The House of Representatives has introduced a Bill barring the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from participating in partisan politics.
The Bill went through second reading today, July 26.
Sponsor of the Bill, Sada Soli, at plenary in Abuja, said that the bill would add more conditions to the disqualification and appointment of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Director of the CBN.
“We need to address that. Today, the credibility of CBN in the custody of sensitive election material is being questioned. It is not against any individual, but to save the integrity of CBN”, he said.
According to Sada Soli, the bill would add more stringent conditions for the appointment or cessation of appointments of the CBN Governor, Deputy Governor, as well as Directors of the Bank.
He said that the bill sought to amend the CBN Act 2007, and that the amendment was not prejudiced against anybody, but that the Act was tested and was found weak.
He added that the Act needed to be amended to strengthen the Apex Bank and restore its credibility from the shock it had suffered in the cause of interpreting the law.
The bill scaled second reading after a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, who presided over the plenary.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has said that there is no immediate solution to the multitude of crises bedeviling the Aviation sector in the country.
The Minister, who spoke today, July 26 at an emergency meeting with the Airline Operators Association of Nigeria (AON) in Abuja, said that the variables impacting the crises in the aviation sector are beyond the industry’s control.
Sirika, who made it clear that crises have a global dimension, remarked: “energy crises are real and they are global.
“Today, there is aviation fuel problem all over the world; from America to New Zealand. It is aggravating in Nigeria because we don’t produce the product. It’s aggravated also because the foreign exchange is scarce in Nigeria because the source of earning the foreign exchange also has dwindled.”
He recalled that Federal Government had in the past, sourced 10,000 metric tonnes of Aviation Fuel for the airlines and that the government is wiling to do more.
“As we speak, the government is in the process of finding a permanent solution to this issue. Some of the solutions include importation of the product at appropriate price, accelerating the refurbishment of our refineries and also wait for the coming on stream of Dangote Refinery to boost supply of the product.”
The minister confessed that such solutions cannot be soon, saying: “so, when you ask how soon, I wouldn’t know when Dangote will come on stream, I wouldn’t know how soon the refineries will be filled. I wouldn’t know when imports would become sufficient. But the government is working towards all these to happen.”
He said that he will meet with relevant stakeholders, including the CBN so that the airlines can access dollars at the official market rate rather than the black market rate.
This was even as the President of the Association, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, said that the aviation fuel crises began from N180 per litre and now it’s at N1000 per litre.
He said that the Forex crises is a huge burden on the Industry.
“The rate at which the dollar is escalating now is very alarming. Everyday, a difference between 10-15 Naira is added at the pararrel market. Last week Monday, it was N610 but today, it is N670 to one dollar.”
He appealed to the Minister to intervene, even as the Association’s Vice President, Allen Oyeama, said expressed satisfaction with the government intervention in the Industry.
“We, the airline operators are satisfied with the approach which the government is bringing to the table.”
He acknowledged that the President has approved 10,000MT of fuel to alleviate the sufferings of the members of the Association, adding that another 5,000 has come in.
“We are about to start accessing that. We are pleased with the approach for the long run.
“It is not easy to give a timeline to issues like this because the challenge is global. Even the American airlines are threatened too. It’s not only Nigeria; which is why we are grateful to the government.”
The Nigerian Army has confirmed attack by suspected terrorists of the troops of the Guards Brigade (Presidential Guard) around Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Assistant Director of the Army Public Relations, Guards Brigade, Captain Godfrey Abakpa, who confirmed the attack today, July 25, said that soldiers were attacked by suspected terrorists but were repelled successfully.
According to him, three soldiers were wounded during the cross-firing, adding that they have been evacuated to a medical facility and are receiving treatment.
“They were attacked and the attack was successfully repelled. We had a few wounded in action who have been taken to the hospital and are receiving treatments.
“At the moment our troops are still combing the general area to get rid of the criminals that have been threatening the general area. It is advised that residents go about their lawful businesses and keep cooperating with us by giving us timely information to enable us win the fight against the criminals.”
There were Intelligence reports, according to military sources, that the terrorists have laid siege to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the intention to attack the Law School in Bwari and other government facilities.
It was learnt that troops of 7 Guards Battalion on routine patrol along Kubwa – Bwari road were ambushed by the suspected terrorists, who laid siege to the city but authorities said they were on the trail of the assailants.
“The ambush happening within the general area of Bwari shows that the terrorists are actually within the location and possibly to carry out their plans of attacking the Law School in Bwari as earlier reported,” the source stated.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said that those who attended the unveiling of Kashim Shettima as Presidential running mate to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may not be real bishops but that they are christians.
Amaechi, who spoke at an event marking the 60th birthday of Eugene Ogu, general overseer of Abundant Life Evangel Mission in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, stressed that the persons in question are Christians.
“Those bishops you saw (at Kashim Shettima’s unveiling ceremony), may not be bishops, but they are Christians.”
There have been controversies and mixed reactions to the appearance of over 30 ‘bishops’ that attended the official unveiling of Shettima as the running mate to APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to depart for Liberia tomorrow, July 26 to participate in that country’s 175 years Independence anniversary and deliver a speech on the rule of law and security.
A statement today, July 25 by the senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that President Buhari is also expected to emphasize to them the importance of free, fair and credible elections.
Liberia, Sierra-Leone and Nigeria are going into elections in 2023.
The statement said that Buhari will also emphasize the importance of the respect for the rule of law throughout the sub-region, adding that without the rule of Law and constitutional rule, there cannot be security, peace and development.
“Peace and security of Liberia (and Sierra-Leone) is important to Nigeria given the enormous investments in men, material and resources expended by this country to secure the two states. Without the leadership of Nigeria in the context of ECOWAS to secure these two, there would not have been a Liberia on the map in its present configuration today.
“Bilaterally, Nigeria and Liberia may bring to the table issues of cross-border terrorism, bolstering defence and trade ties.
“The warmth of the relationship and personal chemistry between President Buhari and George Weah of Liberia is no less significant and will play a key role in the events of tomorrow.”
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has pleaded with his supporters to stop making derogatory remarks on other Presidential candidate in the name of defending him and that they should rather allow him to respond to such Presidential candidates.
In a tweet today, July 25, Peter Obi begged the supporters to allow him to respond rather than they responding for him, asking them to concentrate on issues that will promote the cause of moving the nation from consumption to production, create jobs, and generally evolve a better Nigeria.
“I most sincerely appreciate all my supporters and those of LP. I love you all. I wish to appeal to you to allow me to personally respond to any CANDIDATE that makes comments about me, while you concentrate on issues to promote our cause of moving our dear Nigeria from consumption to production, create jobs, and generally evolve a better Nigeria,” he tweeted.
In recent time, Obi’s supporters had always torn-apart any presidential candidate who dared to attack him, using abusive, gutter language and unrefined comments.
They tore the PDP’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar after his interview on Arise TV where he said it would take a miracle for Obi to win the presidency.
Atiku had said that about 90 percent of northerners are not on social media and that they formed the bulk of the electorate.
In response, Obi’s supporters called Atiku names and abused.
This is not the first time the LP’s presidential candidate is appealing to his supporters over their unruly behaviour and misdemeanour.
He had told them to stop abusing people sometimes ago but they will not listen.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has queried leaders in the State over their silence in the face of the persistent killings and kidnapping of innocent people by unknown gunmen.
Governor Uzodimma, spoke today, July 24, at the St. John Beloved Catholic Church at Umuna Ahu Uratta, Owerri, during a thanksgiving Service to mark one year of the death of Chief (Sir) Patrick Chukwuemeka Chikeka, husband of the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka.
Uzodinma emphasized, with regrets that leaders in the State, among who are former governors, deputy governors, Senators, Secretary to Government, have continued to keep silent over the insecurity challenge in Imo, leaving no one in doubt that either they are enjoying or sponsoring it.
He said that he expected them to condemn the attack on his country home, the attack on the country home of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor, as well as the attacks on the homes of other government officials but they never did.
He said that while such so-called leaders in the State have not seen the need to speak up on kidnapping activities, beheading of Imo citizens, killing of traditional rulers and the act of cannibalism associated with most of the youths involved in banditry, they are quick to embark on condolence visit at Awo Omamma without even making efforts to ascertain the true position of things.
The Governor recalled the harrowing experience the Auxiliary Bishop Chikwe went through in the hands of the bandits when they kidnapped him last year and took him to Oguta before he was released, saying that what happened to the Bishop is not what one ought to experience.
Governor Uzodimma stressed that the primary reason government exists is the protection of lives and property of the citizenry, and that the worse thing that can happen to a society is if government abandons her responsibility to non state actors.
“There is no responsible government that would want to take life because the reason for government is to protect lives and property. There is also no responsible government that would encourage any act that would take human life, particularly innocent lives.”
The Governor advised the Church leadership to be painstaking in finding out the true position of things before taking a position, adding that through his actions and performance in the past two and half years, it is not in doubt that he has come to serve Imo people.
He challenged his opponents to point to what, where and how he has taking anything belonging to Imo people since assuming office, saying: “it is because they don’t have anything against me that they have decided to focus on my wrist watch as if they didn’t know who Hope Uzodimma was before he came into office.”
The Governor charged the leadership of the Church not to be deceived by misinformation flying around over the recent incident at Awo Omamma involving security operatives and some bad boys.
Uzodimma said that the Church must partner with the government to restore confidence in the larger society, even as he challenged the Church leadership to take seriously the activities of some desperate politicians in the State who work to destabilise the government, using false information on social media as tool of blackmail.
“When you see any story on the social media, please try and investigate it properly. Go further to do more investigation before criticising the security agencies so that they do not abandon us in the hands of non state actors.”
“My administration will never be part of the killing of my people,” saying that he hates blood letting as a true Catholic.
He said that he had had to drop all strategies that would have made insecurity a thing of the past in the State, but for the “collateral damage” and consequently, blood shed that would follow the implementation.
Governor Uzodimma said that though he is Chief Security Officer of Imo, but that he does not have total control of the security agencies working in the State to help government contain insecurity and restore peace in Imo.
“I am not completely in charge of the security agencies in the State. I am only the Chief Security Officer by mouth, without a barrack.”
Earlier in his homily, the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, Catholic Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Dr Moses Chikwe urged the congregation to be prayerful and to devote their time to praying for the Governor and his government so that God will use them for the good of the society.
Bishop Chikwe thanked Governor Uzodimma for honouring the Chikekas and St. John Beloved Catholic Church with his presence and that of his top government officials.
St. John Beloved Catholic Church used the opportunity to solicit for financial assistance from the guests for the completion of the Church building with Governor Uzodimma making a personal donation of N10 million while the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu gave N3 million on behalf of the Imo State Government.
The Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibe, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, among other top officials from the federal and state governments attended the event.
The presidency has described the threat by terrorists, especially the kidnappers of the Kaduna bound train passengers, as part of the propaganda to force government to accept or submit to their political demands. The Presidency added such propaganda is not new all over world.
Reacting to the threat by bandits in whose hands are many Kaduna train victims, in a statement by a Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidency assured that the country’s security and defense forces are not clueless or helpless.
“They have their plans and ways of doing things which they will not display in the media.
“The dilemmas in dealing with the specific case of train terrorists are manifold: punitive action like the popular call for carpet bombing of the known locations may assuage the desire of an angry public for revenge, but what about the hostages?
“They have committed no offense. All they did was to board a train.
“It suffices to say that the security forces are not relenting. They are acutely aware of their duties, responsibilities and what the nation expects of them.
“Whenever they embark upon those actions, they expect that the public should provide them with the needed support.”
The Presidency reminded all that terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought by all actors, including the military, the civilian population and the communication service providers.
“This is the only way safe havens of terrorists are eliminated in every part of the world.
“To help the nation against ongoing situation, the media must increase their support for the fight against the exploitation of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.”
The Presidency re-reassured the public that President Muhammadu Buhari has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-In-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military “and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.”
Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, rose from his convalescing hospital bed, after undergoing successful surgery on his leg, to thank Nigerians for their prayer for him. In the picture above, Osinbajo is surrounded by Dr. Tokunbo Shitta-Bey, the hospital CEO; Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and his Chief Personal Physician Dr. Nic Audifferen. Osinbajo wrote today, July 24: “My deep gratitude to everyone for your get-well wishes and prayers, following my surgery. Special appreciation to the amazing team of Surgeons, Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists and the management of the Duchess International Hospital Lagos for providing such Excellent Care. God bless you all. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Sunday 24th July 2022.”
The Peter Obi Support Network has carpeted the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, over his comments that the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, does not have a chance to win the 2023 presidential election.
In statement on July 23, through its spokesman, Comrade Sani Altukry, the group said that Atiku wrongly based his permutation for 2023 election on the assumed influence of corruption promoting and vote-buying mercenaries, called political structure.
According to the Obi’s camp, the PDP presidential flagbearer took the people for granted by failing to consider their unassailable powers and acknowledging them as the key determinants of election victory.
“Sovereignty resides with the people. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s assertion speaks to the illusions of the fascist school of thought that believes that the masses do not matter and erroneously believes that the masses cannot think for themselves.
“In essence, Atiku is saying that Nigerians are some kind of slaves who cannot take a political decision on their own, except as imposed on them by their slave masters.
“This erroneous idea belongs to the past, and so we assure the former vice president and those of his class who hold such derogatory perception of Nigerians that a new Nigeria is here and Nigerians are ready to take their destiny in their own hands.”
The group insisted that the Peter Obi candidacy is not a mere political project but a national movement for the reawakening of Nigerians to take their destiny in their hands.
It said that the people are ready to break the chains and shackles for which they are derided as being “sub-citizens” with the so-called structure being the deciders of where their votes shall go.
The statement read in part: “The attention of Peter Obi Support Network has been drawn to a recorded interview of His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in which he gave unsolicited and clearly erroneous political consultancy on who can win elections and who cannot win.
“The seventh time presidential aspirant reportedly claimed that today’s most popular presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, cannot win the 2023 presidential election because Labour Party does not have any governor elected on its platform and does have LP National assembly members.
“Unfortunately, the former vice president based his entire permutation on the assumed influence of corruption promoting and vote-buying mercenaries euphemistically called political structure, and failed to consider the unassailable powers of the masses of Nigeria, who actually are the most powerful force in a democracy and the key determinants of election victory.”
Atiku, had, in a programme on Arise TV yesterday, July 22, had said that Peter Obi cannot win the 2023 presidential election because the Labour Party does not have structure in the grassroots, such as governor elected on its platform and National Assembly members.
But reacting to the comment, the Peter Obi group described the former vice president’s comments as “unsolicited and clearly erroneous political consultancy.”
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The presidency has described the threat by terrorists, especially the kidnappers of the Kaduna bound train passengers, as part of the propaganda to force government to accept or submit to their political demands. The Presidency added such propaganda is not new all over world.
