DSS intercepts syndicates selling new currency notes, bank officials implicated
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has intercepted some members of organised syndicates involved in the sale of the new redesigned naira notes. […]
DSS intercepts syndicates selling new currency notes, bank officials implicated
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has intercepted some members of organised syndicates involved in the sale of the new redesigned naira notes. Peter Afunanya, Public Relations OfficerDepartment of State Services, National Headquarters, Abuja disclosed this in a statement Monday. The DSS spokesman revealed that in the course of its operations, in this regard in parts of the country, it was also established that some Commercial Bank officials are aiding the economic malfeasance. "Consequently, the Service warns the currency racketeers to desist from this ignoble act. "Appropriate regulatory authorities are, in this same vein, urged to step up monitoring and supervisory activities to expeditiously address the emerging trends", Afunanyw said. He said further that the Service has ordered its Commands and Formations to further ensure that all persons and groups engaged in the illegal sale of the notes are identified. "Therefore, anyone with useful information relating to this ...
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Unwritten rules of the 2023 elections, By Dakuku Peterside
Nigeria's general election, the largest democratic exercise in Africa, begins on 25 February. All the parties and candidates are jostling to get the voters' attention and convince them to vote for them in the elections. The wait is palpitating, and the electioneering campaign drama is thus far exhilarating. Everything but issues facing Nigerians is fair game and the political satire playing out even keeps the unapologetic patriot ashamed of our political process. Conventions and rules of the political games are written and broken with recklessness. Many parties' political strategy seems to be "no strategy". They seem to go with the flow of things with such fetish adherence to parochial and sentimental politics that is not based on decorum and pragmatic attempt to stabilise our country and put it on the growth path. This make-or-mar election promises to be a referendum on the political orthodoxy and will chart the way forward ...
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An Open Letter To Baba Buhari By Kazeem Akintunde
Good day, Baba,I have decided to write an open letter to you, believing that one of your numerous aides will bring it to your attention. Had I written directly to you, I may not be allowed near the presidential villa to personally deliver it nor would sending it by courier be wise, as it may end up on the desk of your Chief of Staff or any of your numerous assistants. The alternative would have been for me to give the letter directly to either Alhaji Lai Mohammed, your Information and Culture Minister, or any of the duo of Femi Adesina or Malam Garba Shehu. Again, I am not sure that they will deliver the letter to you, with the possibility of Alhaji Mohammed warning me not to become another letter writer as the ripples of the last letter written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo are yet to die down ...
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Ganduje makes U-Turn, says Buhari can visit Kano now
Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State has given assurances that President Muhammadu Buhari can go ahead with the planned visit to Kano. "We are very much ready to receive him and we have a lot for him to commission including federal government projects and state government projects. They are state-of-the-art projects," Ganduje said Sunday after a visit to Buhari's country home in Daura. It could be recalled that Ganduje had reportedly earlier urged President Buhari to postpone his visit to Kano citing concerns over currency swap difficulties among others. The governor however made a U-turn Sunday, while acknowledging that fresh measures approved by the President would address the ssues at stake, especially the Naira notes scarcity. "Seeing is believing. You can see that I have led a powerful delegation from Kano State on the issue of new naira notes and we have seen Mr. President. We have laid the complaints ...
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From Lancaster House to Chatham House: When shall we be truly independent?
By Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed 1. The Origins of Imperialism. The origins of imperialism must be traced to Western Europe since the ancient times Before Christ. The territorial exploits of Alexander the Great, “The King of Macedonia” and “Conqueror of Persia” are well known in history, including the acquisition of Egypt. The city of “Alexandria” is today the relic of the subjugation of Egypt by Alexander the Great. The fame of Julius Gaius Caesar is not only in the overthrow of the Roman Republic. His vaulting ambition led to the establishment of the Roman Empire with the annexation of various nations in Europe, Africa and Asia. Egypt did not escape Emperor Caesar’s domination. In continuation of this notorious European origins of imperialism is also the case of Napoleon Bonaparte I who carried out a coup d’état against the French Revolution and embarked on foreign invasions to inaugurate the French Empire. Napoleon ...
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The god of Wike, Buhari is alone and other illusions (1), by Hassan Gimba
Many governors who finish their two terms in Nigeria retire into the red chamber and become 'distinguished Senators'. But not so His Excellency, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, the sixth governor of Rivers State and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongman. When he refused to follow the traditional path taken by governors finishing their tour of duty, many thought he wanted to make a career in dancing to the beatings of a live band. There were arguments on where he would ply his trade - clubhouses or political gatherings - and whether he could attract a large audience that can offset the clubhouses’ bills or sway political opinions. His calling may now be in the spiritual realm. Unbeknown to both his fans and traducers, Wike is brushing up his spiritual and prophetic connections to his god of miracles, a god that Nigerians, especially pregnant women in labour, have been ...
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February Elections: Nigerians just dey play…
By Prince Charles Dickson Ph.D. (‘A person is dead, but their spirit lives; if you poke the iris of their eye, they still come alive’) Democracy has a dream-like character. It sweeps into the world, carried forward by an immense desire by humans to overcome the barriers of indignity and social suffering. When confronted by hunger or the death of their children, earlier communities might have reflexively blamed nature or divinity, and indeed those explanations remain with us today. But the ability of human beings to generate massive surpluses through social production, alongside the cruelty of the capitalist class to deny the vast majority of humankind access to that surplus, generates new kinds of ideas and new frustrations. This frustration, spurred by the awareness of plenty amidst a reality of deprivation, is the source of many movements for democracy. Habits of colonial thought mislead many to assume that democracy originated ...
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Fuel Scarcity: Group dissociates self from planned protest ….commends Mele Kyari in resolving crisis
By Haruna Salami Private Taxi Owners Association of Nigeria (PTOAN) has commended the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Limited (NNPL), Mele Abba Kyari for his commitment at resolving the fuel crisis. The group dissociated itself from the planned mass protest occasioned by scarcity of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) across the country, saying the action would not be in the best interest of the association, the business community and the country. In a statement on Saturday which was signed by the National Chairman, Mallam Bala Madaki Tiskea and Mr. Ayodele Femi (Baba Arrival) National Secretary and made available to journalists in Abuja, the association believes in “negotiation and a roundtable discussion on finding a lasting solution to the perennial fuel scarcity rather than embarking on protest that would further disrupt the economy”. The Association said no government of the day would live to see activities of the nation ...
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Buhari grants 10-day extension of deadline for old Naira notes
President Muhammadu has approved the extension of the deadline for collection of old Naira notes from January 31st to February 10, 2023. Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor Mr Hodwin Emefiele, announced this in press statement Sunday. The CBN Governor said, "we have sought and obtained Mr President's approval for the following: "A 10-day extension of the deadline from January 31, 2023, to February 10, 2023; to allow for collection of more old notes legitimately held by Nigerians and achieve more success in cash swap in our rural communities after which all old notes outside the CBN losses their Legal tender Status. Our CBN staff currently on mass mobilization and monitoring together with officials of the EFCC and ICPC will work together to achieve these objectives. " A 7-day grace period, beginning on February 10 to February 17,2023, in compliance with Sections 20(3) and 22 of the CBN Act allowing ...
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Govt will eliminate squeeze chaos in currency swap, Buhari assures
President Muhammadu Buhari, Saturday assured that government will ensure that citizens are unharmed in their businesses and no disruption is caused to the entire supply chain arising from the currency swap due to end shortly. Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) disclosed this in a statement. Shehu said, while reacting to reports of long queues of people waiting for hours for their turn to deposit old notes and get new ones, triggering public anger and opposition’s criticism, President Buhari reiterated that the currency changes were aimed at people hoarding illicit funds and not the common man, and that it had become necessary to prevent counterfeits, corruption, and terrorist funding. This, he assured, will stabilize and strengthen the economy. While taking note that the poorest section of society is facing hardship as they often keep hard cash at home for various expenses, President Buhari gave strong ...
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Leah Sharibu, Buhari and verdict of history, By Martins Oloja
Doubtless, it is a time to deconstruct the electoral justice system that has firmly entrenched the judiciary as the author and finisher of our elected leaders in the executive arms of government because of abysmal failure of internal democracy here. It should be a time to write on the current trial and travail of the Electoral Amendment Act 2022, which prevents candidates from obtaining multiple applications for contesting various elective offices in the same dispensation, which the Supreme Court is beginning to bulldoze before our very eyes. I mean we need at this time to do contextual reporting and analysis of the trial of BVAS before the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal that gave its verdict on the 2022 gubernatorial election petition at the weekend. It would have been a perfect time to analyse what is happening within the governing party where their presidential candidate is beginning to doubt the ...
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Video shows Memphis police officers kicking, beating Tyre Nichols
Tyre Nichols repeatedly cried, "Mom! Mom!” as the five Memphis police officers now charged with the Black motorist's murder pummeled him with kicks, punches and baton blows after a Jan. 7 traffic stop, video released by the city on Friday showed. The video from police body-worn cameras and a camera mounted on a utility pole were posted online a day after the officers were charged with second-degree murder, assault, kidnapping, official misconduct, and oppression in Nichols' death. The officers, all Black, were dismissed from the police department last week. Nichols, 29, was hospitalized and died of his injuries three days after the confrontation in the city where he lived with his mother and stepfather and worked at FedEx. The four video clips chronicle an aggressive escalation of violence directed at a motorist who police had initially said they pulled over for reckless driving. The police chief has since said the ...
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With 10MW Solar Energy, President Buhari sets Kano Industry on the march
..City seeks to transform into nation's Solar State By Garba Shehu For an electricity distribution area, Kano DISCO that gets between 250-360 Megawatts Hour, on a day by day, many will dismiss the commissioning of the 10MW, Challawa Kano Solar Power Project as inconsequential. Yet, in terms of, both significance and consequential impact, this power plant, the first of its kind in Nigeria is a game-changer in many respects. It is important to note that this is the largest grid-connected solar power plant in the country so far. Not only this, it is a pointer to growth in the power sector and a strong and unambiguous message that large-scale renewable projects can be successfully delivered in the country. The plant is equally a personal goal achieved by President Muhammadu Buhari, a globally recognized champion of awareness creation and the mitigation of climate change. He is a recognized promoter of biodiversity ...
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As democracy comes under threat globally, isn’t it time for a system check?
By Osmund Agbo With the resignation of Liz Truss in October last year, barely six weeks after being sworn in office, the 42-years old Rishi Sunak became the fifth Prime Minister of Britain within the last six years since the Brexit vote of June 2016. Like a revolving door, No. 10 Downing Street, witnessed the exit of four of its former occupants within that time period. Now, that’s a record turnover especially for a country with a system that for centuries was synonymous with stability and dependability, even if sometimes dull governance. But even as chaotic and polarized as British politics has become in recent years, the country continues to enjoy an orderly transfer of power every single time and thus far, no group of insurrectionists have descended upon the Palace of Westminster. There has to be a reason for that and it’s not because there is shortage of British versions ...
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Osun: PDP Rejects Tribunal Judgment, insists On Adeleke’s Victory by Lawful Votes
Press Statement The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the judgement of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal which seeks to nullify the mandate freely given to our Party and Candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke by the people of Osun State in the July 16, 2022 Governorship election. The judgment of the Tribunal is contrary to the Will of the people of Osun State which was expressed by the overwhelming votes cast for our Party and Candidate at the election. The July 16, 2022 Governorship election in Osun State was adjudged by Local and International Observers to be free, fair, transparent and clearly won by the PDP and our Candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke in confirmation of the wishes and aspiration of the people. The Will of the people of Osun State as expressed by electing Governor Adeleke must be respected. As a law-abiding Party, the PDP will explore all available legal means ...
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WHY I WROTE A BOOK ON FASHION SHOW PRODUCTION – RAYMOND UKAEGBU
Publisher of SUPREME Magazine, Raymond Ukaegbu, has revealed reasons for writing a book in fashion show production. Ukaegbu, the South-South zonal coordinator of the Guild of Corporate Publishers (GOCOP), who unveiled the book at Ogeyi Place (former Le'Meridien Hotel) in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, said the fashion industry has turned into a huge sector of the global economy. He told a select-audience at the book unveiling that apart from giving back to an industry that shot him to limelight over the years, there is need to provide a guide to fashion show production and the inner techniques that go with it. Ukaegbu said it was important to put the strategic ideas together in book form. In the introduction to the book, the author said the era of regarding those in the fashion industry as 'not-serious-minded people' or as drop-outs is long gone. Instead, he emphasised, the industry ...
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Again, 267 terrorists surrender as troops neutralize 71 – DHQ
By Chimezie Godfrey As the military intensifies onslaught against terrorists and other criminal elements in Nigeria, another 267 terrorists and their family members have surrendered, while 71 have been neutralized in the North-East, North-Central and North-West zones of the country. The Director of the Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami disclosed this Thursday in Abuja during the bi-weekly briefing on troops activities and operational successes being recorded in the various operational theaters within the 6 geo-political zones of the Country. Danmadami noted that In the past 2 weeks, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatres of operations, to address the numerous security challenges across the country with significant results recorded. He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai have sustained and continue to dominate their general areas of operation in the North-East, adding that operational activities were conducted in villages, forest, mountains, towns and cities of ...
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Stakeholders advocate reintroduction, assent to Digital Rights Bill
By Chimezie Godfrey Stakeholders have called for the reintroduction and assent to the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill by the National Assembly and the President. At a One-Day National Stakeholders Meeting on Digital Rights in Nigeria, organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), to discuss on the ways to speed off the assent of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill by the president; Galvanize voices who will advocate for the assent of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill in the country; and Enlighten the stakeholders about the importance and the need for the Digital Rights in the country The stakeholders stressed the need for all stakeholders to rally round the National Assembly to get the Bill passed and proceed to the next stage of getting the President to assent to it. Recall that the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill was the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill was ...
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ICPC Re-arrests Ex-JAMB Registrar, Ojerinde
By Chimezie Godfrey The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has re-arrested the former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Adedibu Ojerinde, on Thursday in Abuja. A statement signed by the Commission's Spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua disclosed that Prof. Ojerinde’s re-arrest followed a warrant issued by the Federal High Court, Abuja. "He is expected to face a team of investigators over new evidence uncovered in relation to his ongoing trial for the diversion of funds while he was a public officer. "ICPC operatives uncovered two accounts opened in the names of Trillium Learning Centre Ltd and Sapati International Schools Ltd into which funds were diverted using fictitious names of students. "The Commission had on the 12th December, 2022, invited the former JAMB Registrar for questioning over the new evidence but he wrote through his solicitor requesting 14 days' grace to enable him to ...
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Nigeria-Niger Republic rail project critical to both countries, Africa – FG
By Chimezie Godfrey The Federal Government has stressed the importance of the Nigeria-Niger Republic rail line, reaffirming that the project will boost trade and other socio-economic interaction between both countries and in the continent. Minister of Transportation, Mu'azu Jaji Sambo stated this in Abuja at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the project between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger. The Minister of Transportation, Mu'azu Jaji Sambo signed for Nigeria while the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Niger, Alma Oumarou signed for his country. The Minister noted that the rail line, which will start from Kano State in Nigeria and end at Maradi in Niger Republic, will facilitate the realization of the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which Nigeria and Niger Republic are signatory to. " I am aware that people have blood relationship across the borders so the project will expand ...
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