A shop owner in Ebonyi State, Njoku Michael, has narrated how a Fulani herdsman lured him into the kidnapping of some returnees from the United States of America for the last Christmas and New Year celebrations. The shop owner, who was paraded alongside 16 other persons, made the revelation when he was paraded by the spokesman of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Akandu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, at the State Headquarters in Abakaliki, the state capital. He confirmed that they received N40 million ransom, in both Naira and Dollar, as ransom for the kidnap. Michael, who is from Abia State, said: “We were four persons who carried out the kidnap but it was only two of us who were captured by the police and we don’t know where the others are. “We didn’t kill anybody, the lady who died was out of fear, we didn’t shoot anybody. “The person who involved me into the kidnap of these persons we kidnapped in Ebonyi didn’t disclose it to me. “The man who involved me is a Fulani man, he is my customer. “He buys things from me in my shop where I sell provisions. “The man came to my shop on December 13, 2023 with his cattle. “I told him: ‘Alhaji, you have many cows now o.’ “But he told me: ‘Yes, the cows are mine.’ “I pleaded with him to borrow me N50,000 and promised to pay him back in February. “He told me that he had no money and promised to get back to me. “Five days later, the man came back to me. “He didn’t come back with his cattle this time around. “He told me that he wanted to carry me to work in Afikpo, Ebonyi State and I had never been to Afikpo before. “I asked him the type of work he wanted to carry me told and he told me it’s manure work, that he wanted me to bag it and if I worked hard, I would earn N30,000 or N40,000 in four days. “I said okay and called my brother to be taking care of my shop so that I would follow the Alhaji and go for that work. “I followed the man to Afikpo and we got to Afikpo on that New Year in the evening. “He bought me food and lodged me in one hotel. In the money, he stopped a bike and told me to join him in the bike and he took me to a thick forest and told me he was coming back. “He went and brought two of his brothers and kept them with me. “He didn’t tell me what he wanted me to do and it was evening period. “He left us and came back with a bag. “When he turned it on the ground, it was a gun and a cloth. “I asked him what we were going to do with a gun, he asked me: ‘I think you said you were looking for money? This is the time we are going to look for the money.’ “He prepared himself finish and told us to follow him. “We got to a bush path where he ordered us to stay in a corner in that bush path. “When we were in the bush, he saw a jeep coming and shot on the air. “The vehicle stopped and he attacked the vehicle and opened it. “There were two men and one woman and he ordered the two men and one woman out on the ground and told them to follow us. “He was at the front directing us and we followed him to a thick forest. “We trekked for two hours before we got to the thick forest.” Source: The Punch.
The issues that have shot to the front burner of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) lately are kidnapping, banditry and other vices. But the fundamental issue that has beclouded the nation’s capital for a long time now and which has been downplayed, has been the dirtiness in many corners of the city, even in unbelievable places. The dirtiness, in a simple terms, come in different forms, including refuse dumps, flooding, erosion and eyesore sediments. It is as if refuse dumps have been officilized in the capital city. Although the area that is referred to as city centre – the main Abuja Municipal and parts of Maitama and Asokoro – can be said to be fairly well kept, but nearby areas and, indeed, many satellite towns around the Area Councils leave much to be desired and are irritative. For instance, Gwagwalada, which is the main entrance to the capital territory through Lokoja in Kogi State, is practically an eyesore. As a matter of fact, most first timers to Abuja coming through Lokoja would be forced to wonder if really Gwagwalada is part of the much talked about “prestigious city of Abuja.” Zuba too, which is the next town, a few kilometres to the main city, from Kaduna axis, does not present a different picture from the Gwagwalada axis. As you move into the main city through Dei Dei axis, you are confronted by God-forbidden environmental degradation. As you approach the main city through Gwagwa and Karimo Idu axis, you get more and more into the dirtiness and it makes you to wonder whether Abuja is still far away from you, whereas you are already deep into the heart of the city. Same thing around Kubwa, which effectively welcome you into what obviously looks like a slum city. It is obvious from the dirts that have overtaken most of the city that FCT is in dare need of a well coordinated and effective environmental cleaning systems to bring about the real beauty of the capital city.
It is these bungling of the environment that Minister Nyeson Wike should necessarily direct his attention to. He needs to focus on places like Bwari, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kwali and Abuja Municipal area council ( AMAC). All these satellite towns or Area Council headquarters in particular are begging for attention. And the workaholic minister Wike need to quickly swing into action on this. Rashidat Yusuf wrote from Abuja. Yusufrashidat12@gmail.com
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Oluyemi Michael Cardoso has warned that task of stabilising the Nigerian foreign exchange rate is beyond the apex bank. “It also seems that the task of stabilizing the exchange rate, while an official mandate of the CBN, would necessitate efforts beyond the Bank itself and indeed to an attitudinal change of all our citizens.” Cardoso, who addressed members of the House of Representatives today, February 6, at the National Assembly in Abuja, said that the genuine issue impacting the exchange rate is the simultaneous decrease in the supply of, and increase in the demand for, US Dollars. According to the Governor, over the past 12 years, oil exports, constituting over 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, have declined from US$93.89 billion in 2011 to US$31.4 billion in 2020. Overall however, Cardoso said that he and his team would be dedicated to refocusing the apex Bank by giving priority to price stability. “We also aim to build confidence in the Nigerian economy through the maintenance of stability in consumer prices and the foreign exchange market. “We are aware that the twin challenges of inflation and exchange rate depreciation on our economy are daunting, however, they are not insurmountable. “Monetary policy actions are sometimes inhibited by transmission lags, nonetheless, it is expected that the policy measures implemented by the Bank will permeate the economy in the short- to medium-term.” The apex Bank Chief acknowledged that inflation pressures may persist, albeit temporarily, “but are expected to moderate significantly by Q4 2024. “Exchange rate pressures are also expected to reduce with the smooth functioning of the foreign exchange market.” He said that the Bank is committed to implementing policies that will ensure a stable macroeconomic environment and guarantee improved livelihoods for all Nigerians. Please, read the full text of of the CBN Governor’s address: Protocols 1. Good afternoon, Honourable members. I am honoured to appear before House to address critical concerns related to exchange rates and inflationary pressures in the economy. 2. Upon receiving the invitation letter, I keenly sensed the urgency and the acknowledgment of the economic challenges and resistance to proposed solutions by various stakeholders. 3. However, I want to emphasize that we are now at a turning point, and the bold reforms underway across different segments of the economy, though initially challenging, are aimed at addressing these challenges sustainably. 4. I am confident that positive outcomes are already emerging and will become more apparent in the near future. The dedicated and relentless efforts being made are certain to bring about significant and positive changes for our economy. 5. Notably, recent reports from international rating agencies such as Fitch, Moody’s, S&P and commendations from multilateral banks like the World Bank reflect this positive trajectory, with upgrades to Nigeria’s ratings from stable to positive. These reports acknowledge the potential reversal of the deterioration in the country’s fiscal and external position due to the authorities’ reform efforts. While recognizing the painful adjustments, they all point to a direction that will unlock much-needed growth and development for our economy in the medium to long term. 6. Honourable members, I acknowledge that despite these commendations, the concerns regarding the cost of living and currency exchange rates remain. Indeed, this is a major topic of concern in our villages, our towns, and our cities. The urgency of the matter is not lost on us at the Central Bank and I assure you we are working tirelessly with colleagues from across government, including with the leadership of this House, to bring lasting solutions. 7. Given that this will be the first time I will be before this esteemed body this year 2024, please permit me to provide you with what we consider our outlook for 2024. Global Outlook: 8. The global economy is currently grappling with persistent challenges, including inflation and subdued growth prospects. Despite GDP growth outperforming expectations in 2023, it is projected to further moderate in 2024 due to tightened financial conditions, sluggish trade expansion, and reduced business and consumer confidence. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) initially projected a mild slowdown in global economic growth to 2.9% in 2024 now reviewed upwards to 3.1 with Asia driving the majority of the projected global growth in 2024, similar to the previous year. 9. The near-term outlook is clouded by downside risks, including heightened geopolitical tensions such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Broader escalation of conflicts could disrupt energy markets, trade routes, and financial markets, leading to a slowdown in growth and increased inflationary pressures. Additionally, rising trade barriers, protectionist policies, and global value chain restructuring could exacerbate uncertainties in global trade. 10. In this challenging landscape, key policy priorities involve ensuring durable inflation reduction, addressing fiscal pressures, and fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. The global monetary policy environment is expected to remain restrictive until sustained inflation reduction becomes evident. Governments must grapple with rising fiscal pressures, necessitating credible medium-term fiscal frameworks to effectively manage debt burdens. Domestic Outlook: 11. The Federal Government of Nigeria anticipates a 3.76 percent real GDP growth in 2024, slightly surpassing the estimated 3.75 percent for 2023. This optimism is backed by key government reforms and the expectation of improved crude oil prices and production, which are set to drive economic growth. A. Each sector may face unique challenges and opportunities in 2024. The services sector is expected to thrive due to increased digital lending offerings, while the agriculture sector is projected to grow faster with improved productivity. Anticipated growth in the industry sector is linked to increased crude oil production. B. Inflationary pressures are expected to decline in 2024 due to the CBN’s inflation-targeting policy, aiming to rein in inflation to 21.4 percent, aided by improved agricultural productivity and easing global supply chain pressures. 12. The CBN’s inflation-targeting framework involves clear communication and collaboration with fiscal authorities to achieve price stability, potentially leading to lowered policy rates, stimulating investment, and creating job opportunities. 13. The Nigerian foreign exchange market is currently facing increased demand pressures, causing a continuous decline in the value of the naira. Factors contributing to this situation include speculative forex demand, inadequate forex supply due to non-remittance of crude oil earnings to the CBN, increased capital outflows, and excess liquidity from fiscal activities. 14. The shift to a market-driven exchange rate was intended to create a stable macroeconomic environment and discourage currency hoarding. However, short-term volatilities are attributed to arbitrage and speculation. 15. To address exchange rate volatility, a comprehensive strategy has been initiated to enhance liquidity in the FX markets. This includes unifying FX market segments, clearing outstanding FX obligations, introducing new operational mechanisms for BDCs, enforcing the Net Open Position limit, and adjusting the remunerable Standing Deposit Facility cap. 16. Honourable Members, we understand the economic costs of these developments not just for the economy, but also as they affect ordinary Nigerians. 17. However, as I have mentioned in previous engagements, these costs are temporary, and our decisions will address a lot of fundamental issues bothering Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape. 18. Honourable Members, these measures, aimed at ensuring a more market-oriented mechanism for exchange rate determination, will boost foreign exchange inflows, stabilize the exchange rate, and minimize its pass-through to domestic inflation. On the exchange rates, 19. Permit me to say that put simply, the exchange rate is determined by the dynamics of supply and demand for a product or service. In essence, similar to the pricing of cows or cars, the value of the US Dollar in Nigeria is determined by the balance of US Dollars entering the country and the demand for US Dollars among Nigerians. Applying this demand and supply principle, let’s examine how the exchange rate has performed in recent years. The exchange rate in Nigeria has increased/depreciated due to the simultaneous occurrence of two factors: a decline in the supply of US Dollars coinciding with a surge in the demand for US Dollars. 20. Looking at the demand side of the exchange rate, it’s important to note the growing number of Nigerian students studying abroad. In the 1980s and 1990s, the need for US Dollars for their living expenses was minimal. However, recent data shows a significant change. According to UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics, the number of Nigerian students abroad increased from less than 15,000 in 1998 to over 71,000 in 2015. By 2018, this figure had reached 96,702 students, as per the World Bank. Another report projects the number of Nigerian students studying abroad to exceed 100,000 by 2022. Additionally, the UK’s Higher Education Statistic Agency noted a 64% increase in Nigerian students studying in the country, rising from 13,020 in the 2019/2020 academic session to 21,305 by the 2020/2021 session. 21. Given this data, it’s crucial to highlight that between 2010 and 2020, foreign education expenses amounted to a substantial US$28.65 billion, as per the CBN’s publicly available Balance of Payments Statistics. Similarly, medical treatment abroad has incurred around US$11.01 billion in costs during the same period. Consequently, over the past decade, foreign exchange demand for education and healthcare has totaled nearly US$40 billion. Notably, this amount surpasses the total current foreign exchange reserves of the CBN. Mitigating a significant portion of this demand could have resulted in a considerably stronger Naira today. 22. Personal Travel Allowances have accounted for a total of US$58.7 billion during the same period. Notably, between January and September 2019, the CBN disbursed US$9.01 billion to Nigerians for personal foreign travel. 23. Continuing on the topic of the demand for US Dollars, Nigeria’s annual imports, which require dollars for payment, amounted to US$16.65 billion in 1980. By 2014, the annual import expenditure had significantly surged to US$67.05 billion, although it gradually decreased to US$54.71 billion as of last year. Similarly, food imports escalated from US$2.63 billion in 1980 to US$14.84 billion in 2019. 24. In 1980, more than 75 percent of the vehicles used in Nigeria were domestically produced by companies like Volkswagen in Lagos, Peugeot in Kaduna, and others. Presently, over 99 percent of the cars driven are imported, necessitating dollar payments. Similarly, in 1980, the majority of the clothing worn was sourced from Nigerian textile mills in Funtua, Asaba, Kano, Lagos, and various other towns and cities. Today, nearly all the clothing worn is made from imported fabrics. 25. Given the substantial demand for education, healthcare, professional services, personal travel, and similar needs, the exchange rate is bound to face ongoing pressure. 26. On the supply side of the exchange rate, to bolster the inflow of US Dollars into a country, the economy must “earn” these dollars through exports, whether oil or non-oil, or by attracting foreign investments. A robust economic foundation is essential to produce goods and services that the global market is willing to pay for in US Dollars. When such supply surpasses demand, the exchange rate appreciates, causing the price of the dollar to fall. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the contrary has taken place. 27. In 1980, our import expenditure stood at US$16.65 billion, while our exports amounted to US$25.97 billion, resulting in a surplus of US$9.32 billion. Thus, during that year, we managed to fulfill the demand for US Dollars from our existing supply and still had over US$9 billion in surplus. In such a situation, the exchange rate (the value of the US Dollar) would not increase because, similar to any commodity, its supply surpassed the demand. Moreover, from 2003 to 2013, we experienced a surplus of US$331.73 billion in the economy, with oil exports alone contributing over US$798 billion. This surplus of dollars would typically stabilize the exchange rate, leading to a “strong” Naira. 28. Regrettably, over the past 12 years, oil exports, constituting over 90 percent of our foreign exchange earnings, have declined from US$93.89 billion in 2011 to US$31.4 billion in 2020. 29. From the aforementioned points, we can infer that the genuine issue impacting the exchange rate is the simultaneous decrease in the supply of, and increase in the demand for, US Dollars. It also seems that the task of stabilizing the exchange rate, while an official mandate of the CBN, would necessitate efforts beyond the Bank itself and indeed to an attitudinal change of all our citizens. Concluding Remarks: 30. Honourable members, my team and I are dedicated to refocusing the Bank by giving primacy to price stability. We also aim to build confidence in the Nigerian economy through the maintenance of stability in consumer prices and the foreign exchange market. 31. We are aware that the twin challenges of inflation and exchange rate depreciation on our economy are daunting, however, they are not insurmountable. 32. Monetary policy actions are sometimes inhibited by transmission lags, nonetheless, it is expected that the policy measures implemented by the Bank will permeate the economy in the short- to medium-term. 33. Inflation pressures may persist, albeit temporarily, but are expected to moderate significantly by Q4 2024. Exchange rate pressures are also expected to reduce with the smooth functioning of the foreign exchange market. 34. We are committed to implementing policies that will ensure a stable macroeconomic environment and guarantee improved livelihoods for all Nigerians. 35. Thank you for your attention.
The Kogi State Government has raised alarm over what it described as a desperate attempt by “criminals masquerading as politicians” to tarnish the image of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The state government accused EFCC of making itself available to be used to make ridiculous, shameless and indefensible allegation against Yahaya Bello over the case of diversion of N80 billion that took place before he took over as Governor in 2016. The state government said that in its desperation, “which would leave Nigerians wondering who exactly is afraid of Yahaya Bello,” the EFCC in an amended charge, accused Yahaya Bello of diverting Kogi State Government’s funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed the position of a Governor. A statement by the Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, described the charges as laughable, and portrayed the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of President Bola Tinubu to defeat corruption in Nigeria. The statement said: “The fact that the EFCC, in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN V. 1. Ali Bello 2. Dauda Suleiman, currently pending before Honorable Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division further amended the ‘Amended Charge’ to include in the count, the name of H.E Yahaya Bello, describing him as being ‘at large’, is ridiculous, laughable and portrays the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria. “Being ‘at large’ of course means that a person is evading arrest or is on the run and cannot be found after an attempt to arrest. “For the sake of clarity, the original charge is against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, Ali’s associate. The offence which H.E Yahaya Bello is alleged to have committed upon which he has been named in the count is conspiracy to convert the total sum of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo) which offence is said to have occurred on or about September 2015 in Abuja. His co-conspirators according to the Count are Abdulsalami Hudu (Kogi State Government House Cashier) described as being ‘at large’ too, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman. “In the EFCC’s desperation to nail H.E Yahaya Bello, they forgot their thinking hammer at home. “The Count of the offence is most laughable as the election that produced H.E Yahaya Bello, CON, as Governor of Kogi was only conducted in November 2015. Indeed, H.E. Captain Idris Wada of the PDP held sway as Governor of Kogi State at the material time until he handed over to H.E Yahaya Bello on the 27th day of January 2016. “H.E Yahaya Bello could therefore not have as of September 2015 conspired with anyone, including Abdulsalami Hudu, a Kogi Government House Cashier to convert any money belonging to the Kogi State Government. It is to be noted that H.E Yahaya Bello before becoming the Governor of Kogi State had no financial dealings with the Kogi State Government which could have permitted him to convert monies belonging to the Kogi State Government, hence, one’s dismay at the allegation.” The state government warned political actors to steer clear of Kogi State affairs and desist from their campaign of calumny “as the state government has not said its money is missing, and has been adjudged, both locally and internationally, as top in the area of transparency and accountability.” The statement by Fanwo asked: “Why should Nigerians trust the leadership of the agency that made such a ridiculous, shameless and indefensible allegation? “The Chairman of the Commission should tender unreserved apologies to the Nigerian people for making us a laughing stock in the comity of nations.” The statement called on the President to step in to save the integrity of the EFCC from those “pushing the Commission into a fight that should be left to politicians. “The Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo will continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. We will also continue to promote probity, accountability and transparency and open our books to agencies and institutions constitutionally empowered to look into them. We will continue to win awards in transparency and accountability. “The journey to tarnish the image of Bello did not begin today. “In 2021, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a desperate bid to embarrass the Government of Kogi State then under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, came out with a false claim that it had uncovered over N20 billion Naira of the state’s bail out fund in a Fixed Deposit Account in Sterling Bank. Emboldened by its innocence, the Kogi State Government wrote a letter to Sterling Bank for clarifications. “The Bank came out clean that the State Government had no such account with it, rubbishing the blatant falsehood of the EFCC in a manner that was so embarrassing to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “But rather than apologize to the Government of Kogi State and the general public, the EFCC chose to harass the officials of Sterling Bank, coercing them to do everything possible to achieve the aim of roping tue Kogi State Government into their ignominy ring. It ended with a conspiratorial exchange between the EFCC and the CBN. Today, Nigerians are not confused about the personae of Bawa and Emefiele. “The sack of Bawa and the startling revelations that followed threw Nigerians into jubilation. Their hope was that EFCC will birth a new era of separating political vendetta from the actual fight against corruption. But recent happenings have shown that it isn’t war against corruption anymore but a clear manifestation of hired gun approach to hack down political opponents by certain elements within and outside the anti graft agency. “This betrays the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to retool the agency and make it more vibrant in preventing and fighting corruption in a genuine and objective manner within the ambit of the rule of law.” According to Fanwo, the current leadership of the EFCC has now continued to tow the path of the leadership of Abdulrasheed Bawa, “who woke up one day in August 2021, decided in his mind that the Kogi State Government had Twenty Billion Naira in an account, secured ex-parte, an Order of the Federal High Court, Lagos empowering him to direct the Manager of Sterling Bank Plc to freeze Account No. 0073572696 with the name Kogi State Salary Bail Out Account pending the conclusion of investigation or possible prosecution. “They went on even when Sterling Bank through a letter addressed to the Kogi State Government dated 1st September, 2021 confirmed that ‘the Kogi State Government does not currently operate or maintain a Fixed Deposit Account with Sterling Bank’ ‘There is no mandate letter from the Kogi State Government to open account number 0073572696 with Sterling’ and that ‘Sterling Bank account 0073572696’ is an internal (mirror) account operated by the Bank for purposes of managing the Kogi State salary bailout facility. “While the EFCC’s suit was withdrawn and the Order of Court vacated upon a challenge by the Kogi State Government, the EFCC continued to issue press statements on all its social media platforms, attaching the pictures of H.E Yahaya Bello to those statements and insisting that the factual basis of their claim was genuine. To cover up the falsehood and their shame, the EFCC under Bawa compelled Sterling Bank Plc and the CBN under its embattled Governor Emefiele, to write letters confirming the return of funds belonging to the Kogi State Government to the CBN, when no such funds existed. “The EFCC has since refused to answer to the suit filed against it since 2021 by the Kogi State Government and its officials challenging the falsehood on the issue of bailout funds. The EFCC has continued to maintain frivolous appeals even when the Court of Appeal had confirmed that the trial Court had the jurisdiction to entertain the suit. “A similar modus operandi was employed by the EFCC with respect to the former first lady of Kogi State, Rashida Bello. She was named in the counts of offence and described as being at large in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/573/2022: FRN V. (1) ALI BELLO (2) ABBA ADAUDU (3) YAKUBU SIYAKA ADABENEGE (4) IYADI SADAT and was alleged to have conspired to criminally misappropriate over Three Billion Naira, funds allegedly belonging to some Local Government Areas of Kogi State. It is noteworthy that she was never invited by the EFCC or arrested before branding her as being ‘at large’. “As usual, the EFCC employed rogue ‘news’ platforms who sensationalized the issue, claiming that the then First Lady has been charged to Court and was running from justice!” The State Government said that the current leadership of the EFCC seemed to have picked up the gauntlet from where Bawa left it, adding: “They have started using their media cronies and other faceless blogs and rogue media handles to spread lies about H.E Yahaya Bello. The purpose of the current amendment of Charge No. 550/2022 is no doubt to allow their irresponsible bloggers gleefully but erroneously claim that Yahaya Bello has been charged to Court for the conversion of over 80 Billion of Kogi money, an offence which was allegedly committed when he was not yet a Governor. “The unprecedented extent to which the EFCC is ready to go to tarnish the image of the Kogi State Government and also the image of the immediate past Governor, His Excellency Alh Yahaya Bello, has left much to be desired. “It is in our character to fight in defence of the integrity of the Government and over 5 million Kogites whose common patrimony the Government allocates on their behalf. We are prepared to use the instrumentality of law to defend the integrity of the State Government. “We urge the people of Kogi State to remain calm and law abiding in the face of relentless provocation by EFCC who is insisting that the money we used to build infrastructure in the state is missing. We will never lose a just battle.”
Four members of the Pankshin Catholic Diocese in Plateau State of Nigeria have been arrested and paraded for allegedly kidnapping two priests of the same Church.
Names of the suspects, who allegedly demanded a total sum of N50 Million as ransom on the kidnapped priests were not immediately given, but they were paraded and their pictures taken.
The kidnapping operations was allegedly led by the financial secretary of the Church. See their pictures.
The Gomo Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Jibrin Tanko has conferred a traditional title of Jikan Dan Majidadin Kuje on the minister, Nyeson Wike. The title literarily means “Grandchild of Bliss.” The title was conferred today, February 5, shortly after the minister flagged off the construction of a 5 kilometre dual carriageway in Kuje Area Council. The Gomo of Kuje thanked the Minister for his commitment to the realization of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the Kuje Area Council. Flagging off the road project, Wike said that the project is part of efforts to rekindle the hope of the people even as he reassure them that President Tinubu means well for the FCT. The Minister who had earlier flagged off the construction of the 7.2 kilometer Paikon Kore-Ibwa road in Gwagwalada Area Council, as well as the 9km Gaba – Tokula road in Bwari Area Council, attributed the achievements to the support of the President. He said that the Administration has been lucky to have the support of the President, who is sparing nothing to ensure that all residents reap the dividends of democracy, adding that the FCTA has no excuse not to perform. “I want to say that Mr. President is fully in support of us and his mandate is very clear to the Hon. Minister of State and my humble self. When you people are saying that the Minister of State and my humble self are working, it’s because we have a President who gives us anything we want. He has given us the support and so we have no excuses to give but to let the people know that Mr. President is behind everything we are doing. Every request we have made, Mr. President has always given to us. So, for us, we don’t have any excuse not to do what we are supposed to do.” Wike insisted that the funds for the road projects are available and asked the contractor to complete them within the specified time without any excuses. “If you take our money, you must do our road. There is no grammar there. I cannot be Minister and you collect our money and say you won’t do the job. For me and the Hon. Minister of State, we don’t have time for dry season, we don’t have time for rainy season. If you collect our money under rainy season, you must also work under the rainy season. You can’t keep our money in the bank, making interest and coming to tell us now is rainy season. Give us back our money, then when dry season comes, we give you the money.” The Minister also reassured that all abandoned projects in the FCT Area Councils that were awarded by the FCT Administration would have to be completed, to ensure that they impact positively on the people and preserve the resources of government. Wike thanked the National Assembly for its support for the FCT, saying that provisions have been included in the FCT’s 2024 statutory budget for the renovation of schools and hospitals in the FCT. “We are not only doing roads. Very soon, in the next one week or two, we are going to flag off the total renovation of not less than 25 schools, we are going to do that. So, we are not just talking about roads. We are also talking about schools. “We are also going to come back to most of our hospitals that have been abandoned. Take for example, the Utako hospital that has not been completed, the Gwagwalada Hospital, we are coming back to put them in order for the use of our people, for the interest of our people. We cannot be answering FCT just by mouth. We must answer FCT and show that indeed this is FCT. We are going to do that.” The Minister also thanked the FCT Area Councils for their support and cooperation, irrespective of party differences, soliciting such support in the fight against poverty and insecurity. Earlier, the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud said that the dualization of the carriageway is another demonstration of the FCTA’s commitment to the socio-economic development of capital city. Dr Mahmoud stressed that FCTA is poised to provide motorable road networks across the Area Councils, adding that it will help to improve access and transport of goods and services, including easy access to markets, schools, offices, places of worship among others. The Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, had expressed gratitude to minister for the dualization of the carriageway. He said that the road project will solve the challenges of perennial gridlock and overflow of drains, especially during the rainy seasons.
The head of the British Roya family, King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. According to the Buckingham Palace, the cancer, was discovered during the King’s recent treatment for an enlarged prostate but said that it is not prostate cancer. The Palace said that the type of cancer has not been revealed, but that the King began “regular treatments” today, February 5. Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the King “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.” The statement said that the King will postpone his public engagements and is expected other senior royals will help to stand in for him during his treatment. The 75 year old King, returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk early morning today. The palace confirmed that the King has commenced treatment as an outpatient. Although he will pause his public events, the King will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings. He was seen at a church service in Sandringham yesterday, where he waved to crowds. He had a prostate procedure at a private London hospital more than a week ago. The King had chosen to go public about his prostate treatment, with the aim of encouraging more men to get prostate checks, the palace said at the time. He was said to have been delighted to have raised awareness about the issue, with the NHS website reporting a surge in issues about prostate conditions. For many types of cancer, the chance of getting it increases with age. UK figures suggest, on average each year, more than a third (36%) of new cancer cases were in people aged 75 and over. Source: BBC.
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians of the discovery of a life threatening Coco Samba Herbal Mixture 100ml in circulation in the country. The Agency said that the product was scrutinised after being seized by German customs and subsequently analyzed by the German Official Medicines Control Laboratory (OMCL), and that the report from the analysis revealed that the product contained undeclared amount of sildenafil at 150mg, exceeding the maximum daily dose for sildenafil. It said that Sildenafil is a medicine usually prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). NAFDAC said that further investigations showed that its (NAFDAC) Registration Number on the product “A4-9149” is falsified, different from the genuine product’s registration number obtained from the NAFDAC database, which is “A8-4418L.” NAFDAC’s laboratory analysis corroborated the presence of undeclared sildenafil content. “What you should know is that Sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, potentially causing a significant drop in blood pressure that could be life-threatening. “Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease, who often take nitrates, are particularly at risk. “While the falsified product was intercepted in Germany, there is a possibility that it may have been distributed within the country through informal channels. “It is crucial to detect and remove it from circulation promptly to prevent harm to consumers. “NAFDAC urges importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare providers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain, avoiding the importation, distribution, sale, and administration or use of falsified or substandard medicinal products.” The Agency insisted that all medical products must be obtained from authorized and licensed suppliers, with a thorough check of authenticity and physical condition. It asked members of the public in possession of the mentioned product to discontinue its sale or use and submit the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. “It is essential not to use this falsified product. “Individuals who have used the product or experienced any adverse reactions or events after use are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.”
Perhaps even more than the ailing economy, a worsening security situation has given Nigeria the most concern over the past few years. It is an ugly phenomenon that has bothered every law-abiding Nigerian, the National Assembly and the government. Despite several measures and huge resources deployed against it, the tide of the menace of violent crimes has not turned in many parts of the country. It is so worrisome that some people wonder if government is doing anything about the situation. Some even query the essence of a Parliament in the country if it has failed in helping to arrest the situation. However, the federal lawmakers have often demonstrated that they are as much concerned as the ordinary citizens who can no longer sleep with their eyes closed. Indeed, there have been a series of interventions from the National Assembly, ranging from convening a security summit, passage of security-related bills and motions and increasing Appropriations to the security sector year in year out. Yet, the unfortunate situation continues to fester. This concern again came to the fore on 30th December, 2023 when the Senate interrupted its Christmas/New Year recess to pass the 2024 Appropriation Bill. This followed a motion by Plateau Senator Diket Plang who drew the attention of the Upper Chamber to the horrendous killings on Christmas eve by unknown gunmen who invaded communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The security issue took a better part of the plenary that day even before the main business of the day was attended to. The debate on that day ended with a resolution to summon the Security Chiefs to interact with the Upper Chamber early in the New Year. By the time the Senators returned from their Christmas/New Year recess on 30th January, 2024, insecurity in the country had assumed an even more worrisome dimension. Again, the issue took the centre stage at the plenary on their first legislative day of 2024. As soon as the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio read his welcome address, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, was on his feet, raising a Point of Order to draw the attention of the chamber to killings in some communities in his Benue South Senatorial District. The Senate President was hesitant in using his discretionary power to allow Senator Abba Moro proceed with his motion. “I have over five people with matters of urgent national importance. Most of them have to do with insecurity,” Akpabio told his colleagues. It was evident from his voice that he was touched emotionally by the state of security across the country. Akpabio then suggested that the Senate went into a closed door session to assess all the motions to determine which one to consider first. After the closed door session, the Senate suspended all other items on the Order Paper, consolidated all the motions that were related to security issues into one “collective motion on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria” and allowed the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, to present it on behalf of the 109 Senators. The Senate, as stated in the motion, noted with sadness the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities across the country. It further noted specifically the brutal killings in some communities in Agatu and Logo Local Government Areas in Benue State, the various kidnappings within the Federal Capital Territory where victims were killed after the kidnappers had collected ransom, several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom have been paid and several of the victims still got killed, the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Emure Ekiti, the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija, Ibadan in Oyo State where not less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels and religious worship centres destroyed and also the killings of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State. It was against this backdrop that the Senate did “invoke the earlier resolution to invite the Security Chiefs for an interacting session with the Senate, with a view to resolving the insecurity that is plaguing the country.” Before the adjournment that Tuesday (30/01/2024), the Senate President announced that the outcome of their engagement with the Security Chiefs this week would be discussed with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Because, according to him, “we have a responsibility to collaborate with the Executive, to contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves including our children can sleep with their two eyes closed.” Speaking further on the same subject, Akpabio said: “security is everybody’s business and without security we cannot have progress. As this 10th Senate is working with our colleagues in the House of Representatives, we are very determined to make laws, resolutions, oversight aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and immediate improvement in the economy of Nigeria. This will not be possible without a secured Nigeria.” By the time the Senate engages the Security Chiefs this week, it is expected that the new cases that happened between the last adjournment and their resumption this week will be taken on board. This includes the brutal killing of another monarch, Onikoro of Koro-Ekiti in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State and abduction of two people, including the king’s wife. ***Awoniyi, media aide to Senate President, writes from Abuja
The Presidency has described former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, as hypocrite for raising alarm over the challenges facing the country’s economy. Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement reacting to Atiku, said that there is no iota of truth in the Atiku’s accusation. “Atiku’s claim that the government’s policies have created intense cost of living pressures are also not grounded on facts as recent comparative cost of living indices show that Nigerians still enjoy the lowest cost of living in Africa. “His claims that the private sector is shrinking and that multinational companies are leaving our companies in ‘droves’ are not grounded on facts. “Atiku should be honest enough to admit that President Tinubu inherited a weak economy. “Nigerians can easily see through the hypocrisy of Alhaji Atiku, who in accusing President Tinubu of poor response to the nation’s challenges and causing pains and despair, didn’t offer any better policy options in his run for the Presidency different from the economic reform agenda being pursued by President Tinubu.”
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Names of the suspects, who allegedly demanded a total sum of N50 Million as ransom on the kidnapped priests were not immediately given, but they were paraded and their pictures taken.
The kidnapping operations was allegedly led by the financial secretary of the Church.
A Call On Minister Wike To Clean Up Dirty Abuja, By Rashidat Yusuf
The issues that have shot to the front burner of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) lately are kidnapping, banditry and other vices. But the fundamental issue that has beclouded the nation’s capital for a long time now and which has been downplayed, has been the dirtiness in many corners of the city, even in unbelievable places.
The dirtiness, in a simple terms, come in different forms, including refuse dumps, flooding, erosion and eyesore sediments. It is as if refuse dumps have been officilized in the capital city.
Although the area that is referred to as city centre – the main Abuja Municipal and parts of Maitama and Asokoro – can be said to be fairly well kept, but nearby areas and, indeed, many satellite towns around the Area Councils leave much to be desired and are irritative.
For instance, Gwagwalada, which is the main entrance to the capital territory through Lokoja in Kogi State, is practically an eyesore.
As a matter of fact, most first timers to Abuja coming through Lokoja would be forced to wonder if really Gwagwalada is part of the much talked about “prestigious city of Abuja.”
Zuba too, which is the next town, a few kilometres to the main city, from Kaduna axis, does not present a different picture from the Gwagwalada axis.
As you move into the main city through Dei Dei axis, you are confronted by God-forbidden environmental degradation. As you approach the main city through Gwagwa and Karimo Idu axis, you get more and more into the dirtiness and it makes you to wonder whether Abuja is still far away from you, whereas you are already deep into the heart of the city.
Same thing around Kubwa, which effectively welcome you into what obviously looks like a slum city.
It is obvious from the dirts that have overtaken most of the city that FCT is in dare need of a well coordinated and effective environmental cleaning systems to bring about the real beauty of the capital city.
It is these bungling of the environment that Minister Nyeson Wike should necessarily direct his attention to. He needs to focus on places like Bwari, Kuje, Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kwali and Abuja Municipal area council ( AMAC). All these satellite towns or Area Council headquarters in particular are begging for attention. And the workaholic minister Wike need to quickly swing into action on this.
Rashidat Yusuf wrote from Abuja.
Yusufrashidat12@gmail.com