop in productive activities,” explained Mr Oyerinde.

He added;

“As the cash crush continues, thousands of productive hours are lost daily on queues by employees and many cannot even get to work.

The value chain in the formal and informal sector with over N10 billion cash transaction daily is almost destroyed with consequences for employment, business sustainability and National development.”

The NECA director-general called for critical and immediate efforts to be made to improve or upgrade alternative routes to cash, thereby ensuring seamless transactions before going digital.

According to him, the series of actions taken by the CBN now in the form of having naira swap agents, among others, are afterthoughts, after resistance by Nigerians.

It is callous to deprive citizens of the new naira notes after cajoling them to deposit the old ones in the banks. We urge the CBN to sanction the commercial banks that have been found to be complicit in the whole show of shame, even as the CBN cannot extricate itself from being complicit,” stressed the NECA chief.

‘Mr Oyerinde further mentioned that “as an immediate action, we align with the position of the Council of State that the CBN should release more new naira notes into the economy or allow the use of the old ones, pending a time when it will demonstrate competence by not always putting the cart before the horse in the implementation of monetary policies.”

The NECA boss pointed out that the CBN naira redesign policy with the objectives as stated by the apex bank was laudable.He said, however, that like many of the bank’s policy initiatives, this was also flawed by shortsightedness in implementation.

For a definitive monetary policy as the naira design, it is expected that the CBN will not only take lessons from other countries like India, Myanmar, Australia, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and the European Union, which witnessed various degrees of successes and failures when they implanted their currency redesign,” said the NECA director-general, urging CBN to do a “thorough analysis and simulation of likely social and economic challenges that might arise and definitive response to those challenges.”

He further stated that “it does not seem that the CBN understands the challenges, nor have solutions to the economic issues, thereby allowing speculators and economic saboteurs to have a field day at the expense of legitimate businesses and the economy.”

Politics

Buhari’s regime using fuel scarcity, naira notes crisis to suppress my election chances- Presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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Bola Tinubu on Wednesday accused the Buhari administration of using the raging fuel scarcity and recently-introduced naira notes and cash handling policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to blunt his chances at the ballot box next month.

“You’re hoarding fuel and hoarding the naira,” Mr Tinubu said during a campaign stop in Abeokuta this afternoon. “Still, we will vote, and we will win this election.”

“Whether you change the ink of the naira or spend money till you are in debt, things won’t turn out as you hope, we are the ones who will win the election, and our opponents will fail,” Mr Tinubu said.

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress was expressing his disapproval over the fuel crisis that has seen long queues across the country, with citizens spending productive hours at filling stations while also paying more to get the crucial commodity.

The CBN also recently announces changes to the national currency and vastly limited amounts that could be withdrawn in a day from bank accounts across the country.

The currency change has seen millions of Nigerians besieging banking halls across the country in a rush to deposit cash still in their possessions.

Politicians like Mr Tinubu, who have been counting on using cash to sway the election, have been grumbling over the policy changes.

Recognising the potential devastation of acute fuel shortages ahead of a presidential election, Mr Tinubu appeared not only to distance himself from the policies but to insinuate a conspiracy against him by President Muhammadu Buhari, his political ally whom he helped into office in 2015.

Mr Buhari has indicated his intention to allow a level-playing field during the upcoming election, a position that has unsettled Mr Tinubu who was looking forward to a generous payback for his contribution to Mr Buhari’s electoral successes in 2015 and 2019.

Mr Buhari said he backed CBN’s decision to recolour naira notes in order to restore control over the money supply.

Millions of Nigerians have been forced by the programme to transfer their cash to banks before it loses its legal tender status next week.

While the general public has lamented the policy’s haste, political moneybags have more insidious discontent. Mr Tinubu and his crew have a niche for influencing elections with money through various means, including vote buying.

On the eve of the 2019 general elections, multiple bullion vans were seen entering his private residence in Ikoyi Lagos, drawing wide criticisms.

His contenders Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party have also been previously accused of paying voters.

Mr Tinubu said the government’s plan to remove subsidies and increase in fuel prices are tactics to scare the voters, promising a reduced price at the pump if elected on February 25.

“They want to put their caps on their waist, they are planning to increase the price of fuel, don’t be worried, we will bring it down. They don’t want the election to hold, but will you let them?” he asked rhetorically.

“They think they can cause panic, the sabotaged fuel supply, whether there are means on vehicular movement or not, on election day, we will go and vote, and we will win,” he added.

Lifestyle

Photos from the mass burial of 40 victims of Southern Kaduna terrorist attacks

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A mass burial has been held for 40 victims killed in last Sunday’s attack by suspected terrorists in Malagum 1 and Sokwong communities in Kagoro chiefdom, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Inter-denomination burial service of the victims was held on Thursday, December 22, 2022.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan posted photos from the burial on its official Facebook page.

“The Inter- denomination burial Mass/ service of the victims of Fulani herders attack at Mallagum, Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria, on this day Thursday, 22nd December, 2022. May their Souls Rest in Peace with the Lord.” the post read.

Meanwhile, the people of Southern Kaduna have cried out against the government’s inability to arrest and bring to book the perpetrators of several attacks on the area since 2014.

A statement issued by the spokesman of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr Luka Binniyat, said,

“Let it be put on record that in the hundreds of attacks that have put many parts of Southern Kaduna into ruins and thousands killed since 2014, we have not seen anyone arrested and brought to book over these heinous crimes against humanity.”

The union lamented what it called “the gruesome mass murder of not less than 38 harmless, armless villagers in Malagum 1 and Abun (Broni Prono) villages, Kaura Local Government Area (LGA) in Southern Kaduna”.

The statement regretted that the killings, which lasted for long, started around 11pm Sunday night simultaneously in the two villages.

“Not only were these poor innocent citizens killed, not less than 100 houses were razed, with some victims burnt alive,” the forum explained.

According to the statement, volunteers are still combing surrounding bushes in search of missing persons and more corpses following the attacks by the gunmen on the two communities.

He disclosed that the villagers had noticed the gathering of strange herdsmen coming from different directions on motorbikes to set camp in a nearby bush some days back.

He further lamented that the security forces deployed in the area did nothing when the villagers noticed the gathering, adding that the dastardly act is coming five days after armed herdsmen herded their cattle into a farm owned by Cletus Dunia, 45, in Kpak village, a sub-unit of Kagoro, in Kaura LGA and shot him dead at close range before mutilating his corpse and fleeing with their cows.

The statement stated that the rampaging herdsmen also shot and killed Levi Zakaria, 19, as he was harvesting yams on a farm that was by the fleeing path of the killer herdsmen, saying that on the same day, the same herdsmen killed Ezra Sunday 16, about 2km from where Zakaria was killed.

It explained that the same herdsmen caused the death of Gaje Habila, 31, when he fell and died of exhaustion while escaping, leaving behind a widow and a six-month-old baby, his only child, pointing out that between Tuesday and Wednesday last week, armed men described as herdsmen, invaded some homes in Kamuru village, Ikulu Ward in Zangon Kataf LGA in Southern Kaduna and killed four (4) persons.

The statement explained that forty-six (46) persons were killed in the attacks in Southern Kaduna in the past five days.

“We believe that the aim is to further destabilise Southern Kaduna and give excuse to the Federal Government to stop election in the area.

Already there are thousands who have been chased out from their ancestral homes as a result of similar violence unleashed on them, between 2019 and this year as the attacks are coming close to the 2023 general elections,” he added.

Politics

President Muhammadu Buhari bags peace and security award

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President Muhammadu Buhari has bagged a peace and security award.

The Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Forum, Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah and his deputy, Pastor Bob Roberts of the US, visited Buhari on Tuesday, Dec. 13, to inform the president of his award and to invite him to attend the Abu Dhabi Foundation’s award for his conferment.

The award is said to be in recognition of Buhari’s outstanding achievements in promoting peace and security.

They said the conferment was in line with the Foundation’s work in fighting religious extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue amongst all religions.

Speaking while welcoming the pair, Buhari said the work of the foundation in promoting multi-faith dialogue was as important to the world as it was to Nigeria.

Politics

I began to wonder if Buhari was as smart as he was said to be after we met in 1984 – Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Dotun Oyelade

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Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Dotun Oyelade has shared his experience from meeting President Muhammadu Buhari in 1984.

Oyelade who clocked 70 on Friday September 9, told Punch that he started doubting Buhari’s smartness after their 1984 encounter.

He also stated that he always tells people that Buhari does not possess a quarter of the attributes that people falsely and conveniently attributed to him.

He said;Cast you mind back to 1984/85 when Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon came to power with all their garbage, they showed us an idea of toughness and people were apprehended and punished for little offences.

This made people to sit up and you could see Nigerians in queues at bus stops and there was orderliness during their short stay in power. That is not to say they were angels, they were not.

I have always told people that General Buhari does not possess a quarter of the attributes that people falsely and conveniently attributed to him.

No, he doesn’t.I was one of the few journalists, who, in January 1984, immediately after they came to power, asked him questions at what they called a ‘World Press Conference’ at the Dodan Barracks in Lagos.

That was a week after they sacked the administration of President Shehu Shagari from power. Shagari’s government was sacked via a coup on December 31, 1983. We had the privilege of asking him the first set of questions.

I remember Tunde Thompson was there, Chris Okolie, Nduka Irabor and some other journalists were there. I asked him: ‘Now that you have taken over from a democratically elected civil administration, do you feel any sense of remorse?’

General Buhari could not utter a word. It was Tunde Idiagbon, who was by his side, that brushed aside my question.

That day, I began to wonder if Buhari was as smart as he was said to be. Here we are today; I don’t want to dabble in politics, I want to continue my life as an author and a biographer.

Politics

Military will tackle security challenges, Buhari assures Nigerians

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The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday, urged Nigerians to trust the ability of the country’s armed forces to quell the violence and insecurity nationwide and restore lasting peace.

He also said, under his watch, the military would maintain its operational drive to degrade terrorists and their activities, especially in the troubled north.

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President spoke in Lagos when he inaugurated the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, LAGOS 2022, as well as its new Sports Complex.

The President was said to have called on citizens to “believe in the capability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country.”

He also assured Nigerians that “the armed forces would continue to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country.”

Buhari also re-emphasised the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.

While inaugurating the newly constructed Nigerian Navy Sports Complex, he commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, for investing in sports development.

He said,

“Over the years, sports have remained a tool to strengthen the ties between troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the military.

I am sure that these games will create a forum for the Nigerian Navy to achieve these objectives and more.

“The construction of this sports complex has provided a standard venue for the Nigerian Navy to host major games as well as an appropriate venue for naval personnel within Lagos to use for training and other recreational purposes.

“I am therefore confident that besides the conduct of the games, the Nigerian Navy and its personnel will continue to make good use of the facilities in this complex.”

The President who noted that LAGOS 2022 would provide the avenue to discover new talents to represent the Navy and Nigeria in international competitions urged the 1,800 participating athletes to inculcate fair play and exhibit a high level of decorum during the eight-day competition.

In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the Nigerian Navy as a strategic partner to the “coastal state of Lagos” in the security of lives and property.

He, therefore, thanked Buhari for approving the establishment of a new Forward Operating Base in Lekki axis, one of the fastest growing industrial, commercial and residential development areas in West Africa.

In his remarks earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, pledged that the Navy would sustain the fight against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes, ensuring that the country maintains its delisting from nations of high piracy risks.

Gambo, who noted that Nigeria exited the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy List early this year, said no incidence of piracy has been recorded in the last one year.

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