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The American International School of Abuja (AISA) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, immediate-past governor of Kogi state.
Bello allegedly paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of the Kogi state government.
The children are in grade level 2 to 8 at the school.
On April 17, EFCC operatives laid siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja in an attempt to arrest him over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
While the operatives were at the house, Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the property and reportedly whisked Bello away.
In a letter addressed to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, the school said the sum of $845,852 has been paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date”.
AISA said the sum to be refunded is $760,910, because it had deducted educational services already rendered.
“Please forward to us an official written request, with the authentic banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the above-mentioned funds as previously indicated as part of your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello family,” the letter reads.
“Since the 7th September 2021 to date, $845,852.84 (Eight Hundred and Forty Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Two US Dollars and eighty four cents) in tuition and other fees has been deposited into our Bank account.
“We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the State, after deducting the educational services rendered as $760,910.84. (Seven Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten US Dollars and Eighty Four cents).
“No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from ASIA.”
The school said it will draw the attention of the anti-graft agency if there are any further deposits by the Bello family.
In a statement signed by Greg Hughes, AISA also said “Ali Bello contacted the school on Friday 13 August 2021 requesting to pay the family school fees in advance until the students graduate from High School”.
The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted with the NIS placing the ex-governor on a watchlist.
[TheCable]
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has described the trending video of robbers attacking motorists who stopped for traffic lights purportedly in Abuja, as false.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh, stated this in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh.
Igweh expressed concern that the misleading video has been passed around to sow fear and misinformation among FCT residents and Nigerians in general.
The CP, therefore, ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the source of the misinformation and discern the motives behind its dissemination.
The statement reads, “Forensic analysis conducted by the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Centre has revealed startling findings regarding a video circulating purportedly depicting security concerns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Contrary to initial impressions, the investigation confirms that the incident depicted occurred in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and was posted by a South African individual on X (formerly Twitter) on April 22nd, 2024. The video falsely claims the necessity of carrying handguns for travel in Ethiopia.
“It is deeply concerning that this misleading video has been misappropriated to sow fear and misinformation among residents of the FCT.
“The command reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the FCT and will take all necessary legal actions to address this issue. We urge the public to remain vigilant and discerning in consuming information, especially in the digital sphere.”
[NaijaNews]
The Federal Government of Nigeria received an additional N3.8 trillion in what appears to be fresh Ways and Means Borrowing in the last six months of 2023.
This is according to provisional data published in the latest Statistics bulletin for the fourth quarter of 2023 recently released by the central bank.
The CBN’s provision data show that the total figure rose from N4.4 trillion at the end of June 2023 meaning that the cumulative Ways and Means balances due by the government now stand at N8.2 trillion as of December 2023.
This is despite news reports noting that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, which suggest President Bola Tinubu’s government has not borrowed money from the CBN.
The Ways and Means provision serve as a mechanism enabling the government to secure short-term or emergency financing from the CBN to address cash flow gaps.
Total Ways and Means balances as of May 2023 when the Tinubu administration took over was N26.95 trillion. However, the balances were securitized as included as part of the federal government’s domestic debt profile.
Breakdown of the data
A cursory analysis of the data shows the balance at the end of June 2023 was N4.36 trillion indicating that the prior month balances may have been moved to the Debt Management Office.
However, from July 2023, the balances increase every month, first to N4.5 trillion in July, then N5.1 trillion in August, crossing the N5.1 trillion mark for the first time.
By September, the total was N6.4 trillion, representing the single largest additional borrowing for a month with about N1.3 trillion. It then climbed to N7.2 trillion in October before rising marginally to N7.6 trillion in November.
At the end of the year, in December, the total hit N8.21 trillion, suggesting that Ways and Means increased by 88% in 6 months.
What You Should Know
- Nairametrics earlier reported that the federal government obtained about N2.94 trillion from the CBN through Ways and Means Advances. This was earmarked for the servicing of its domestic debts, which means that the government had to resort to borrowing from the CBN to fulfil its obligations to domestic debt holders.
- It was also disclosed that the federal government allocated approximately N4.83 trillion from the proceeds of Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) and Bonds issued in 2024 to settle the Ways and Means Advances from the CBN.
- Last year, the National Assembly approved the securitization of N22.7 trillion from the N23.3 trillion previously advanced by the CBN to the Federal Government through ways and means.
- This debt was subsequently transferred to the Debt Management Office (DMO) with a 40-year tenor, a 3-year moratorium, and an interest rate of 9%.
Ways and Means Act
- According to Section 38 of the CBN Act, 2007, the apex bank may grant temporary advances to the Federal Government about temporary deficiency of budget revenue at such rate of interest as the bank may determine.
- The Act placed a limit of five per cent on how much the Federal Government could borrow, although the previous administration severely violated the limit.
- The National Assembly introduced amendments to the CBN Act, elevating the ceiling of Ways and Means Advances from the apex bank from five to 15% of the Federal Government’s previous year’s revenue.
- This endeavor to raise the limit to 15% opens the door to more borrowing and an increased burden of debt service obligations for the country.
- Also, the Senate of the 10th assembly, mirroring its predecessor in the ninth assembly, approved the securitisation of the outstanding N7.3 trillion in Ways and Means. This will likely crash the figure recorded in December significantly.
[Nairametrics]
Another minor fire incident was recorded at the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, prompting flight diversion.
The fire was recorded at the E-wing of the terminal.
Daily Trust reports that another fire gutted the terminal in September 2023, necessitating the total shutdown of the terminal while all the airlines were relocated to the new terminal.
While the fire incident yesterday did not substantially affect flight operations, stakeholders have called for a permanent solution to the recurring fire disasters at the 40-year-old terminal.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced the diversion of all flight operations from the E Wing to the D-Wing.
It was learned that the fire started in the early hours of Thursday after smoke was detected at E54 bridge.
Officials of the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) were swiftly mobilised to contain the fire which had cut off the power supply at the section of the old international terminal.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, confirmed the fire, saying, “The Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) team was quick to respond, arriving at the scene by 05:30 hrs.
“Initial suspicions pointed to sparks from an electrical unit as the cause, but a thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire.
“The incident, which escalated into a fire, was brought under control by 06:41 hrs.”
[DailyTrust]
Nigerians and the rest of the world were taken aback when a video of thousands of bandits celebrating Sallah in Zamfara State surfaced on social media.
The development, many say, is a slap on Nigeria’s security architecture.
The video, which was disclosed by a counter insurgency analysts and security expert focused on Lake Chad region, Zaga Zula Mahama, on Thursday, April 18, has been generating reactions from Nigerians.
The bandits in their thousands were shown partaking in the Sallah festivities.
Nigerians have paid heavily in various forms, following the activities of the bandits, particularly in the North West and North Central, where they have made life a living hell for the people.
Nigerians in their hundreds of thousands have been kidnapped in the past by the bandits and ransom running into millions paid to secure their release.
Many who could not afford the outrageous ransom which they demand from most often have been brutally killed.
Many others have died out of torture in their hands or as a result of inclement weather in the forests and thick bushes where the bandits had always kept them.
In some states, like Katsina, Zamfara and Niger, some local government areas are comfortably under the control of the bandits, where they levy and collect taxes from the people without fear of any consequences.
Although the military kept assuring Nigerians that they were on top of the situation, the bandits appear unperturbed as they keep dishing pain, sorrow and death on a monthly basis.
The situation had become so disturbing that many people now question the authenticity of the information the military has been feeding Nigerians with, as it affects the counter insurgency war.
Nigerians have been told several times that scores of the bandits have been neutralised at different times in different locations and states including Zamfara, which is regarded as their headquarters. But, with the number seen on the video, many are asking if the information that the military has been feeding Nigerians with is anything to go by.
Some people are also saying that what the bandits wanted to prove with the viral video was simply to show that they have the backing of some powerful individuals in the society.
One of those who are sceptical about the information from the military authorities regarding their onslaught on the bandits is the president of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Dr. Pogu Bitrus.
He wondered why there are still thousands of the bandits out there despite assurances from the military that they are being dealt with.
Commenting on the viral video, Bitrus said the bandits wanted to showcase their religion.
He told DAILY POST that, “The bandits just want to show that they are Muslims, whether or not we accept is immaterial.
“It also shows that up till now, no matter what we have been told that the military have done with regard to decimating them, there are still a lot of them out there who can cause havoc in this country.”
He accused some people of paying lip service to the unity of the country, because according to him, if they wanted the country to be one as they would want people to believe, they would not be supporting the activities of the bandits.
He stressed that the only way to solve the problem of banditry in Nigeria was to restructure the country so that each state or geo-political region would be able to provide adequate security for her people.
“Sentiments apart, we are people who believe in one Nigeria. But the reality is that there are people who don’t believe in one Nigeria.
“If they do, they will not do what they are doing. We need to do what is necessary and we said we want this country to be restructured and that is the way forward,” he stated.
Also, the coordinator of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima described the bandits’ courage to appear publicly in such a large number as a clear indication that the government of the day has to do more.
“It is also an indication that the bandits have taken the country for granted, otherwise if the government is willing and determined, it couldn’t have said that it didn’t have information about the Sallah programme that bandits attended, or when they were about to hold the programme.
“This is because it was not a programme that the bandits held for one or two hours, it was a programme that took them several hours to execute.
“So, the government must buckle up because the implication is that it is an abuse of the sensibilities of the country as a whole, and it has also gone further to make a mockery of the country’s security forces.
“The government must buckle up and handle the matter once and for all,” he said.
On the number of bandits that have so far been neutralised over time, Yerima insisted that nobody could dispute the information, stressing that why it appears as the information was not true was because the bandits recruit people into their fold on a daily basis.
“They engage and employ people who are jobless by the day. So, the issue of saying that the information is not true should not even arise because the military is really trying, but just that they need to do more.
“Only God knows what would have happened if not for the military’s effort.
“They are trying but they should put more effort and clean the mess once and for all,” he submitted.
For a former member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Alhaji Shehu Yusuf, banditry had become a big problem in the country, particularly in the North.
He said he aligned with the Kaduna State governor who recently said that everybody was involved in banditry.
“Starting from the community members that provide information to the traditional rulers, the security agents and the government, everybody is involved because looking at the way they operate, they must have the support of some people in the community who give them reliable information that enables them to attack people at random and disappear without a trace.
“I believe that there are people who are supporting them because for the bandits to come inside the town to a prayer ground which is a public place in such a large number, with arms and finish whatever they were doing and left unhindered is unbelievable.
“It is confusing and there must be people supporting them and providing them with useful information,” he told DAILY POST.
Insisting that almost everybody was involved in the menace, he said: “Remember that victims that had the opportunity to speak to the media usually tell us that they know the bandits and where they are hiding, especially in Zamfara State and in all communities that are being attacked by bandits.
“The people in such communities know the bandits personally and their hideouts.
“They go to the market and buy whatever they want, and anytime they like they can strike the communities, kill people and carry their belongings. That is exactly what is happening.
“These people are Nigerians. They live among the people in the community and the people know them and their hideouts.
“So, it is confusing and one cannot understand why they are doing what they are doing and the government has not been able to deal with them decisively.”
He advised the government to go all out not only against the bandits but also against their friends, sympathisers, informants and sponsors, and deal with them ruthlessly, according to the law of the land.
He also noted that they were able to display what they did in Zamfara without a whimper from the security agents because they have powerful individuals in the society who always come for them each time they are arrested.
“Normally, when the security agents arrest these bandits and take them to custody, except they are killed on the spot, they will always find their way out, either from the court, police cell, military cell or wherever they are being kept, and after some time, you see them back in the society.
“There is no legal action against them and this is what is happening. So, their supporters have a way of getting them out whenever they are arrested,” he lamented.
However, he expressed fear that the situation was getting to a point where the people would take the law into their own hands.
“If the communities are fed up, they will fight back. There was a case recently in a community in Zamfara State, where bandits wanted to abduct a bride, but were repelled by the groom’s relatives, who organised, attacked them, killed one of them and took their guns.
“They killed one of the bandits and others ran away; the groom’s relatives collected their guns and returned them to the nearest military checkpoint along Gusau Road.
“So, it is gradually getting to that point where people will begin to react, without waiting for any security agent,” he stated.
“Where is the technology of our military? Where is the technology of our security agents? Why can’t they use common drones to locate these bandits and act decisively on them?
“You will see the bandits exposing their machine guns, and living in the bush; meaning that in less than 10 minutes, the government can locate where they are, but nothing is being done about their activities.
“When the police or the military get a distress call that something is happening at a particular area, before they get permission from the above, the bandits have finished with their operation and disappeared.
“Anytime you report at the police or military checkpoint that something is happening at a particular place, they will tell you that they need to get permission from the top and before the top allows them to act, things would have gone wrong. This is what is happening.
“The painful aspect of the whole thing is that young military officers are always being killed.
“Look at what happened in Niger State recently, where six military officers, including a Captain, were killed. The government should take decisive action on this matter.
“Our military men are always being killed; the police and the DSS personnel, including the community people are being killed every day like animals. This is not good.
“The appearance of those bandits simply means that the people know them and their hideout, so it is time the government acted and stopped giving lame excuses about their invincibility,” he submitted.
[TheNation]
- ‘The worst of the storms over’
- Dutch businessmen to invest $250m in Nigeria
“I am ever ready to take tough decisions in the best interest of the people, even if with initial pains,” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirmed yesterday.
He spoke in Hague, The Netherlands during the business session of the bilateral meeting with the Dutch team led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The President led a Nigerian delegation on a state visit to the European country.
After the meeting, The Netherlands promised an investment worth $250 million in Nigeria in the next few months, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale.
President Tinubu, on his assumption of office last year, declared that “subsidy is gone”, a pronouncement that was followed by the unification of exchange rates.
Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu said: “I am a determined leader of my people.
“I have and will continue to take the difficult decisions that will benefit our people, even if there is short-term pain.
“We have gone through the worst of the storms. I am unafraid of the consequences once I know that my actions are in the best long-term interests of all Nigerians.
“The Nigerian naira is one of the world’s best-performing currencies today.
“We took the necessary risk, and all resilient Nigerians kept faith with us.
“They will be rewarded, and the reward will only be greater as we partner effectively with you on new opportunities for development.
“As leaders, we must make decisions for the benefit of our nations, and we cannot shy away from that.”
He expressed firm commitment to the developmental partnership between Nigeria and the European Union (EU).
The President noted that symbiotic economic ties remain the best long-term path to sustainable and mutual prosperity rather than one-sided relationships in which bilateral trade is skewed too much in one direction.
Acknowledging the positive impacts of the various reforms carried out by the
Tinubu administration, Rutte said: “You are promoting democratic governance and the solutions it can bring in dealing with problems of development.
“I saw how you went through democratic channels to remove an incumbent president in 2015 in partnership with President Muhammadu Buhari and how that has led to development in your country.
“I saw you take the courageous decisions to deal with fuel subsidies and other reforms, and we are interested in what allowed you to take the decisions that many before you could not take. And you took those decisions early in your term. It shows rare determination. And your stand in ECOWAS, all of these point to your commitment to leadership.”
Thrilled by the confidence triggered by President Tinubu’s reforms in the economy, Rutte unfolded plans by Dutch businessmen to invest $250 million in Nigeria.
The investments, which the PM said would be activated over the next few months, include a $100 million stake in a waste-to-wealth industrial facility in Lagos, the nation’s industrial hub.
Wooing the Dutch investors, the President listed the immense opportunities available in the country across a pool of sectors, restating his Administration’s commitment to deepening ongoing reforms to further enhance the investment climate.
Nigeria, Tinubu said, is well-positioned to power the clean energy future of Europe and the world with its high-grade lithium deposits.
According to the President, Nigeria seeks robust, balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships that will bring about value-addition in areas like solid minerals.
He said: “Taking a holistic view of the world order, there is a tremendous opportunity between us across trade spheres but especially in solid minerals, where we have high-grade lithium deposits that we know can power the clean energy future of the world.
“There is excellent value-additive opportunity in Nigeria. The world knows us for oil. They will soon know us for greater innovative exploits in other areas.
“We have an extremely dynamic youth population in Nigeria. It is a young country.
“Seventy per cent of our people are under the age of 30 and when we are referring to 200 million plus citizens, it represents both a massive workforce and a massive market for Dutch and other international investors.
“If our young people know they can achieve a good future in Nigeria, they will stay home and build our nation to greatness.
“Lawful migration of trained Nigerian minds and hands will be a benefit to Europe, and irregular migration will no longer be a source of fear in Europe if we partner effectively.
“This is what we want and it is why we are adamant about providing student loans and new credit opportunities to not only enhance the skills of our people but also to ensure that they can access a higher quality of life within their legitimate incomes.
“We will transform our economy, and our young people will be the reason.”
He asserted that the confidence Nigerians had in themselves encouraged him to make some tough decisions on their behalf, adding that the citizens need long-term tools to succeed.
[TheNation]
IT is beginning to look as if cars are now built to last a life-time. Surprisingly, such cars are not even from established brands that you might be thinking of.
Ordinarily, most people would think that such cars are made in Germany, Britain, America, Japan or Korea. But they are wrong. The cars that are giving world renowned automakers sleepless nights are from China.
Have you imagined that a car built in China could offer 10 years or 1,000,000 kilometer warranty? Or that a car could float on water in case of emergency? This is the new bar that the Chinese automakers are setting.
Leading this new technology exploits are the Jetour and BYD companies and other Chinese makers are gearing up to surpass the competition in no time.
Jetour SUV
For instance, the new Jetour T2 Sport Utility Vehicle is offering 10 years/one million kilometer warranty and a host of new technologies that could make renown automobile makers look like learners. This five seater SUV comes with array of features that are not common in its segment, thereby giving other traditional brands serious concern for worry. Roof rails, bulging wheel arches, striking tailgate and high-tech light signature, stand the SUV out.
Measuring about 4.78 meters long which is slightly shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Jetour T2 comes with imposing front end with its large grille, LED headlights and lower guards.
The T2’s clean cabin comes with 15.6-inch HD central screen as well as 10.25-inch instrumentation and a centre console that houses the gear selector and driving profiles. Ventilate and panoramic roof with snapdragon 8155 chip and 12-speaker Sony audio completes the luxury feelings in the T2.
Power is at your control with the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine which delivers 254 PS and 390Nm of peak torque. This engine is linked to a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic gear and six generation BorgWarner all-wheel drive system.
Features such as remote parking, lane assist, 360 camera, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam guidance, fatigue detector, blind spot monitoring and automatic braking, are standard features of Jetour T2.
Another shocker from the Chinese automaker is the BYD Yangwang U8 SUV which delivers unrivalled off-road prowess and can be driven off-land too. It can float like a boat in flood even when the water gets up to the window level.
BYD revealed that the upcoming U8 Premium Edition was designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including flash floods. If you’re ever caught in a flood, the SUV will elevate its suspension, turn off its engine (more on that in a bit), switch its HVAC system to re-circulation mode and seal its windows so that it can remain afloat up to 30 minutes, according to CarScoops. The vehicle can do more than just float, though. It can also drive forward at speeds of up to 1.8 mph. You’ll be able to maneuver around objects if necessary, too.
Water readiness is far from the U8’s only attractive feature. The full-size SUV is being pitched as a Chinese alternative to the ultra-chic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon and Range Rover. Its unique hybrid power train, the U8 is an extended-range EV (EREV), which means it pairs a four-motor electric power train with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that acts as a range extender. BYD says the setup produces 1,200 hp and has a range of 621 miles.
BYD isn’t the first company to think about making a land-based electric ride that can travel through water. Elon Musk has had the same idea for the Cybertruck. Last year, the company’s CEO posted on X, then known as Twitter, that the eagerly anticipated EV would be able to “serve briefly as a boat.” We’ve yet to see the finished Cybertruck—the examples that have rolled off the line have only been production candidates—so it remains to be seen if the ability will be available.
The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has struck out the name of Adekunbi Ogunde from the list of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Akorede Lawal, spokesperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), told TheCable that the decision by the LPDC was reached on Thursday.
Lawal also said the sanction “is subject to the right of appeal of the counsel to the supreme court”.
Ogunde, a former partner in the law firm of Wole Olanipekun, immediate former chairman of the Body of Benchers, had, in June 2022, admitted to sending an email to SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd, soliciting a brief.
Despite being aware that the law firm of Henry Ajumogobia, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is handling the matter, Ogunde asked SAIPEM to consider hiring Olanipekun & Co, adding that the founder has more “influence” with judges across all courts.
Olanipekun has since apologised to Ajumogobia, stating that he never approved the email sent by Ogunde.
Ogunde also apologised to Ajumogobia for the embarrassment, blaming her action on exuberance.
The NBA had, in a petition sent on July 20, asked the LPDC to prosecute Ogunde over “professional misconduct”.
In the petition, NBA also asked the committee to consider whether the partners of the firm of Wole Olanipekun & Co, are not liable to be disciplined alongside Ogunde.
The NBA also demanded that Olanipekun should resign on the ground that he could influence the processes of the LPDC since the committee is under the supervision of the Body of Benchers’ chairman.
In August 2022, Ogunde said the issue has affected her psychologically.
Ogunde said after “consulting with family and the firm, and after a deep and thorough examination of all the facets of this hydra-headed problem”, she has decided to “take a leave of absence from legal practice and get involved in the community and social work pro bono, with a few selected NGOs”.
[TheCable]
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government of Nigeria received an additional N3.8 trillion in Ways and Means Borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria in the last six months of 2023.
According to Nairametrics, this is the provisional data published in the latest Statistics bulletin for the fourth quarter of 2023, which the central bank recently released.
The CBN’s provision data showed that the total figure rose from N4.4 trillion at the end of June 2023, meaning that the cumulative Ways and Means balances due by the government now stand at N8.2 trillion as of December 2023.
The figure contradicts claims by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, that Tinubu’s government has yet to borrow from CBN.
Edun said this when he spoke with journalists at the recently held Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington DC, United States.
Meanwhile, the Total Ways and Means balance as of May 2023, when the Tinubu administration took over, was N26.95 trillion.
However, the balances were securitized as part of the federal government’s domestic debt profile.
Further analysis showed that at the end of June 2023, it was N4.36 trillion, indicating that the prior month’s balances may have been moved to the Debt Management Office, the custodial of the country’s debt record.
However, from July 2023, the balances increased monthly to N4.5 trillion in July, then N5.1 trillion in August, crossing the N5.1 trillion mark for the first time.
By September, the total was N6.4 trillion, representing the largest monthly additional borrowing with about N1.3 trillion.
It climbed to N7.2 trillion in October before rising marginally to N7.6 trillion in November.
At the end of the year, in December, the total hit N8.21 trillion, suggesting that Ways and Means increased by 88 per cent in 6 months.
The opposition Labour Party, LP, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, expressed shock over how the United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices arrived at its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians, despite widespread irregularities.
However, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Presidency hailed the report but said the party did not need external validation of its victories at the polls.
The report published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, US Department of State, highlighted human rights practices and violations in different countries, including Nigeria.
It said the last general elections in Nigeria reflected the will of the populace, despite widespread irregularities.
Picking holes in the conclusion, LP and PDP said they are committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria and averting a one-party state.
The report stated that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in Igbo-dominated areas during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos.
“National elections were widely reported to have reflected the will of voters, despite technical and logistical difficulties, and some irregularities.
“Many independent observers who assessed the results of the presidential, legislative, and state-level elections during the year reflected the will of voters despite reports of voter suppression and vote-buying, campaigning at polling stations, lack of ballot secrecy, violence, and intimidation.
“During the March 18 state election in Lagos, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters reportedly intimidated and suppressed voters in Igbo-dominated areas, which Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, won in the February 25 national election.
“Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo (LGA in Lagos) threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi.
“In Eti-Osa, APC supporters also attacked journalists and, in some cases, shut down voting and prevented non-Yoruba voters from accessing polls. They similarly destroyed property and physically blocked voters in Amuwo-Odofin.
“According to videos posted on social media, police officers were present but failed to respond to attacks,’’ the report read.
It said there was no evidence that individuals who perpetrated violence in Lagos during the election were arrested or prosecuted.
The report also stated that the Nigerian government has not “consistently” implemented anti-corruption laws.
It said there was “widespread” corruption across the country, including the judiciary.
“In August, President Tinubu appointed former Governor Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget, despite Bagudu’s widely reported history of helping then-President Sani Abacha steal hundreds of millions of dollars from the government in the 1990s,’’ the report stated.
However, the two main opposition political parties, the PDP and the LP, in reaction to the report, restated their commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria, despite its shortcomings.
National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, in a telephone chat with newsmen said: “I am yet to read the report but one thing we, as a party, can assure Nigerians is that we remain committed to the advancement of democracy in our country.
“We are also committed to ensuring that our country does not become a one-party state or slide into dictatorship.”
Speaking in a similar vein, his counterpart in the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, said: “With all said and done, we take solace in the fact that the report was fair enough to admit that there were irregularities, including but not limited to vote buying, ballot box snatching, intimidation and physical attacks on our party supporters, especially in Lagos.
“The report was magnanimous enough to note that supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, suppressed votes in areas dominated by our supporters during the March 2023 governorship election in Lagos.
“To say the outcome of such an election reflects the majority view of Nigerians is left for the people to judge. Our commitment to the development of democracy in Nigeria remains unshakable.”
On its part, the ruling APC said while it welcomed the report, it does not need any external validation in that regard.
Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the party, Nze Chidi Duru, told Vanguard that the party had since moved on, concentrating on developing Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
He said: “It (report) is a welcome development but I want to restate that we do not need any external validation on the outcome of the 2023 general election.
‘’That election, as far as the party is concerned and as far as the people of Nigeria are concerned, is now behind us and we are looking forward to the 2027 general election.
“All the infrastructure of government at all levels, whether it is at the federal, state, local government or ward level, are already in place. Our councillors, National Assembly members and governors have been elected and are in place.
‘’Where there are issues arising from that election, those elections have been contested at the courts and we know that the courts have heard and given their well-considered ruling. So, we have gone beyond that.
“We also believe improvement, development and change are constant things and then as a government, we will continue to encourage and fund INEC in a way that empowers them to be able to further improve the electoral process in Nigeria.
“As we continue to march on the path of democracy, we hope to continue to conduct elections that would reflect the will of Nigerians.
“So, in a nutshell, as much as this is welcome, we do not need any external validation. Elections have been conducted and those elected have assumed offices and where there are disputes, they were taken to courts and the issues have been resolved.”
Speaking in like manner, the Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said INEC “conducted a free and fair election.’’
He noted that there is nowhere in the world the electoral umpire conducted a 100 per cent error-free election.
His words: “INEC conducted a free and fair election. We don’t need any foreign country to validate or make our election free and fair.
“The report doesn’t require any validation. As far as we are concerned, it was a free and fair election. We (the All Progressives Congress) won the election.”
The presidential aide also debunked the allegation of voter suppression in Lagos State.
More...
The federal government has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to conduct a thorough audit of all domestic airlines operating in the country.
This was made known on Thursday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who emphasized the need to ensure the safety of passengers.
Government order is coming on the heels of the incident in which one of the aircraft operated by Dana Airline skidded off the runway at the Lagos International Airport.
Fortunately, no casualty was recorded in the incident, which happened on Tuesday, 23rd April.
Against the backdrop of the incident, Keyamo said during an appearance on Channels TV that in addition to suspending Dana Airlines and conducting an audit of the airline, all other airlines in the country will undergo audits to ensure the safety of passengers and the sustainability of the civil aviation sector.
FAAN Reopens Lagos Airport Runway After Dana Air Incident
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially declared the reopening of runway 18L/36R at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
Naija News understands that the runway was temporarily closed earlier on Tuesday following a Dana Air plane skidding off it.
A press release signed by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, on Wednesday, stated that the runway is now safe for operation following a joint inspection by the FAAN Operations Division and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
FAAN also recognized the need for extensive cleaning efforts in the muddy area affected by the overshoot to ensure safety is restored.
Northern Nigerian Universities Refuse To Allow Christian Worship Centres - Bishop Kukah Alleges
AFOLABI
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has expressed his concern about the growing prevalence of ethnic and religious prejudices in Nigerian universities, especially in the northern region of the country.
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, Kukah alleged that most universities in the North have refused to allow the Christian community to establish worship centres on the school premises.
Bishop Kukah also criticized the diminishing diversity and merit-based practices in academic institutions in the region.
He said: “A mosque was constructed at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I delivered a convocation lecture in Calabar three weeks ago. After my lecture, the Chief Imam of the University came to congratulate me.
“But as I speak to you, Usman Dan Fodio, who is over 40 years old, Bayero University, and other universities in Northern Nigeria have decided to close their doors to the possibility of churches being built in the universities across this country.
“All this fanaticism we are seeing is expressed in public life. If students in the university or at the point of their growing up are not allowed to integrate and interrelate, and if churches or mosques cannot be built across this country, then there is a problem.”
The Catholic Bishop emphasized that diversity and meritocracy in Nigerian universities are on the decline, with ethnic and religious factors taking on a more prominent role.
“There was a time when Ahmadu Bello University had lecturers from different parts of the world. Now, look at what has happened to our universities across Nigeria. Our universities have become just mere incubators of ethnic jingoism.
“So, I do not know which funded Federal University that you will name that has a Vice Chancellor that is not a local boy.
“So the universities themselves have become playgrounds for the ambitions of the local elite. The question is, why should a place of worship be a problem for a university? Whether it is for the Muslim students in Calabar or the Christian students in Sokoto.
“I approached the Minister of Education about this. I have a letter from the Nigerian University Commission. The universities in northern Nigeria have refused to implement this recommendation,” Bishop Kukah said.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Meets with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of Netherlands, Details Roadmap for Enhanced Trade Opportunities Across Sectors
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Meets with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of Netherlands, Details Roadmap for Enhanced Trade Opportunities Across Sectors](/media/k2/items/cache/d29ccffdae8b0540db93585bb62d7877_XS.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is well-positioned to power the clean energy future of Europe and the world with its high-grade lithium deposits.
Speaking during a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands at his official residence, known as The Catshuis in The Hague, on Thursday, the President said Nigeria offers immense opportunities across a pool of sectors and that his administration is deepening reforms to enhance the investment climate.
He said Nigeria seeks robust, balanced, and mutually beneficial partnerships that will bring about value-addition in areas like solid minerals.
"Taking a holistic view of the world order, there is a tremendous opportunity between us across trade spheres but especially in solid minerals, where we have high-grade lithium deposits that we know can power the clean energy future of the world. There is excellent value-additive opportunity in Nigeria. The world knows us for oil. They will soon know us for greater innovative exploits in other areas.
"We have an extremely dynamic youth population in Nigeria. It is a young country. 70% of our people are under the age of 30, and when we are referring to 200 million plus citizens, it represents both a massive workforce and a massive market for Dutch and other international investors.
"If our young people know they can achieve a good future in Nigeria, they will stay home and build our nation to greatness. Lawful migration of trained Nigerian minds and hands will be a benefit to Europe, and irregular migration will no longer be a source of fear in Europe if we partner effectively.
"This is what we want and it is why we are adamant about providing student loans and new credit opportunities to not only enhance the skills of our people but also to ensure that they can access a higher quality of life within their legitimate incomes. We will transform our economy, and our young people will be the reason why," the President stated.
President Tinubu asserted that Nigerians have tremendous confidence in themselves and that his confidence in the Nigerian people gave him the courage to take difficult decisions on their behalf, given his full awareness of the need to give Nigerians the long-term tools they need to succeed.
"I am a determined leader of my people. I have and will continue to take the difficult decisions that will benefit our people, even if there is short-term pain. We have gone through the worst of the storms. I am unafraid of the consequences once I know that my actions are in the best long-term interests of all Nigerians.
"The Nigerian Naira is one of the world's best performing currencies today. We took the necessary risk, and all resilient Nigerians kept faith with us. They will be rewarded, and the reward will only be greater as we partner effectively with you on new oppportunities for development. As leaders, we must take decisions for the benefit of our nations, and we cannot shy away from that," the President said.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands noted that President Tinubu's economic reforms have engendered greater confidence in the Nigerian economy by international investors and that Dutch investors have activated another set of $250 million worth of new investments over the next few months, including a $100 million investment in a waste-to-wealth industrial facility in Lagos State.
"You are promoting democratic governance and the solutions it can bring in dealing with problems of development. I saw how you went through democratic channels to remove an incumbent president in 2015 in partnership with President Buhari and how that has led to development in your country.
"I saw you take the courageous decision to deal with fuel subsidies and other reforms, and we are interested in what allowed you to take the decisions that many before you could not take. And you took those decisions early in your term. It shows rare determination. And your stand in ECOWAS, all of these point to your commitment in leadership," the Prime Minister stated.
President Tinubu further expressed his firm commitment to develop the developmental partnership between the European Union (EU) and Nigeria, noting that symbiotic economic ties remain the best long-term path to sustainable and mutual prosperity rather than one-sided relationships in which bilateral trade is skewed too much in one direction.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 25, 2024
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Dutch Industry: Partnerships Must Be Transformative; They Must Translate into Real Gains for Our Citizens
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu To Dutch Industry: Partnerships Must Be Transformative; They Must Translate into Real Gains for Our Citizens](/media/k2/items/cache/fcaaed1cd89065c74852295599f5abb3_XS.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu says bilateral partnerships must be mutually beneficial, transformative, and must translate into real gains for ordinary citizens.
Speaking at the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum in The Hague, on Thursday, President Tinubu emphasized the pivotality of stronger ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands, saying both countries must explore more creative channels of collaboration, whether it is through partnerships, joint ventures, or strategic alliances in order to build bridges that connect markets and facilitate the flow of goods, services, ideas and peoples.
He said his administration is enhancing the business environment in Nigeria to make it very friendly through various reforms, adding that these measures include: "The cleaning up of our foreign exchange market to make it more transparent for seamless business transactions, removal of the fuel subsidy, and the readiness of the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the necessary window to allow foreign companies repatriate their profits, among others."
President Tinubu said the improved business milieu in Nigeria is making the country an investor's paradise, urging businessmen and women to take advantage of these opportunities for mutually rewarding economic partnerships between Nigeria and the Netherlands.
"I am delighted and honoured to be at this occasion of the Nigeria-Netherlands Business Forum. This is a platform that symbolizes the potential for collaboration and partnership between our two nations.
"It is worthy to note that while this forum seeks to highlight and advance the potential of mutually beneficial partnerships, I wish to state here that we must also ensure that the partnerships are creative and transformative in such a manner that the ordinary citizens of our countries can reap verifiable gains.
"It is on record that Nigeria and the Netherlands have established business ties for decades. There is every need to re-invigorate this relationship. This is a call for creativity on the part of all of us," the President said.
Noting the long history of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands, President Tinubu called for the forging of even stronger bonds, not just in diplomacy but in commerce, innovation, and enterprise.
"Our countries possess unique strengths and resources. It is through collaboration that we can harness these strengths, unlock new opportunities, and drive economic development.
"Together, we have the potential to create synergies that will benefit our present and future generations. We must endeavour to replicate the success stories of various Dutch companies and enterprises by learning and sharing their experiences and approaches for the benefit of all.
"As the world braces up for today’s economic challenges, which in many ways affect our two countries, a creative approach to the search for investment-minded solutions will prove to be the most viable path to the level of sustainable development that we all desire.
"In line with the above vision, I believe that we must endeavour to push this narrative into our daily business activities and to move toward industrial value addition, agribusiness, innovative technology, green energy, marine economic expansion, as well as solid mineral exploitation and processing," the President said.
Rounding off his remarks, President Tinubu emphasized that relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands will henceforth set a new tone and foundation for stronger economic ties between both countries.
"As we engage in discussions and negotiations today, let us do so with a spirit of openness, trust, and mutual respect. Let us listen to one another, learn from each other, and find common ground that will allow us to move forward together in pursuit of our shared prosperity," the President concluded.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
