Former military President, Retired General Ibrahim Babangida has said that those who floated news that he had endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, for the 2023 general elections are liars.
Reacting to a recent tweet by a parody account, GeneralIbbro, that the former Military President had supported the endorsement of Obi by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, his spokesperson, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said that his principal never endorsed Obi.
He said that IBB doesn’t have a Twitter account.
“It is not true, please. Ignore the report of the endorsement. IBB doesn’t have a Twitter handle.
“If he is going to speak, it will be through a signed statement, not Twitter. Those behind the Twitter statement are liars.”
Parody account, GeneralIbbro had quoted Babangida as saying:“Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo will forever be a true elder statesman and a boss in the military. No serving General in the Nigerian Army today joined the military earlier than 1982.
“By then, Obasanjo had already finished his military career. I respect him a lot, with his endorsement.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has insisted that the recent sale of the Federal Government’s interest in Polaris Bank Ltd was done with respect for the due process.
The apex bank stressed that the divestment from Polaris Bank was an institutional decision that was supervised by a Committee that comprised senior representatives of AMCON and CBN, and was coordinated through reputable legal and financial advisers and approved by the respective leadership and boards of the two institutions.
A statement by the Director in the Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Osita Nwanisobi, reacting to what he called “spurious, malicious, and misleading online publication, which made several false claims on the sale of the Federal Government’s interest in Polaris Bank Ltd,” said that the apex bank would remain resolute in pursuing its mandate to promote a safe and sound financial system in Nigeria.
The statement said that given the potentially grave implications for the stability of the bank, financial sector and the Nigerian economy, the CBN is constrained to correct the inaccuracies in the social media reports.
“For the records, the public is referred to the statement dated October 20, 2022 by CBN & AMCON announcing the sale of 100% equity in Polaris Bank to a new core investor, Strategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL), wherein it provided copious details of the process by which the sale was conducted.
“Contrary to claims in the aforementioned online publication, the divestment from Polaris Bank was supervised by a Divestment Committee, comprising senior representatives of AMCON & CBN and supported by reputable legal and financial advisers.
“In addition, the divestment mode, process and decision received requisite board and regulatory approvals.
“At no time did any other party make a higher purchase offer as falsely claimed by the online publication.
“The entity in question, Fairview Acquisition Partners, had indicated an interest in acquiring two banks, including Polaris Bank, for a total sum of N1.2 trillion, an indicative offer which significantly discounted the existing N1.305 trillion debt owed by Polaris Bank to AMCON and so represented a material loss to the Federal Government.
“Notwithstanding, along with twenty-four (24) other parties, Fairview Acquisition Partners was invited by the financial advisors to participate in the sale process via the execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), the first stage of the process.
“The financial advisors informed the Committee that Fairview Acquisition Partners neither executed nor returned the NDA despite verbally confirming receipt of the agreement and after follow-up from the financial advisors.
“Therefore, Fairview Acquisition Partners did not take the opportunity to update their offer by participating in the divestment process and thus did not make a binding purchase offer for Polaris Bank.
“The divestment was executed based on the relevant laws, global best practices for bank resolutions, and requisite regulatory approvals. The Committee, along with its legal and financial advisers, conducted a rigorous technical and financial evaluation of the purchase proposals, assessing promoters’ fitness and propriety, offer price received vs. reserve price, funding structure and financial capacity, strategy and growth plans, amongst others. Following evaluation, the promoters of the strategic purpose vehicle, SCIL, emerged as the preferred purchaser, having presented the most comprehensive technical/financial purchase proposal and the highest-rated growth plans for Polaris Bank.
“In addition to passing all fitness and propriety tests, the promoters also made the highest financial offer for the bank, which was significantly above its core valuation and reserve price.
SCIL’s binding offer involved an immediate upfront consideration of N50 billion and full responsibility for the debt of N1.305 trillion owed to AMCON, essentially a total purchase consideration of N1.355 trillion.
“This offer was the most competitive and provided taxpayers and the Federal Government with more than full recovery of its intervention cost. By the sale, the CBN and Federal Government achieved a successful, value-driven resolution of a strategic financial institution. This curiously-timed online publication deliberately misrepresents the circumstances surrounding the sale of a strategic asset of the Federal Government.
“Its misleading statements are obviously intended to undermine the credibility of the divestment process.
“It also portends negatively on the stability of Polaris Bank and risks derailing the progress made by the monetary authorities.
“We reiterate that the divestment from Polaris Bank was an institutional decision supervised by a Committee comprising senior representatives of AMCON & CBN, coordinated through reputable legal and financial advisers and approved by the respective leadership and boards of the two institutions.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of two men belonging to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) suspected to have masterminded the bomb blast in Okene, Kogi State on December 29, 2022, few minutes to the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari in the area to commission some projects executed by the State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The bomb blast occurred directly behind the Palace of the Paramount ruler Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
In a statement today, January 4, the spokesman of DSS, Dr. Peter Afinanya, confirmed that the bomb blast mastermind, is Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru (aka Abu Mikdad) with one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman. He said that they were arrested yesterday, January 3, adding that Otaru sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape. According to the statement, Otaru is currently receiving treatment at a health facility. “During investigations, it was ascertained that OTARU was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in the following dastardly operations: “The 24th June, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State. “A Police Inspector, Idris MUSA was killed and two AK-47 rifles carted away in that attack; “The 5th July, 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT and and 5th August, 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three Indian expatriates were kidnapped. “It would be recalled that five persons including one Indian, two Policemen and two drivers of the company were also killed in the attack. “The kidnapped expatriates were released on 31st August, 2022. “OTARU operated terrorist cells in and around Kogi State. Similarly, he and his gang had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States. “Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.” DSS vowed its commitment to the safety of the nation even as It assured to work assiduously with stakeholders, including sister security agencies to tackle the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminality and threats to national security. It called on citizens to support it and other law enforcement organisations with relevant information and all the necessary cooperation required to achieve a peaceful country.
The Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Oluwatoyin Olajide has announced that the airline airlifted 55,821,258 passengers in the last eight years of its inception.
in a statement, Olajide said that the airline will be committed to providing seamless domestic, regional and international connectivity to Nigerians and other Africans through strategic route expansion, increased network options and modern fleet expansion.
She said that the airlifting over 55 million passengers in just eight years is a giant stride and a testament to the steady growth trajectory of the airline.
Olajide said that Air Peace recorded a passenger load of 52,859 in its launch year, 2014, and the number increased to eight million in 2019, adding that in December 2022, the airline airlifted 14,103,018 passengers.
The passenger figures, as outlined in the news release, are: 2014 – 52,859; 2015 – 661,875; 2016 – 1,832,526; 2017 – 3,538,102; 2018 – 6,060,329; 2019 – 8,491,758; 2020 – 9,634,235; 2021 – 11,446,556; and 2022 – 14,103,018
“When we launched in 2014 with a record fleet of seven aircraft, we had a future-proof blueprint, driven by the vision to reduce the air travel burden of Nigerians through the provision of safe and world-class flight services.
“To achieve this, we strategically invested in the right kind of aircraft, factoring business sustainability and customer experience while also hiring and training the best technical manpower to drive the process.
“Now, we have 38 aircraft and are still expecting 8 brand new Embraer 195-E2s from our firm order in 2019 and additional 15 brand new Boeing 737 Max 8 and 10 Order, as we ramp up plans to strengthen our operations to serve our esteemed customers better. We are also expecting some of our aircraft undergoing maintenance overseas and by second quarter this year, they will start returning.
“We are extremely grateful to our customers and other critical stakeholders for their support and urge them to keep supporting Air Peace. We promise to further inter-connect more cities across Nigeria and beyond and improve in our service delivery.”
Olajide said that the airline is planning to launch London, Israel, India, Congo Kinshasa, Togo and Malabo this year, adding that more frequencies will be added to Accra, Monrovia, Freetown, Banjul and Dakar routes with more connections introduced locally.
An Ijaw leader from Niger Delta region, Chief Edwin Clark, has endorsed the Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi for the 2023 general elections.
Chief Clark announced his position at a news briefing in Abuja today, January 3.
Clark said that his endorsement of Obi is based on honesty, trust and transparency, all of which he said Obi displayed when he was governor of Anambra State.
He called on Obi to tackle the issues of the injustices and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region if elected as President.
Amid the negative reactions from other contenders and parties, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom,has also declared support for Obi.
Governor Ortom’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Terver Akase, in a statement today, January 3, said that the governor “strongly recommends Peter Obi to Nigerians as the man who has the capacity to effectively tackle the economic, security and other challenges facing the country”.
The Governor said that if he were not a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) he would have personally led Obi’s campaign across the country.
Governor Ortom is one of five aggrieved PDP governors known as G5. The group led by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike also has Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) as members.
The governors have refused to campaign for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, insisting on the removal of the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, as a condition for revolving the internal dispute in the party.
The spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Dino Melaye, has warned Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State to stop insulting the PDP Presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar at slightest opportunity.
Reacting to Governor Wike’s attack on Atiku after the former President Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed the Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, Melaye asked Wike to go ahead and support whoever he wants to support and leave Atiku alone, “whose crime is that he defeated Wike at the party’s primary.
“Wike should be ashamed that he has constantly solicited the attention of Atiku by his continuous disrespect and unwarranted insult on a man who did nothing to you. Atiku’s only crime is that he won a transparent presidential primary.
“Wike was chief of staff to Amaechi but Amaechi did not trust him enough to hand over to him. I advise him to support whoever he wishes to support as we will no longer tolerate his insolent tendencies.
On Governor Wike’s inference that Obasanjo did not trust him to earn his endorsement, Melaye said: “the question is; is there something wrong with Wike that Amaechi did not hand over to him?
“Why will Prince Uche Secondus, Rt Hon. Austin Okpara, Sen. Lee Meaba, H:E Celestine Omehia, Chief Abiye Sikibo, Sen George Sekibo, Hon. Chinyere Igwe, etc, leave him unceremoniously for Atiku. Something is definitely wrong somewhere.”
Former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim has said that when gunmen attacked his convoy in the state, killing a driver and three other members of his team, he thought he was dead.
Ohakim said that the convoy was en route between Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano when the attackers cut them off at Umualumaku.
“They attacked us from behind and were firing at our vehicles consistently. I thought I was a dead man and I was with two of my children – my son and daughter,” he said.
“What saved me was the bulletproof vehicle. That I am alive today is by the special grace of God and the bulletproof vehicle.
“But unfortunately for me, they killed four of our boys, including the driver. Yes, we lost four of the boys and I am devastated. How can that be? What crime did they commit?”
The former governor said that after his escape, the gunmen pursued his vehicle and continued firing at the tyres. Luckily, according to him, the vehicle has “run-flat tyres” which enables one to continue driving even after puncture.
“So, even when they shot at the tyres hoping to immobilise us, the vehicle continued moving. If they were ordinary tyres and the vehicle had stopped, they would have cornered and finished us.
“But the tyres held on until we got back home. We drove for about 20 minutes before we got home. That was the saving grace,” Ohakim said.
From Ohakim’s assessment, the gunmen were not amateurs but “well-trained professionals.” He added that the mode of attack seemingly “goes beyond the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).”
“They are not ordinary people. They were driving a blue colour BMW 5-series car, brand new. They came to kill me,” the former governor said.
The leadership of the National Assembly has said that the legislature increased the 2023 budget, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari based on the “realities on the ground.”
Speaking to newsmen separately after the Presidential assent to the budget at the Presidential villa today, January 3, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila said: “we have during budget defense, we have ministries, we have departments, we have agencies that come to talk to us. And we look at the reality of ground and what they have before them. And whether or not they can actually, execute their mandate as per their ministries and departments.
“It now behoves on the National Assembly, where it dims for to adjust figures, either downwards or upwards. And that’s exactly what we have done.
“You see the problem with the National Assembly is that you can’t win to lose. If you return the budget the exact way it is you’re called rubber stamp. If you do what you’re supposed to do and adjust figures for the good of the country, you call it jacking up or inflation, or padding.
“So I think the National Assembly has done very well in meeting its constitutional mandate. It takes all arms of government to be on board to give a true working document for the country. “The executive did everything they could. And we have even a wider view, a bird’s eye view of what’s going on in all the agencies. And we have also complemented what the executive has done. There’s no you did you didn’t do. No. It’s all for the good of the country. And that’s what we’ve done.
“Ours is for us to receive proposals and that’s why they’re called proposals. Anywhere in the world, it is now for the National Assembly or the legislature. We need to collate all those proposals, look at what’s on ground in the in the various constituencies.”
While signing the budget earlier today, Presidnet Buhari had complained that the National Assembly increased the size of the original proposal he presented to it by over N770 billion.
President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2023 Budget of N21.83 trillion along with the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill into law but complained that National Assembly introduced the sum of over N770 Billion for new projects not originally in the one he presented. Speaking at the signing of the 8th and final annual budget of this Administration today, January 3, the President noted that the National Assembly introduced new projects into the 2023 budget proposal for which it has appropriated N770.72 billion. “The National Assembly also increased the provisions made by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by N58.55 billion.” President Buhari said that he had to sign the 2023 Appropriation Bill into law as passed by the National Assembly to enable its implementation commence without delay, considering the imminent transition process to another democratically elected government. He, however, directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to engage with the Legislature to revisit some of the changes made to the Executive budget proposal, expressing the hope that the National Assembly will cooperate with the Executive arm of Government in this regard. He called the National Assembly to reconsider its position on his proposal to securitize the Federal Government’s outstanding Ways and Means balance at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). ”As I stated, the balance has accumulated over several years and represents funding provided by the CBN as lender of last resort to the government to enable it to meet obligations to lenders, as well as cover budgetary shortfalls in projected revenues and/or borrowings. ”I have no intention to fetter the right of the National Assembly to interrogate the composition of this balance, which can still be done even after granting the requested approval. ”Failure to grant the securitization approval will however cost the government about N1.8 trillion in additional interest in 2023 given the differential between the applicable interest rates which is currently MPR plus 3% and the negotiated interest rate of 9% and a 40year repayment period on the securitised debt of the Ways and Means.” To ensure more effective implementation of the 2022 capital Budget, President Buhari thanked the National Assembly for approving his request for an extension of its validity date to 31st March, 2023. The President directed the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to work towards early release of the 2023 capital votes to enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies commence the implementation of their capital projects in good time to support efforts to deliver key projects and public services as well as improve the living conditions of Nigerians. Reiterating that the 2023 Budget was developed to promote fiscal sustainability, macroeconomic stability and ensure smooth transition to the incoming Administration, the President said it was also designed to promote social inclusion and strengthen the resilience of the economy. He pledged that adequate provisions have been made in the Budget for the successful conduct of the forthcoming general elections and the transition programme He said that the aggregate expenditures of N21.83 trillion, is an increase of N1.32 trillion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N20.51 trillion. The President explained that the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act would enable the administration to respond to the havoc caused by the recent nationwide floods on infrastructure and agriculture sectors. As is customary, he said the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning will subsequently provide more details of the approved budget and the supporting 2022 Finance Act. ”We have examined the changes made by the National Assembly to the 2023 Executive Budget proposal. ”The amended fiscal framework for 2023 as approved by the National Assembly shows additional revenues of N765.79 billion, and an unfunded deficit of N553.46 billion. ”It is clear that the National Assembly and the executive need to capture some of the proposed additional revenue sources in the fiscal framework. This must be rectified. On achieving revenue targets for the budget, the President directed MDAs and Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to intensify their revenue mobilization efforts, including ensuring that all taxable organizations and individuals pay taxes due. To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2023 Budget, the President said relevant Agencies must sustain current efforts towards the realization of crude oil production and export targets. ”To augment available fiscal resources, MDAs are to accelerate the implementation of Public Private Partnership initiatives, especially those designed to fast-track the pace of our infrastructural development. ”This, being a deficit budget, the associated Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly. ”I count on the cooperation of the National Assembly for a speedy consideration and approval of the Plan.” On the Finance Bill 2022, the President expressed regret that its review as passed by the National Assembly is yet to be finalized. ”This is because some of the changes made by the National Assembly need to be reviewed by the relevant agencies of government. I urge that this should be done speedily to enable me to assent into law,” he said. Those who witnessed the signing of the budget include Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. The President thanked the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all the distinguished and honourable leaders and members of the National Assembly for the expeditious consideration and passage of the Appropriation Bill. He also recognised the roles played by the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Senior Special Assistants to the President (Senate and House of Representatives), the Office of the Chief of Staff, as well as all who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much towards producing the 2023 Appropriation Act. ”As I mentioned during the presentation of the 2023 Appropriation Bill, early passage of the budget proposal is critical to ensure effective delivery of our legacy projects, a smooth transition programme and effective take-off of the incoming Administration. ”I appreciate the firm commitment of the 9th National Assembly to the restoration of a predictable January to December fiscal year, as well as the mutual understanding, collaboration and engagements between officials of the Executive and the Legislative arms of government. ”These have made the quick consideration and passage of our Fiscal bills possible over the last four years.” The President expressed the belief that the next Administration would sustain the early presentation of the annual appropriation bill to the National Assembly to ensure its passage before the beginning of the fiscal year. ”I firmly believe the next Administration will also sustain the current public financial management reform efforts, further improve the budgeting process, and particularly maintain the tradition of supporting its Appropriation Bills with Finance Bills designed to facilitate their implementation. ”To sustain and institutionalize the gains of the reforms, we must expedite action and conclude work on the Organic Budget Law for it to become operational before the end of this Administration.” Acknowledging that ‘‘these are challenging times worldwide,’’ the President concluded his speech at the ceremony by expressing deep appreciation to Almighty God for His Grace, while commending the continuing resilience, understanding and sacrifice of Nigerians in the face of current economic challenges. ”As this Administration draws to a close, we will accelerate the implementation of critical measures aimed at further improving the Nigerian business environment, enhancing the welfare of our people and ensuring sustainable economic growth over the medium- to long-term.”
The President of Laity Council of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, Games Village, Abuja, Dr. Ralph Igweh, has advised Christians to vote the right leaders that are capable of addressing Nigeria’s security challenge. In his New Year message on Sunday, Igweh said that the choices should devoid of political sentiments. “In the true demonstration of Christian values, may we all be guided by the Holy Spirit in this election year. “It is our civic responsibility to vote the right leaders to pilot this country’s affairs. “Let our choices not be guided by ethno-religious, social and political sentiments, rather, by values of good conscience. “We are burdened by security challenges occasioned by socio-economic problems in a country blessed with enormous human and natural wealth.” He said that the choices should be guided by thoughts of the future of our children and generation unborn. He called on the parishioners to use their God given talents for the good of self and the parish noting that it is a reflection of God’s grace at work in them. “The sacrifice of treasure, talent and time graciously given for the success of our common good, is an epitome of encouragement that comes not only from within us as individuals, but also, as a group of people chosen to lead. “You have consistently demonstrated the virtue of good will and grace.” According to him, in the pilgrimage of contemplative priesthood, we are guided to deeply reflect on our identity of true apostleship. Apostleship that comes from exemplary acts of being witnesses to Christ. He expressed hope that members of St Christopher Laity Council would draw water from the well of salvation. He prayed that God would grant all graces needed to overcome all challenges in 2023 and beyond. Source: NAN.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has insisted that the recent sale of the Federal Government’s interest in Polaris Bank Ltd was done with respect for the due process.
In a statement today, January 4, the spokesman of DSS, Dr. Peter Afinanya, confirmed that the bomb blast mastermind, is
