Nigeria’s Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo in a handshake with the new President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow during his swearing-in ceremony at Independence Stadium in Banjul on 18th February. Photo by Novo Isioro. [myad]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has offered to provide direct additional funding to banks to ease the difficulties encountered by Nigerians in obtaining funds for Foreign Exchange transactions.
The move, which takes immediate effect, is also aimed by the apex bank to meet the needs of Nigerians for personal and business travel, medical needs, and school fees.
In a statement today, Monday, by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, the CBN said that it expects such retail transactions to be settled at a rate not exceeding 20 percent above the inter-bank market rate.
On travelling allowance, the apex bank said: “having cleared the historic backlog of matured letters of credit at the inception of the current flexible exchange rate system, the CBN would immediately begin to provide foreign exchange to all commercial banks to meet the needs of both personal travel allowances (PTA) and business travel allowances (BTA) for onward sale to customers.
“All banks would receive amounts commensurate with their demand per week, which would be sold to customers who meet usual basic documentary requirements.”
On school and Medical Fees, the statement said: “the CBN would meet the needs of parents, guardians and sponsors who are seeking to make payments of school and educational fees for their children and wards. Such payments must be made by commercial banks directly to the institution specified by the customer. The CBN would ensure that this process is as smooth as possible and that as many customers as possible get the foreign exchange they genuinely demand. This would also apply to customers seeking to make payments, or purchase foreign exchange, for medical bills and paid directly to hospitals. The supply of FX to retail end-users (PTA, BTA, School fees, medical bills, etc) would be sustained by the CBN.”
As regard Forward Sales Tenor, the apex bank said that in order to further increase the availability of foreign exchange to all end-users, it has decided to significantly reduce the tenor of its forward sales from the current maximum cycle of 180 days, to no more than 60 days from the date of transaction.
On FX Sales at Major Airports, it said that in order to further ease the burden of travellers and ensure that transactions are settled at much more competitive exchange rates, it had directed all banks to open FX retail outlets at major airports as soon as logistics permit.
Regarding Increase Efficiency of FX Market, the CBN said: “in order to maintain confidence in the FX market, the CBN will immediately take the following steps:
a. Begin implementing its articulated program to clear all the unfilled orders in the interbank FX market;
b. Given our plan to meet all unfilled orders, and while provision of FX to the manufacturing sector would remain the CBN’s strong priority, we will no longer impose allocation/utilization rules on commercial banks;
c. Implement an effective intervention programme to support the inter-bank market to ensure adequate liquidity necessary to deliver an efficient FX market;
d. Advise FMDQ to activate its FX Order-Book systems as soon as possible and also accelerate the on-boarding of FX clients on the FX Relationship Systems to ensure total transparency of the FX market.”
The statement said that given the CBN’s objective to continuously and vigorously pursue a transparent, liquid, and efficient FX Market, it would neither tolerate unscrupulous actions nor hesitate to bring serious sanctions on offenders, be they banks or their staff.
“The Bank therefore encourages market participants to assist in ensuring that these new measures engender the preservation of our external reserves, stability of our financial system, and growth of our economy to the benefit of all Nigerians.” [myad]
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to unite, strong, resolute, steadfast and solid under the leadership of the National Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi against the background of the ruling by a court of appeal, recognizing Ali Modu Sheriff as national chairman of the party.
The stakeholders said their decision to stand by Makarfi was taken in view of the fact that the court of appeal is not the final court on the matter.
“All members, leaders and organs of the party, including but not limited to the Board of Trustees, the Governor’s forum, the National Assembly Caucus, PDP former Ministers forum, National Vice Chairmen, State Chapters represented by the Conference of State Party Chairmen, Leadership of State Assembly Caucuses and teeming members nationwide, stand resolute that authority to lead the PDP, and indeed any party, solely and exclusively derives from the consent of members at plenary.
This decision was taken today, Monday by stakeholders and leaders of the party, ranging from the Board of Trustees, Governor’s forum, National Assembly Members, former PDP Ministers forum, National Vice Chairmen, State Chapters represented by the Conference of State Party Chairmen, Leadership of State Assembly Caucuses and other major stakeholders at a meeting they held in Abuja. The meeting was held to examine and review the state of the party following the judgment of the court of appeal.
In a communiqué which emanated from the meeting, the stakeholders said that while they hold the judiciary in the highest regard, the decision of the appeal court was greeted with consternation not only amongst leaders and members of the party in Nigeria but also true lovers of democracy in Nigeria and the world over.
They said: “PDP members freely and clearly expressed themselves on the 21st May 2016 at the Port Harcourt National Convention and we stand by the decision given that the National Convention is the highest decision-making organ of the party.
“That we fully endorse the prompt and proactive decision of the National Caretaker Committee to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the decision of the Court of Appeal as well as filing an application for INJUCTION PENDING APPEAL all of which was done in the morning of Monday 20th February 2017. Our abiding faith in the capacity of the judiciary to protect Nigeria’s democracy and political aspirations of the Nigerian people, particularly at the level of the Supreme Court, proven repeatedly over time, is aided by the profound, fearless, irrepressible, comprehensive and insightful minority decision of T. N. Orji-Abadua, J. C. A. in CA/PH/349/2016 SHERRIF & ORS. VS. PDP & ORS., whom we salute for doing the judiciary proud in spite of the predatory interferences of anti-democratic forces and State actors.
“That having duly filed both an appeal to the Supreme Court and an application for Injunction Pending Appeal in the morning of Monday the 20th February 2017, we pass a resounding and unqualified vote of confidence in the leadership of the Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and pledge our unalloyed support to it as it pilots the affairs of the party in this critical transitional period of the party’s life. To this end, we are not at all deceived by the supposed olive branch being offered by Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif, knowing that the only thing that can come from traitors of his ilk is nothing but a poisoned chalice and a Greek gift.
“The meeting reiterates that the party’s Constitution stipulates the process of democratically electing officers of the party and therefore emphatically rejects any imposition such as those being illegally paraded as officers of the party by Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif.
“That stakeholders and leaders of the party are enjoined to return to their Geopolitical Zones, States, LGA’s and Wards to convene meetings of the party and disseminate the foregoing to members. True Party men are urged to remain calm, steadfast, loyal even in the face of wanton provocation of sealing off the venue of a peaceful assembly of stakeholders. We remain committed to the ideals of the party which stands us out as democrats.
“That in view of the mismanagement of our economy by the APC-led Federal Government, the decline in investor confidence and massive capital flight leading to the Nigerian currency being the worst performing on the African continent; the dehumanization of Nigerians, the abridgement of fundamental human rights, persecution of political opponents, and the return to the dark days of mindless dictatorship and the reign of fear, all leading to a state of helplessness and hopelessness; the PDP reaffirms its commitment to return Nigeria in 2019 to the path of Economic growth and respect for fundamental human rights as guaranteed by our constitution. A PDP-led Federal Government will remove hunger in the land and restore confidence in the Nigerian economy.
“The meeting agreed to appeal to all Nigerians to fully support the Peoples Democratic Party, a genuinely Democratic Party that is people oriented and a great defender of equity, justice and fairness to all in its commitment to eradicating poverty, hunger and under-development from our country.” [myad]
A housewife, Mrs. Omolara Adeyemi, is seeking for divorce from her husband, Moradeyo so that she would try another man as the husband cannot impregnate her after 11 years in marriage.
Mrs. Adeyemi told Idi Ogungun Customary Court, Agodi, Ibadan today, Monday her husband had continually refused to make enough effort to get her pregnant since they got married in 2006 and that he even refused to take doctor’s advice that he should treat his low sperm count.
“Instead, he flirts around. He can spend weeks outside, abandoning me in the guise that he is engaged.
“I pray the court to separate us so that I can try my luck elsewhere in a bid to get pregnant and have a child. I cannot allow another man to sleep with me as long as I am still married to him.”
Moradeyo, however, denied the allegations and told the court that he was not ready for divorce.
He pleaded with the court to allow him and his wife to go home and resolve the matter amicably.
The Court President, Chief Mukaila Balogun, advised the couple to involve their family members in the resolution.
He adjourned the case to February 27 for report of settlement.
NAN. [myad]
A 23 year-old Nafisatu Yunusa, a mother of three, lives in Marafa, a village of over 600 people in Bauchi State, northern Nigeria, is excited about change. In Marafa village, dry winter season is hard. Red dust clouds the sky, vegetation turns brown, and there’s no rain for months.
Like other rural communities in the region, for a long time, many people in the village of Marafa did not have access to running water or toilets. Without them, open defecation was the norm. Most households had lost at least one family member to preventable diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
Fields and villages were contaminated with feces, which was not only unsightly and malodorous, but was also extremely unsanitary.
Said Nafisatu: “back then, our children were always suffering from diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera. It was the biggest challenge we had, it was everywhere.”
But the establishment of a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee, or WASHCOM, in her village, has transformed Nafisatu’s life.
The WASHCOMS have been set up in communities in the area under UNICEF’s SHAWN (Sanitation Hygiene and Water in Nigeria) programme, which is funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).
Nafisatu works as a treasurer for the WASHCOM and is one of the nine Mafara WASHCOM members who have been trained to teach healthy sanitation practices to others in the community. “Now when a child goes to use the toilet he or she comes and washes hands – with soap, if it is available, or ash and that has contributed a lot to stopping the spread of diseases.”
As a result, Marafa has become one of 351 communities that are now certified as “open defecation free” in the Local Government Area of Dass, in Bauchi state. Every household in the community has a latrine and nearby hand washing facilities.
And the SHAWN programme has rewarded the community with a borehole and hand pump, so that water is now easier to access, even in the dry season.
The improved sanitation and easy access to water, says Nafisatu, has not only saved lives, but it also helped ease a common strain on marriages in Marafa. Among the good hygiene practices they have been trained to teach, WASHCOM hygiene promotion team members have shared their knowledge with women community members about menstrual hygiene management.
Nafisatu recalls that women in the village used to stuff dirty menstrual padding under their beds, which often made the bedrooms smell unpleasant.
According to Nafisatu, their husbands would burn spirals of mosquito coils, hoping the acrid smoke would cover the smell. But sometimes, even that wasn’t enough, and Nafisatu said that several husbands even refused to sleep with their wives.
Now that there is water in the village, and with women having learned about better menstrual hygiene practices, that problem has vanished.
Nafisatu said: “the change has been so overwhelming, relationships are much improved!” [myad]
Benue State Governor,Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has warned politicians eying his seat to stay clear as there is no vacancy in the government house.
Governor Ortom, who spoke in Agbeede, Konshisha Local Government of the state, at a thanksgiving mass in honour of his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase said: “I am very optimistic of securing a second tenure as governor in 2019.”
He said that he was sure of his people’s support “any time, any day,” because he had not failed in his responsibility so far.
“Those nursing the ambition of vying for the governorship position should jettison the idea; I will beat them silly.”
He advised such people to save their resources and not waste time contesting an election they would not win.
“My victory will be devoid of manipulation; I will win genuinely.”
The governor said that his administration is committed to ridding the state of criminals, but called for support as he could not do it alone.
“Everyone must support us; security is everybody’s business and there is a role for everyone to play toward a better society.”
In his sermon, Rev. Father Stephen Suega advised those in authority to always ask God for guidance and direction before embarking on any programme.
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Joseph Akaagerger commended the governor for paying special attention to security in Benue.
“Everyone has seen that crime has reduced in the state. We cannot thank you enough for that,” he said.
In his remarks, Akase thanked the governor for efforts toward creating a better Benue.
“Your developmental strides have reduced hardship. Hopes for a better Benue have been restored.” [myad]
Senor special assistant to President Muammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, has said that policy of whistle-blowing is an opportunity for Nigerians to make legitimate millions under the present government.
“If you see stolen money going anywhere, you will not only be honoured for pointing it out for discovery but you can earn a commission. So reward by exposing that. About 10 million USD and they give 2.5 of that. That money can change one’s life.
“The important policy of whistle blower that the president has instituted, it gives an opportunity to me, you and to every citizen of this country.”
Garba Shehu, who was answering questions from news men today, Sunday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had remained in power after 2015, the dreaded Boko Haram terrorist sect would have taken over Aso Rock.
According to him, President Buhari has done a lot with regards to national security as he has curbed the activities of the insurgents, adding: “there are many people who believe that if not for president Muhammadu Buhari, PDP had continued in this country in 2015 they would have taken over Aso Rock by now.
“We have achieved so much in terms of security. Look at all of the way the efforts that have been put in rolling back Boko Haram.” [myad]
The Nigeria Army has formally referred to Biafran Republic agitators, under the canopy of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as criminal gang from it will no longer condone any form of false allegation.
According to the spokesman of the 6 Division of the Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Aminu Iliyasu, the allegations by one Emma Powerful, who claimed to be the media and publicity secretary of IPOB that soldiers shot dead eleven IPOB members on January 20 during a solidarity rally in Port Harcourt to celebrate the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America, is false.
Aminu Iliyasu confirmed that soldiers deployed to ensure peace on the street restrained themselves from firing a single shot despite provocations from the protesters.
“The allegation is false, malicious and existed in the figment of his imagination. We therefore wish to warn Mr. Emma Powerful and other likeminded mischief makers that the Nigerian Army will no longer tolerate such spurious and unfounded allegations that are injurious to the hard-earned image and reputation of the Nigerian Army, its selfless and dedicated officers and soldiers by any group of criminals regardless of their appellation.”
The army spokesperson said that on the day of the protest, members of the group were mobilized from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo and Cross River States for an alleged rally with dubious intent of molesting innocent citizens, intimidating passers-by and wrecking havoc on commuters thereby disturbing public peace, safety and security.
“The choice of Port Harcourt (the Garden City) as the epicentre of the protest has left much to be desired. It is however worthy to restate that one of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Army is to come to the aid of the civil authority whenever the need arises. In line with this constitutional mandate, troops of 29 Battalion Nigerian Army, were deployed in conjunction with other sister security agencies to prevent any loss of life or property with strict adherence to the established Rules of Engagement.
“Despite all provocative attempts occasioned by the stoning of security agents and the smashing of commuters’ windscreens by the violent protesters, troops refused to be cajoled into the criminal gang’s trap to fire a single shot. This is indicative of the troops’ total compliance with their Rules of Engagement. The violent protest was subsequently subdued with the use of tear gas and arrests were made by a sister security agency with no casualty recorded on either side.
“It is however worrisome and disturbing for anyone to falsely accuse troops deployed in support of civil authority who conducted their duty professionally under the beaming lenses of cameras of allegedly killing 11 citizens of our great country. A well observed trend of this criminal gang is the malicious posting of old videos and pictures from their archives on social media platforms which has no bearing on their claims to attract public sympathy and whip sentiments among the citizenry.
“To this end, Headquarters 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, wishes to inform the public that the allegation is not true and should be dismissed as mere propaganda by the separatist group. We wish to restate our total commitment to the protection of lives and properties within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
“We therefore solicit the cooperation and understanding of all peace loving citizens and further enjoin them to join hands to help eradicating all forms of criminality within Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta States. This will no doubt enhance mutual co-existence, peace and socio-economic development of the region.” [myad]
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has made it clear that he is comfortable with the official residence he is presently occupying.
He insisted that he had no need for other official residence which incidentally, the previous government started work on.
In a statement by senior special assistant to Osinbajo on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, the acting President declared: “I have said publicly that I consider Aguda House, which I currently occupy, a befitting official residence for me and sufficient for my needs.”
The Presidency was reacting to media reports which linked the present administration of Muhammadu Buharo to building of a new official residence for the occupant of the Office of the Vice President, including the controversial gatehouse. Which the statement said “preceded this administration.
“The project which started in 2010, was initiated and funded by the immediate past administration, but had never featured in the two budget proposals of the Buhari administration: neither in the 2016 nor the 2017 spending plans.
“Any suggestion therefore that this project benefits our administration or that it reflects our spending style or preferences is not only misleading but blatantly false.”
The statement confirmed that the project is now about 85 percent completed, but that “the Federal Government, in the circumstances, will decide at the appropriate time on what is the best use for the 14 buildings already on the project site.” [myad]
“I killed her on Monday. If I did not bury her, people would easily link me with her death. Yet I have been caught. It was the work of the devil.”
These confessions were made by a man who gave his name simply as Bello and was arrested by police in Lagos State for allegedly killing his wife and burying her remains in a shallow grave.
“We have been married for 14 years.”
The wife, Sherifat, was said to have demanded money from Bello for upkeep allowance for their three children. Bello agreed to give her the money but asked her to come to a particular place in Ebute Metta area of the state to collect it.
They met at the designated place where they both moved to Ijora after which Bello allegedly pounced on her. She died on the spot and the suspect allegedly proceeded to dismember her corpse apparently to remove certain parts, after which he buried her remains in a shallow grave and reportedly absconded to his hometown in Ibadan.
A couple of days after the victim failed to return home, her relations reportedly raised alarm. They subsequently contacted the police and Bello was arrested and detained at the Area ‘B’ Police Command, Apapa.
In the course of investigation, Bello led the police to the shallow grave where he blamed the devil for his act.
A family member of the deceased said that the pubic hair and some other parts of the deceased were missing, suggesting that she must have been killed for ritual purpose.
The Police have exhumed the body of the deceased.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni, said it was not Bello’s first attempt to kill his wife.
The CP said an earlier attempt which involved the suspect inserting charm in the woman’s private part had led to their separation in the past before they reconciled.
“The offence was committed last Monday inside an uncompleted building in the area.
“Recovered from the grave in the presence of a large crowd of people yesterday were the head, two hands and legs were in their decomposing state.
“The exhumed parts were later buried at Amukoko cemetery.
“The case has been transferred to the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Yaba,” the CP stated. [myad]
