The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has, again injected another sum of $210 million into the inter-bank foreign exchange market.
According to the figures by the CBN today, Tuesday, authorized dealers in the wholesale segment of the market received the sum of $100million, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the invisibles segments were allocated the sum of $55 million each.
The Director of the Corporate Communications Department at the apex bank, Isaac Okorafor, said the bank’s resolve to always meet the request of genuine customers in the various segments of the market.
It will be recalled that on Friday last week, the bank injected a total sum of $289.76million into retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) and CNY38.70million in the spot and short-tenored forwards of the inter-bank foreign exchange market.
Meanwhile, the naira today, continued to exchange at an average of N360/$1 in the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 144 observer groups that will monitor the conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the country.
The figure, as published on the commission’s official website, www.inecnigeria.org, comprised 116 domestic and 28 international observer groups.
The commission advised all the accredited observers to abide by its code of conduct for election observers.
“INEC is pleased to announce the successful applicants to observe the 2019 general elections holding on 16th Feb. 2019 and 2nd March, 2019.
“All accredited observers shall abide by the code of conduct for election observers, which is available for download on the INEC website (www.inecnigeria.org).
“INEC reserves the right to cancel and withdraw the accreditation of any organisation if its members or agents breach the code of conduct,’’ the commission said.
It, therefore, advised the accredited groups to obtain and complete form EC 14A (ii) from its Elections and Party Monitoring Department, at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja between 8am to 4pm (Monday to Friday) starting from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1.
The commission, however, warned that it would hand over to law enforcement agencies any group other than those accredited, found in any state for the elections.
“Also, accredited field observers found in states other than where they are posted will equally be sanctioned.
The accredited foreign observer groups are African Bar Association; African Parliament of The Civil Society; African Union; British High Commission; Democrat Union of Africa; ECOWAS; Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) Republic Of Cameroon; and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.
Other accredited foreign observers are Embassy of France; Embassy of Japan; Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Embassy of The Republic Of Korea; European Centre For Electoral Support; European Union; German International Agency; High Commission of Canada; and the International Foundation For Electoral System.
The International Human Rights CommissionI; International Peace Commission; International Republican Institute; the National Democratic Institute; the Network for Solidarity; and the Empowerment and Transformation for All were also accredited to cover the elections.
Other international obsevers accredited are Nigerians in Diaspora Organization; Pan African Women Projects; Pan African Youth Training and Enlightenment Centre; Queen Zara Foundation for Human Resources Development; The Commonwealth; and the United States Embassy
On the domestic scene, Action Aid Nigeria; Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation; African Centre For Leadership, Strategy and Development; African Christian Care Trust Organization; Transition Monitoring Group; and YIAGA Africa Initiative are some of the observer groups accredited.
Others are African Initiative for Sustainable and Positive Development; African Youth Leadership Roundtable Initiative; Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society; Alliance for Credible Election; Asabe Shehu Yar’adua Foundation; Centre for Citizens With Disabilities; Centre for Strategic Conflict Management; and the Centre for Transparency Advocacy
Still on the domestic list are Children and Youth Awareness Development Foundation; Christian Association of Nigeria; Christian Council Of Nigeria; Church Of Nigeria Anglican Communion; Citizens Rights And Leadership Awareness Initiative; and the Citizens Rights For Peace And Good Leadership Initiative.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre; Cleen Foundation; Conscience Women of Africa Initiative; Jama’atu Izalatau Badi’ah Wa Ikamatu Sunnatu; Justice Development And Peace; Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria; and the National Orientation Agency also got the approval to cover the elections.
The others are the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre); Nigerian Bar Association; Northern Patriotic Front; Northern Youth And Elders Awareness Forum; Police Service Commission; Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation; and The Albino Foundation.
Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has admitted that the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance and progress of the country, but that the suspension of the Chief Judge of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen was wrong.
In a statement by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku said: “without doubt, the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance and the progress of our country. In this context, the issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary is even more crucial. As the last refuge of the common man, our judiciary must not only be above suspicion but must also be seen to be manifestly above board. The issue at stake is not whether the Chief Justice is guilty or not, but whether his removal from office has been done in accordance with the process specified in our constitution.”
Atiku added: “as a democrat, I must say, without equivocation, that no mission or goal, no matter how noble or well intended, should be used as a pretext for the subversion of our democracy and our democratic institutions. To create a condition that allows the constitution and the rule of law to become secondary to any other agenda is to pave the way for tyranny. History is replete with odious dictators whose path to dictatorship started with statements of good intentions. We must therefore remain vigilant in defense of our democracy.”
The PDP flag bearer said that Nigeria had witnessed situation where the present federal government has serially assaulted the National Assembly, a separate arm of government that represents the bastion of our democracy.
He said that with this attack on the judiciary, President Muhammadu Buhari has set a new precedent in the nation’s democracy that has no equivalence in its history, not even in the darkest days of military dictatorship, saying: “this cannot be allowed to stand.
“At this juncture, I must warn the APC government to desist from taking actions that may push us further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the electoral process. General Muhammadu Buhari must remember that he is a beneficiary of a free and fair election. It is therefore a matter of honour for him to allow a political environment and process that gives confidence to everyone.
“All my life, I have been a democrat and a defender of democracy. Like all men of good conscience and patriots, I believe this present challenge has imposed on us yet again, the duty to rise in peaceful defense of democracy, for which so many have laid down their lives. I also know that the surest weapon against tyranny is the democratic will of the people. Nigerians have consistently demonstrated their preference for democracy, and I am, and will always remain, on the side of the people of Nigeria.”
The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has warned that none of the 36 states of the federation with the exception of Lagos State will be able to pay workers minimum wage of N30,000 as being demanded by the labour unions in the country. The chairman of the group and governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Yari, in an interview with news men on the sidelines of the public hearing on new National Minimum Wage bill by the National Assembly on Monday in Abuja, said that it is easier to call figures than implementing them. “It is easy to call figures, but when it comes to implementing in the field, it becomes a problem. Only Lagos can afford the N30,000 as minimum wage, not even Rivers can afford to pay that much,” he said. He asked the union leaders who are insisting on N30,000 to accept the truth and warned that figure that will be difficult to implement should not be passed. The organized labour leaders had already rejected the approved N27,000 by the national council of states, and insisted on N30,000 as a new minimum wage, which governor Yari said is unrealistic.
President Muhammadu Buhari with some members of traditional rulers
President Muhammadu Buhari has deplored in strong term, the high level of reckless and hate speeches designed to provoke disturbances by those he called “unscrupulous individuals” that use election to cause crisis in the polity
The President, therefore, asked the security agencies to work closely with the traditional rulers in the country to stem such dangerous activities and ensure a peaceful and credible 2019 general election.
President Buhari who spoke today, Monday, at the 10th General Assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria (NCTRN), in Abuja warned that the government will not tolerate such reckless speeches.
He challenged traditional rulers in the country to bring their positions to bear on peace and security in their domains during the 2019 general election in the country.
“Given the activities of unscrupulous individuals who use the election season to foment trouble and disturb the electoral process, the role of security agencies is particularly crucial.
“But the backbone of effective security is quality intelligence and the most trusted repository of local intelligence is of course the royal father in his domain, and we encourage the security agencies to work closely with you in this enormous task.
“As a nation with diverse norms, cultures, traditions, ethnic nationalities and religions we have witnessed various degrees of conflicts and violence during elections in the past, borne out of irresponsible utterances, hate speech, designed to incite and provoke disturbances.
“We must not tolerate this dangerous behavior. Your positions as traditional heads of your communities accord you considerable influence and the respect of your subjects.”
President Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said that the general assembly of the traditional rulers came at the right time when Nigerians are preparing to vote in new leaders.
“Coming at this time, this annual gathering of the royal heads of our traditional institutions is indeed a blessing and the theme most appropriate. This is because the role of your royal majesties and traditional institutions are crucial for connecting the people of your kingdoms and domains to the federal and state agencies responsible for the conduct of elections.
“The major purpose of establishing that link is to educate the local electorate or reinforce information that they may have about electoral processes as laid down by INEC.
“For example, INEC has said that in the forthcoming polls, voters will be accredited and then vote immediately after accreditation. This is different from the old method of accreditation first and then coming back hours later to vote. This must be well disseminated to all.
“Similarly, the use of card readers, the role of party agents and other electoral actors will require some explanation and some dissemination, especially where the rules have changed. And we expect that INEC will be working in close collaboration with all of our royal fathers in your various domains to ensure that not are you adequately informed but also that your people are also adequately informed.”
The president restated the commitment of his government to deliver a transparent, free and fair, credible and peaceful election this year, adding that security agencies have been directed to maintain peace and order and provide security during elections.
He warned that any attempt to cause mayhem and undermine the electoral process would be met with the full force of the law.
According to the President, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is properly equipped and free to conduct the election.
“As a democracy in the 21st Century, it is time for us to take our own place in the comity of nations as one to be reckoned with by ensuring that the 2019 general election meet all the standards civilized processes around the world and are free from all forms of irregularities.”
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who is the Co-Chairman of the General Assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, promised that the royal fathers would galvanize their subjects to perform their civic duties by voting in the election.
Oba Ogunwusi said that the royal fathers would also ensure a peaceful conduct of the 2019 general election in their domains.
Among traditional that attended the event were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar III. He is the Co-Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers. There were also the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
A former Nigeria Minister for Foreign Affairs and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tom Ikimi, has described the party as reformed one and that all the good people who left it to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) have returned to it. Ikimi, who addressed a PDP campaign rally today, Monday at Igueben, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State said that the party is poised to raise youths who would be the new generation of leaders to take over from the old ones like him and many others. He said that Igueben as a local government area had taken its first step of redemption by identifying and supporting PDP. Ikimi said that the February 16 election would decide whether Nigeria should continue to exist as one or not, adding that those who wanted the country to continue to remain as one are unanimous in saying “enough is enough” with the present happenings in the country. He advised Nigerians to vote PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and all PDP candidates across the country for job creation, poverty eradication, infrastructure development, security and peaceful coexistence.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 144 observer groups that will monitor the conduct of the forthcoming general elections in the country.
The figure, as published on the commission’s official website, www.inecnigeria.org, comprised 116 domestic and 28 international observer groups.
The commission advised all the accredited observers to abide by its code of conduct for election observers.
“INEC is pleased to announce the successful applicants to observe the 2019 general elections holding on 16th Feb. 2019 and 2nd March, 2019.
“All accredited observers shall abide by the code of conduct for election observers, which is available for download on the INEC website (www.inecnigeria.org).
“INEC reserves the right to cancel and withdraw the accreditation of any organisation if its members or agents breach the code of conduct,’’ the commission said.
It, therefore, advised the accredited groups to obtain and complete form EC 14A (ii) from its Elections and Party Monitoring Department, at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja between 8am to 4pm (Monday to Friday) starting from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1.
The commission, however, warned that it would hand over to law enforcement agencies any group other than those accredited, found in any state for the elections.
“Also, accredited field observers found in states other than where they are posted will equally be sanctioned.
The accredited foreign observer groups are African Bar Association; African Parliament of The Civil Society; African Union; British High Commission; Democrat Union of Africa; ECOWAS; Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) Republic Of Cameroon; and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.
Other accredited foreign observers are Embassy of France; Embassy of Japan; Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt; Embassy of The Republic Of Korea; European Centre For Electoral Support; European Union; German International Agency; High Commission of Canada; and the International Foundation For Electoral System.
The International Human Rights CommissionI; International Peace Commission; International Republican Institute; the National Democratic Institute; the Network for Solidarity; and the Empowerment and Transformation for All were also accredited to cover the elections.
Other international obsevers accredited are Nigerians in Diaspora Organization; Pan African Women Projects; Pan African Youth Training and Enlightenment Centre; Queen Zara Foundation for Human Resources Development; The Commonwealth; and the United States Embassy
On the domestic scene, Action Aid Nigeria; Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation; African Centre For Leadership, Strategy and Development; African Christian Care Trust Organization; Transition Monitoring Group; and YIAGA Africa Initiative are some of the observer groups accredited.
Others are African Initiative for Sustainable and Positive Development; African Youth Leadership Roundtable Initiative; Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society; Alliance for Credible Election; Asabe Shehu Yar’adua Foundation; Centre for Citizens With Disabilities; Centre for Strategic Conflict Management; and the Centre for Transparency Advocacy
Still on the domestic list are Children and Youth Awareness Development Foundation; Christian Association of Nigeria; Christian Council Of Nigeria; Church Of Nigeria Anglican Communion; Citizens Rights And Leadership Awareness Initiative; and the Citizens Rights For Peace And Good Leadership Initiative.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre; Cleen Foundation; Conscience Women of Africa Initiative; Jama’atu Izalatau Badi’ah Wa Ikamatu Sunnatu; Justice Development And Peace; Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria; and the National Orientation Agency also got the approval to cover the elections.
The others are the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Policy And Legal Advocacy Centre); Nigerian Bar Association; Northern Patriotic Front; Northern Youth And Elders Awareness Forum; Police Service Commission; Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation; and The Albino Foundation.
Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has admitted that the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance and progress of the country, but that the suspension of the Chief Judge of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen was wrong.
In a statement by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku said: “without doubt, the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance and the progress of our country. In this context, the issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary is even more crucial. As the last refuge of the common man, our judiciary must not only be above suspicion but must also be seen to be manifestly above board. The issue at stake is not whether the Chief Justice is guilty or not, but whether his removal from office has been done in accordance with the process specified in our constitution.”
Atiku added: “as a democrat, I must say, without equivocation, that no mission or goal, no matter how noble or well intended, should be used as a pretext for the subversion of our democracy and our democratic institutions. To create a condition that allows the constitution and the rule of law to become secondary to any other agenda is to pave the way for tyranny. History is replete with odious dictators whose path to dictatorship started with statements of good intentions. We must therefore remain vigilant in defense of our democracy.”
The PDP flag bearer said that Nigeria had witnessed situation where the present federal government has serially assaulted the National Assembly, a separate arm of government that represents the bastion of our democracy.
He said that with this attack on the judiciary, President Muhammadu Buhari has set a new precedent in the nation’s democracy that has no equivalence in its history, not even in the darkest days of military dictatorship, saying: “this cannot be allowed to stand.
“At this juncture, I must warn the APC government to desist from taking actions that may push us further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the electoral process. General Muhammadu Buhari must remember that he is a beneficiary of a free and fair election. It is therefore a matter of honour for him to allow a political environment and process that gives confidence to everyone.
“All my life, I have been a democrat and a defender of democracy. Like all men of good conscience and patriots, I believe this present challenge has imposed on us yet again, the duty to rise in peaceful defense of democracy, for which so many have laid down their lives. I also know that the surest weapon against tyranny is the democratic will of the people. Nigerians have consistently demonstrated their preference for democracy, and I am, and will always remain, on the side of the people of Nigeria.”
Senators of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have said that there was no time that the Senate met and took the decision to approach the Supreme Court for an interpretation of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.
The Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe), said in a statement today, Monday on behalf of the APC Senators the Senate as an institution did not make such resolution even as he said that they have dissociated themselves from the action.
“It has come to the notice of the Senate APC Caucus that the Senate has approached the Supreme Court for the interpretation of the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“For the records, the Senate never met to take any such resolution, and at no time mandated anyone to approach the Court on this matter on its behalf.
“Consequently, the Senate APC Caucus dissociates itself from the said request for the legal interpretation of the suspension,” Lawan said.
Earlier in the day in a statement, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Special Adviser to the Senate President Bukola Saraki on Media and Publicity, had said the Senate had approached the Supreme Court for an interpretation on whether President Muhammadu Buhari usurped the powers of the Senate or not in suspending Justice Onnoghen.
Saraki’s spokesman also said that the Senate cancelled its planned emergency resumption for Tuesday, to deliberate on the suspension since the Senate has already approached the apex court.
The Gubernatorial Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo- Olu, yesterday, Sunday, Commissioned The Royal Oak Event Centre at Lekki in Lagos. He was accompanied by Chief (Dr) Leemon Ikpea, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Lee Engineering and Construction Company.
Wife of the CEO, Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo was also there and had some pep talks with Sanyo-Olu at the site of commissioning.
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The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has warned that none of the 36 states of the federation with the exception of Lagos State will be able to pay workers minimum wage of N30,000 as being demanded by the labour unions in the country.
Senators of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have said that there was no time that the Senate met and took the decision to approach the Supreme Court for an interpretation of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.
The Gubernatorial Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo- Olu, yesterday, Sunday, Commissioned The Royal Oak Event Centre at Lekki in Lagos. He was accompanied by Chief (Dr) Leemon Ikpea, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Lee Engineering and Construction Company.
