Tinubu To Gov El-Rufai: Please Don’t Run Away After Your Tenure, Nigeria Needs You

October 16, 2022

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has begged the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai not to run away after serving his second and final term in office because Nigeria will still need his services.
Tinubu, who is the former governor of Lagos State, at the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit in Kaduna State yesterday, October 15, described Governor El-Rufai as a thinker that Nigeria would continue to cherish.
He said to the Governor: “If you leave me on the podium, I will continue to campaign here. Don’t run away from Nigeria in 2023 because we need your creativity at this critical time.’’
This was even as Governor El-Rufai assured the Presidential candidate that he would not leave, adding: “I promise to stay even on a part-time basis.”
Asiwaju Tinubu expressed confidence in winning the 2023 presidential election, saying: “I am confidently telling you that I will win with your support and I know you are very supportive of me. I know that I am at home here in Kaduna
“We will continue to prioritise the restoration of peace and security across all our territories. I am confident. Under my leadership, the government will place emphasis on the use of counterinsurgency doctrine as strategy by our military. We will fight it together.’’
According to him, no inch of the country would be conceded to terrorists and robbers under his leadership.
“We will continue to train and equip our gallant forces and security personnel with resources, equipment and technology necessary to eliminate crime in our society. Nigeria will succeed and grow to prosperity. I assure you. I will champion an efficient government that will eliminate revenue leakages across federal areas leveraging technology…
“We will privatise the ease of doing business and ensure steady power supply and distribution.
“Nigeria will succeed and move on to prosperity. I will assemble intelligent Nigerians both men and women, for the progress of our country. We will champion an effective government.”

CBN Gov, Emefiele, Bags Digital Transformation Award Of The Year In US

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2022

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has bagged the Euroknowledge Africa Most Innovative Digital Transformation Governor of the Year Award for 2022 by the Foreign Investment Network (FIN).

Presenting the award to Emefiele at a ceremony held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, Washington DC, on Thursday, October 13, on the sidelines of the Annual meetings of the IMF/World Bank Group holding in Washington DC, the Advisor, Euroknowledge, Andreas Deutschmann, commended the CBN Governor for leading innovation among central banks on the continent.

In his brief acceptance remarks, Emefiele thanked the Euroknowledge and the Foreing Investment Network (FIN) for finding the CBN worthy of the award.

He dedicated the award to the Management and staff of the Bank for their creative ideas, which has seen the CBN emerge as a pace-setter in payments system with the pioneering efforts in central bank digital currency (CBDC). He also thanked Nigerians for their support to the CBN.

“This award is not just for me, it is meant for all of us who have worked hard in the last eight and half years to keep Nigeria strong. To keep the Nigerian economy strong and going.”

Emefiele highlighted the investment potential on the continent, even as he invited foreign investors to consider Nigeria and other countries in Africa as their choice investment destination.

According to him, business confidence in the continent was on the rise.

He listed countries that investors should consider to include Nigeria, Angola, South Africa and Egypt.

“Today, we talk about the frontier market and what I keep telling people is that as you continue thinking about growth opportunities in the world and you are looking at Africa, naturally you will have to think about some of the big economies in Africa.

“Nigeria, Angola, South Africa and Egypt are economies that you would need to think about. And I dare say these economies hold a lot of strong opportunities with opportunities for high yields and profitable projects and I can only seize this opportunity to encourage our friends in the foreign investment community to continue to take a look at Africa. Africa years for growth and development.

“We cannot do this alone; we will continue to need the support of the rest of the world. But I can assure all of us that as you do this, the opportunities are there and you will not regret taking the opportunities.

“The opportunities are there. I can only continue to say let’s give the support to Africa let’s give the support to Nigeria. We should all continue to work together for the growth, not just for our individual countries but for Africa as a whole.”

While admitting that there had been challenges, Mr. Emefiele said the Bank, under his leadership was encouraged to do more to boost the Nigerian economy.

Kogi Heads To Court To Reclaim Obajana From Dangote… Says No Going Back

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

The Kogi-Dangote face-off will soon take a legal dimension over the ownership of the Obajana Cement Plant as the Kogi State Government has resolved to drag Dangote Cement Plc to court and reclaim what rightfully belongs to the people.

The decision to go to court was said o have been taken at an emergency meeting yesterday, October 13 night between key government officials, led by Governor Yahaya Bello and stakeholders representing the different ethnic groups in the state.

A statement today, October 14, by the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said that, at the meeting, which ran into the early hours of Friday, all stakeholders resolved to head to court in the interest of the people and generations to come.

He said the Governor made it clear to the House that there was no going back on the state’s resolve to reclaim its asset, even while he sued for calm in the interest of peace.

“This struggle is not about Governor Yahaya Bello or his administration. It is about the people of Kogi State. In the last 72 hours, well-meaning Nigerians, leaders and government officials have waded in and have pleaded with the Governor to consider reopening of the plant while discussions are ongoing.

“The expectations of the over four million Kogites are clear and high and we want to assure them that the Governor and the Government of Kogi State will not compromise the interest of the people of the state to reclaim their rights in the cement company.

“There were series of high-powered meetings to resolve the impasse, including meetings having the Governor and Alhaji Aliko Dangote in attendance. Discussions were held and statements of interest were established.”

Source: INDEPENDENT

Nation’s Top Security Apparatus Rally To Address Implications Of Nnamdi Kanu Court Discharge, Others

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

National Security Council, made up of top security leaders in the army, Navy, air force, police and others, gathered today, October 14, at the Presidential Villa to address the implications of the discharge order by a Court of Appeal, on the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and other security matters.

Speaking jointly to news men shortly after the meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; the Interior minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi said that the issue of Nnamdi Kanu was raised at the Council.

They said that it was observed that Kanu was discharged, but not acquitted, adding: “so, government is considering the appropriate action to be taken on the matter and Nigerians will be notified of the position that will finally be taken on the matter in due course.”

They said that the Council took a look at the issue of 101 ex-combatants who were taken to Operation Safe Corridor and are currently undergoing the process of de-radicalization at the center.

“These were ex-combatants that have been in detention for several years, some of whom have served their terms. Others were those that were awaiting trial, but because of the long time that they’ve been involved and in line with the protocol or the procedure for handling anyone who has been exposed to terrorism or related offenses, the procedure for them to be taken through a process of de-radicalization.

“That’s the reason why they have been moved to that center, and to also indicate about the activities of the armed forces and other security agencies within the oil and gas space were also commended, but with a directive to sustain the pressure and, of course in addition to what the Honourable Minister of Interior has indicated, it’s our resolve, our readiness, to deal decisively with those who have been involved in those malfeasance.”

Those in attendance of the security council meeting today are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Others are the National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Major General Babagana Monguno; Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.

Also in attendance are the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar as well as Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samuel Adebayo.

Obajana Saga: Kogi, Dangote Sheat Sword; FG Advises Legal Actions Instead Of Violence

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

Kogi State Government and Aliko Dangote, owner of the disputed Obajana Cement factory have agreed to settle the dispute amicably, even as the National Security Council advised whoever feels aggrieved to take legal action instead of resorting to violence.

Though the two sides to the dispute had earlier agreed to resolve the issues amicably after the intervention of the Presidency, the National Security Council, at its meeting today, October 14, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, asked that the factory should be reopened for normal productive activities.

Briefing news men after the meeting today at the Presidential villa, the minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi said that the Council noted the development in Kogi and as ordered the reopening of the cement factory that was closed down.

“The Council advised that all issues relating to that industry or factory should be resolved legally. Nobody must take law into his hands, either as a government or an individual.

“We are committed to guaranteeing and providing employment for Nigerians, so whatever will, in any way, hinder that must be discouraged.

“So in that regard, the cement industry in Obajana must be reopened and all issues that are in dispute should be resolved legally.”

They acknowledged that earlier, an agreement had been reached between the Kogi State government and the Dangote Cement in Kogi on the need to reopen the factory and to ensure that peace is maintained in the state.

“Government is committed to providing employment to the citizens, rather than closing factories that will make people unemployed.

“These are some of the issues we have reached and we do hope that the parties involved will respect this agreement and come to terms with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties involved.

“This was under the supervision and the intervention of Mr. President, through the Chief of Staff and we’re very happy to say that an amicable solution has been reached to bring to an end this very unfortunate development that has taken place in Kogi State.”

On the 2023 election, they said that the Council emphasized the commitment of the Federal Government to ensure a transparent, free and fair electoral process.

“So, we enjoin all political parties, individuals and Nigerians to pursue their democratic rights and interests with decorum, as all security forces and agencies are advised to maintain the law.

“The Council has decided that the National Security Adviser should put in place a strong team to investigate all issues relating to the discoveries of either abandoned oil pipelines, or illegal crude oil pipelines, so as to determine, one, the extent of such illegalities and perpetrators of such, and put a report for the Council and the president.

“A a committee will be set up by the NSA, in conjunction with the SGF, to investigate this issue of oil bunker because of the serious economic importance and to ensure that all those involved are brought to book.

“Security agencies have been ordered to check illegal mining all over the country. “Illegal mining operations or activities in the country, are ordered to be stopped and all security and intelligence agencies are to enforce this.”

2 Huge Elephants Fighting At Obajana, Kogi: Yahaya And Dangote Reconcile

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2022

The two giant elephants that have engaged in a fight-to-finish over the ownership of Obajana Cement Factory in Kogi State; the state Governor, Yahaya Bello (in the middle) and the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, in handshake to signify the end of the feud after the intervention of the Presidency.

With them, at the extreme right, is the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu and others.

The National Security Council advised any aggrieved party to take legal action instead of resorting to violence.

Appeal Court Discharges Nnamdi Kanu

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2022

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has discharged the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu is being prosecuted by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja for 15 count charges, bordering on treasonable felony, terrorism, and offences he allegedly committed in the course of his separatist campaigns.

A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal however said the Federal High Court lacks the jurisdiction to try him in view of his abduction and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria in flagrant violation of the OAU convention and protocol on extradition.

The court held that the 15-count charge preferred against Kanu did not disclose the place, date, time and nature of the alleged offences before being unlawfully extradited to Nigeria in clear violation of international treaties.

The court further held that the Federal Government failed to disclose where Nnamdi Kanu was arrested despite the grave allegations against him.

The court noted that the act of abduction and extraordinary rendition of Kanu from Kenya without due process is a violation of his right.

It added that the manner in which Nnamdi Kanu was procured and brought before the court was not evaluated by the lower court, before assuming jurisdiction to try him.

The lower court, having failed to address the preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction particularly the issue of abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria, the lower court failed to take cognizance of the fact that a warrant of arrest can only be executed anywhere within Nigeria, the appeal court judgement said.

The court further held that the trial judge was in grave error to have breached the right to fair hearing of Nnamdi Kanu

The African Charter on Human and People’s rights are part of the laws of Nigeria and courts must abide by the laws without pandering to the aim of the Executive, the appeal court said.

Treason charges:

Kanu has repeatedly called for the breakaway of a significant chunk of southern Nigeria to form the Republic of Biafra.

On October 2015, he was arrested by Nigerian authorities on an 11-count charge bordering on “terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others.”

He was granted bail on April 2017 for medical reasons.

However, Kanu fled the country in September 2017 after an invasion of his home by the military in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State.

He was then sighted in Israel and later continued to rally his supporters in Nigeria to employ violence in achieving secession.

“He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts against Nigeria and Nigerian State and institutions,” Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said after Kanu was rearrested and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021.

“Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in the Southeastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, para military, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.”

Kanu has denied any wrongdoing.

Source: Channels Television.

ASUU Returns To Classroom After 8 Months, No Date Yet

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2022

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has asked members to return to classrooms after exactly eight months today, October 14 of nation-wide strike that made university students redundant at homes.

A member of the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC), who confirmed the decision of ASUU to suspend the strike and return to classrooms could not say what date the members will fully resume lectures.

He said however that the decision to suspend the strike was taken at a meeting of its leadership that started yesterday, October 13 night and lasted into the early hours of today, October 14

The National Executive Committee meeting was attended by chairmen of the state chapters and national executive members at the ASUU National Secretariat in Abuja.

The state branches of the union met over the Court of Appeal ruling last week, following which members voted to conditionally suspend the strike.

The Court of Appeal had issued an order to ASUU to suspend the strike before its appeal of the ruling ordering lecturers to resume work could be heard.

ASUU had been on strike since February 14 this year.

MASSOB Says Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom Will Fast-Track Biafran Republic

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has described Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s discharge and acquittal by Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal as a progress towards Biafra actualization and restoration.

A statement today, October 13 by the Leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, described the Appellate Court’s verdict as “a triumph of light over darkness.”

“His release has opened a new dimension to the Biafra struggle which must continue to be anchored on non-violence, mutual understanding and unity of purpose.

“As Nnamdi Kanu is being discharged from DSS detention, MASSOB will continue with other progressive groups and individuals to press further for the release of other pro-Biafra detainees across Nigeria prisons.

“Though the people of Biafra are celebrating all over the world, our most desired joy is the independence of Biafra sovereignty from the Nigerian State.”

The MASSOB leader warned the DSS to quickly obey the order of the Appellate Court.

This was even as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has also urged the Federal Government to not hesitate in releasing Kanu in obedience to the order of the court.

Nigeria’s ShapShap Beats India To Win “Mobility, Smart Cities Innovator” In Dubai

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

A Nigerian tech start-up, ShapShap, has won the award for ‘Mobility and Smart Cities Innovator’ in the final of the Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition at the ongoing ‘Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, GITEX 2022.
Shapshap beat Datoms of India in the category and received 8,000 US dollars cash prize.
This was even as Melanin Capital of Kenya beat Floews of Nigeria for Africa Fast Category.
ShapShap a logistic startup provides the best on-demand delivery service for online ordering and same-day delivery of food, groceries, medicines, and packages with its mobile application.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, speaking after the award ceremony, said that digital entrepreneurship will be the future of ICT.
“It is quite encouraging that out of over 800 entries, nine Nigerian Startups emerged semi-finalists, leading to two finalists before ShapShap won the smart city and mobility Category of the awards.
“We are delighted that our startup innovation are not only amazing but goes through a lot of critical thinking not superficial approach. That is why with this latest award we hope to continue to improve in our digital startup ranking globally.”
This year’s Supernova competition has 13 categories. The winners of different categories are Biosolvit of Brasil for Overall Industry Pioneer; Playbook of Bahrain for Female Founder Award; Carbon Limit of USA for Sustainability & ESG; Allink of South Korea for Fintech Innovator and WAM of Romania for Blockchain Frontier Leader Category.
Other winners include Edverse of India for X-Verse Builder; Copymonkey of Latvia for Martech Innovator; Popmii of France for Creative Economy; Earable of Vietnam for AI InnovatorGalactech of Oman for Top MENA Startup Award and Wewer of India for Youth Entrepreneur Award.
The GITEX event is currently taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates, UAE.
GITEX is the annual enterprise technology and global digital transformation event taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event underpins the rapid technology-driven transformations, investments and projects shaping the economies of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Source: PRNigeria.

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