Breaking: INEC Declares APC's Bola Tinubu Winner Of 2023 Presidential Election

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, as the president-elect of the February 25th Presidential Election.

Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, was declared the president-elect after the 70-year-old polled 8,805,420 votes to win the 2023 presidential election.

The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced Tinubu as the winner at the International Collation Centre in Abuja during the early hours of Wednesday.

Tinubu won the election ahead of other contenders — the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The three leading presidential candidates won in 12 states each while Kwankwaso claimed only Kano State.

Tinubu edged Atiku, a former vice president and his closest challenger, with no fewer than 1.8 million votes.

The 2023 presidential election is the first time that Tinubu contested for the nation’s top job. The former senator left office as a two-term governor of Lagos State in 2007 and is credited with leading the coalition that ousted the PDP from power in 2015 and has extended his influence beyond the South-West region in recent years.

Aside from Tinubu; Obi; Atiku, and Kwankwaso, other candidates that gunned for the nation’s oval office include Dumebi Kachikwu of the African Democratic Congress; Kola Abiola, People’s Redemption Party; Omoyele Sowore, Africa Action Congress; Adewole Adebayo, Social Democratic Party; Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Young Progressive Party; Prof Christopher Imumulen, Accord Party; Prof Peter Umeadi, All Progressives Grand Alliance; and Yusuf Mamman Dan Talle, Allied Peoples Movement.

The list also includes Hamza Al-Mustapha, Action Alliance; Sani Yusuf, Action Democratic Party; Nnnadi Osita, Action Peoples Party; Oluwafemi Adenuga, Boot Party; Osakwe Felix Johnson, National Rescue Movement; and Nwanyanwu Daniel Daberechukwu, Zenith Labour Party.

In the result released in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, in Borno State, Tinubu polled 252,282 votes across the 27 local government areas and was declared the winner by the state Collation Officer, Prof. Jude Rabo.

Atiku and Obi could only garner 190,921 votes and 7,205, respectively while Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party amassed 4,626 votes.

In Rivers State, Tinubu raked in 231,591 votes from 23 LGAs while the LP scored 175, 071 votes and the PDP polled 88, 468 votes.

The Federal Capital Territory, however, proved to be a game changer for the Labour Party, which floored both Tinubu and his PDP counterpart.

Obi’s popularity in Abuja fetched him 281,717 votes while the former Lagos governor and the former VP shared the remaining slots of 90,902 votes and 74,149 respectively. Kwankwaso also polled 4,517 votes.

But Tinubu made up for his losses in some northern and middle belt states which included Zamfara, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Kogi States.

In Benue, the APC amassed 310,468 votes to relegate LP (308,372), PDP (130,081) and NNPP (4,740) to second, third and fourth places.

In Zamfara State, he polled 298,396 votes against LP’s 1,660; NNPP’s 4,044 and the PDP’s 193,978 votes.

As expected, Obi soared above other candidates in Plateau where he won by 466,272 votes compared to APC’s 307,195; PDP’s 243,808 while NNPP settled for 8,869 votes.

The states won by Tinubu so far include Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, Ekiti, Kogi, Benue, Zamfara and Jigawa, while Atiku emerged victorious in Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Adamawa and Akwa Ibom.

On the other hand, Obi has won Lagos, Enugu, Cross River, Nasarawa, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Delta and Plateau states as well as the FCT.

Breaking: House of Reps Majority Leader, Doguwa Arrested In Kano

 

Alhassan Ado Doguwa, House of Representative Leader has been arrested by the police in Kano.

 Mr Doguwa was arrested over alleged role in the killing of several persons and burning of the secretariat of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) during the just concluded polls.

A Police source said Doguwa was picked up at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) while about to board a flight to Abuja.

The source said that the report obtained from the police in Tudun Wada, alleged that Doguwa personally led the thugs that set ablaze the NNPP secretariat where at least two persons were burnt to death.

“He also (allegedly) used the pistol of his orderly and fired at several persons. So we have arrested him in connection to murder and arson.

The source, who is very familiar with the investigation and asked not to be named, said “He is currently cooling off in the state Criminal Investigation Department.”

The police in Kano had confirmed that at least two persons were killed at the campaign secretariat of the NNPP in Tudun Wada after the secretariat was set ablaze.

Doguwa had at a press briefing with journalists before his arrest denied any culpability and said he learnt that police were looking for him but he had not received any formal invitation.

He also denied allegations that he shot at several individuals in the fracas that broke out, saying he does not own a gun nor does he know how to fire one.

“I never held a gun. I don’t even know how to hold a gun. I also never held any weapon throughout the election,” he said.

 

Actor Adeniyi Johnson Welcomes Twins After 7 Years Of Waiting

 

Nollywood actor, Adeniyi Johnson has welcomed a set of twins with his actress wife, Oluwaseyi Edun, after waiting for seven years.

 

 The actor shared the good news via his Instagram page on Monday, which coincided with his birthday.

He wrote, “HALLELUYHA!!! LATEST TWINS DAD IN TOWN……

”My wife and I waited for Seven years… GOD IS INDEED GOD… He planned it as a birthday gift for me… Friends, Family, Fans, well-wishers and Associates I am happy and pleased to announce to you all that I am the latest TWINS DAD!!! My wife is doing fine and Ibeji are doing great… THANK YOU ALL!!!

”This is why I couldn’t post or celebrate my birthday.. I didn’t even remember it’s my birthday… Apologies for not replying messages, taking calls or commenting on your posts I hope this good news will make you pardon me.. I love you all…

”THANK YOU @i_am_shai for these beautiful kids… God keeps and protects them for us… I LOVE YOU BABY

 

Flash: Photos, Fire Razes A Section Of Blue Rail Line In Lagos

A section of the newly-inaugurated Blue Rail Mass Transit project at Marina, Lagos State, has been gutted by fire.

 

 The incident which occurred on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, had caused people to take to their heels, causing a stampede.

It was gathered that many misconstrued the fire incident as an explosion and scampered for safety.

But reports said that the fire affected only the section that housed a generator used in the facility.

Also, no life was lost and no one was injured, as the fire was quickly put out by firefighters from both the Federal and State fire stations before it could spread to other sections.

 

 

 

 

2023 Election: Governor Ben Ayade Loses Senatorial Seat To PDP Agom-Jarigbe

Governor Ben Ayade has lost his bid to return to the Senate following his defeat by the incumbent senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe.

Mr Ayade, who was in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, lost the National Assembly elections conducted on Saturday with 56,595 votes against Agom-Jarigbe’s of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 76,145 votes.

The returning officer, Emmanuel Emanghe, who spoke on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced the result for the polls around 3:05 a.m. on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Agom-Jarigbe, a two-time member of the House of Representatives, was elected into the Senate through a bye-election in September 2021 following the death of Rose Okoh.

Mr Ayade, who is serving out his two-term as governor of the state, sought to

replace Mr Agom-Jarigbe as the Senator representing Northern senatorial district of Cross River. However, the re-elected senator could not be issued the declaration form after his declaration by the retuning officer.

Banky W, Obanikoro Lose As Labour Party Wins Eti-Osa Federal Constituency Seat

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Labour party candidate, Thaddeus Attah, the winner of the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

 

 According to Prof Funmilayo Odukoya, who is the INEC Returning Officer, Attah polled a total of 24,075 votes to defeat his main rival, entertainer, Olubankole Wellington aka Banky W of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who gathered 18,666 votes, and Mr Babjide Obanikoro of the APC, who had 16, 901 votes.

 

Tinubu Supporters In Lagos Are gluttons, Refused To Vote Unless Mobilised – APC Youth Leader, Dayo Israel Lament

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader, Dayo Israel has berated Bola Tinubu supporters in Lagos, describing them as gluttons, while lamenting his party’s bad run in the presidential election.

 

 Mr Isreal made this statement in a tweet on Monday, reacting to a Twitter user @Yusrah Yusuf, who expressed disappointment in APC’s performance in Lagos.

“Our people sometimes can be Alatenuje. Most people refuse to come out because of mobilisation. Some expect others have come out so they don’t need to.

“Progressives in Lagos, wake up, we have the numbers, get out the vote and stop waiting for mobilisation. E jade E fibo soro,” Mr Israel said.

This comes as Peter Obi of the Labour Party maintained slim lead ahead of the APC presidential candidate, Mr Tinubu, in a hotly contested election.

A former two-term governor of Lagos State, during campaign, Mr Tinubu had bragged that he would win Lagos with a wild margin, calling Mr Obi his tenant.

However, Mr Obi, a perceived underdog, is racing to demystify the former Lagos State governor who pride himself as Jagaban of Nigeria.

 

Popular Nigerian Automobile Tycoon, Lanre Shittu, Is Dead

 

Popular Nigerian Automobile tycoon, Lanre Shittu has died.

 

Mr Shittu, who was one of Nigeria’s prominent automobile dealers and socialites, passed away Monday morning at age 65.

He was a successful entrepreneur and the number one dealer of Mack trucks in Africa, holding the sole franchise for Mack brand vehicles in Nigeria and also the only dealer of Sany heavy duty equipment and Yutong buses in Nigeria.

The successful business man was also a licensed dealer of KIA, NISSAN, Jinbei Buses, and was the leading supplier of genuine spare parts to automobile dealers in Nigeria and others.

 

Lokulo Sodipe, Court Of Appeal Justice Slumps And Dies In Court

 

A Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Lokulo-Sodipe has been confirmed dead today at the age of 67.

Justice Lokulo-Sodipe who was until his demise one of the Justices at the Court of Appeal, Akure Division is said to have slumped while dressing up in his Chambers for today’s matter. Attempts to resuscitate him failed, as he reportedly gave up the ghost on the way to the hospital.

The Late Justice was born on the 18th of February, 1956 and was appointed to the Appellate Court on the 15th of February, 2008.

He is from Abeokuta South in Ogun State, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1979.

He is widely regarded as a hardworking Judge and a masterful writer of judgements.

 

 

Governor Ortom Loses Senatorial Race To Ex-aide, Titus Zam

 

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom (PDP), has lost the election into the Benue Northwest Senatorial seat to his former aide, Titus Zam of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

 Declaring the result, the Returning Officer, Rufus Shaa’ato, said Mr Zam polled 143,151 votes to beat Mr Ortom, who polled 106,882 votes, while Mark Gbillah of the Labour Party (LP) polled 51,950 votes.

Mr Shaa’ato stated that Mr Zam was declared the winner, having satisfied the electoral law requirements.

Mr Zam was Mr Ortom’s Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from 2015 to 2017.

Relatedly, Mr Shaa’ato declared Mr Dickson Tarkighir of APC winner of the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency election.

The returning officer, who gave the breakdown, said as Mr Tarkighir polled 49,511 votes to beat Bem Mzondu (PDP), who polled 43,803 and Jerry Agber of LP, who polled 23,414 votes, respectively.

Reacting to his victory, Mr Zam said the era of imposing non-performing candidates on the masses was over, stressing that the people were now politically conscious and would vote out ineffective representatives.

 

Appeal Court Rejects Abba Kyari’s Bail Request

 

The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court has dismissed an appeal by disgraced police chief Abba Kyari, who sought to reverse the Federal High Court’s refusal of his bail application.

 

 A three-member panel dismissed the suit for lacking merit on Friday.

The Justice Stephen Adah-led panel held that the bail request should be handled cautiously following the nature of the charges against him.

On August 30, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, dismissed Mr Kyari’s fresh bail application.

The judge held that the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police gave insufficient grounds for the application to be granted.

Mr Kyari, charged by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for drug offences, sought another bail following the attack on Kuje Correctional Centre by Boko Haram.

NDLEA accused Mr Kyari and four other officers of the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of dealing with part of the 21.8 kilogrammes of cocaine recovered from Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne.

The other officers are Bawa James, Simon Agirgba, John Nuhu, and Sunday Ubua.

Nobody Can Give 100 Percent Assurance INEC Database Can’t Be Hacked — Jega

 

Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has said that hacking the database of the electoral commission is possible.

He stated this while speaking to Trust TV on issues surrounding the preparedness of INEC ahead of the Saturday polls and issues regarding elections in the country.

For the 2023 general elections, INEC has introduced a novel tool, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

BVAS is an electronic device designed to read Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and authenticate voters – using the voters’ fingerprints – in order to prove that they are eligible to vote at a particular polling unit.

The device will also be used to automatically send the number of verified voters for each polling unit, directly to the INEC database.

Commenting on the effectiveness of BVAS, the former INEC chairman commended the level of preparedness by the electoral body, but said he could not guarantee that the commission’s database can’t be hacked.

He said, “You see, in this modern age, nobody can give you 100 per cent assurance that a database cannot be hacked, unless the database is not online.

“In 2015, when we did the elections, our database wasn’t online. But now, particularly because there’s the issue of electronic transmission of results, it has to be online.

“But all over the world, databases are used and they are relatively safe to be used because people now deploy effective cyber-security systems.”

He added that INEC had confirmed employing an excellent cyber security for their databases.

“And INEC had said consistently, that knowing the political terrain, they have also got the best cyber security for the databases that they have. And we have to believe that they’ve done their best.

“It doesn’t mean it will be 100 per cent secure, but I know that whoever uses a database, also uses a security alternative which virtually nobody knows,” he said.

Jega also described the ongoing naira notes scarcity in the country as a poor decision by the government, saying the cashless policy at the time of general election was ill-timed.

“From my experience, cash is required because at the time I did the election in 2015, we deployed 750,000 ad-hoc staff. And this category of staff are required to spend the night at where’s called RAC, that’s Registration Area Centre.

“They will also be there at their various polling units, maybe from 6:00am until hopefully 7:00pm or even longer. So they need to have something to eat. All these people will need cash, because there are most likely no ATM or POS machine to withdraw.

“So cash is a necessary requirement for the operational readiness of INEC on election day. So the cashless policy is ill-timed,” he said.

Update: Finland Police Release Simon Ekpa After Hours Of Arrest, Cross-Examination

 

Simon Ekpa, controversial pro-Biafra separatist and agitator, has been released by the Finnish police hours after he was arrested and grilled.

 

 Nuella's News had earlier reported that the Finland authorities on Thursday stormed an apartment in Lahti and picked Ekpa, the self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to a Finland news outlet HS, the police escorted the separatist out of his apartment in Lahti.

The platform had claimed that they had gone to Ekpa’s residence for an interview but to their surprise, the Finland police, KRP, answered when the HS team rang the separatist bell.

The HS said the KRP prevented their team from entering Ekpa’s apartment and said that the interview would be moved “to the future”.

Meanwhile, Ekpa was later released on Thursday evening after the police allegedly arrested him for a suspected crime in Finland.

The police claimed that its operation in Lahti and the subsequent arrest of the pro-Biafra agitator were in connection with the ongoing preliminary investigation.

“The person being questioned today is suspected of a crime. We will return to the title on Friday,” Tommi Reen from the Central Criminal Police told HS during a phone interview.

When contacted earlier, an official of the Finnish Embassy in Abuja who craves anonymity confirmed Ekpa’s arrest.

“It is our understanding that he is currently in police custody in Finland,”

“According to information available to us, the image is verified by Helsingin Sanomat, a Finnish newspaper; in it, Ekpa is seen being escorted out of his home in Lahti by plainclothes Finnish police”, the official volunteered.

Before his eventual arrest on Thursday, Nigerians all over the world had signed a petition appealing to the Finnish government, Nigerian Government and the European Union to arrest Ekpa, the brain behind the sit-at-home order in the South-East.

His repeated sit-at-home order has been marked by bloodshed and destruction of lives and properties in the region by its enforcers.

 

Embattled Singer, R. Kelly Bags Fresh 20 years’ Imprisonment For Child Sex Crimes

 

Embattled American singer, Robert Kelly known as R. Kelly was on Thursday convicted and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty by a jury for child pornography and enticement of a minor.

 

Kelly, already serving a federal 30-year sentence after he was found guilty on three counts of production of child pornography and three counts of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity in a federal trial last year, was found guilty of sexual molestation of a minor.

In the latest guilty verdict, the prosecutions were able to produce concrete video evidence, showing the R&B singer sexually abusing his 14-year-old goddaughter, the New York times reported. The evidence was enough to convince the jury to find him guilty.

Handing out the judgement today, U.S.District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber sentenced the 56-year-old to 20 years’ imprisonment in which 19 of those 20-year would be served concurrently with his earlier sentence instead of the 25 years sentence the prosecutors had demanded.

The remaining one year would be served consecutively, or after that sentence is completed.

“Robert Kelly is a serial sexual predator who, over the course of many years, specifically targeted young girls and went to great lengths to conceal his abuse of Jane and other minor victims. To this day, and even following the jury verdict against him, Kelly refuses to accept responsibility for his crimes,” the prosecutors argued.

The father-of-three remained silent from almost the entirety of the sentencing hearing and also refused to speak on his own behalf.

 

Ike Ekweremadu Didn’t Tell Me I Was Coming For Kidney Transplant – Victims Tells Court

 

The organ harvesting trial of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu before a UK court has taken another twist as the victim has alleged that he was not told about any kidney transplant that need to be done before being brought to the European country by the Nigerian lawmaker.

 

 The 21-year-old Lagos street trader had accused Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, of flying him to London to harvest his organ for their 25-year-old daughter Sonia, who has a kidney condition.

Appearing before an Old Bailey court, the victim said he was sleeping rough for three nights before he turned up at Staines Police Station in May last year pleading for help.

After jurors saw a photograph of him smiling and sharing a meal with the alleged recipient, Sonia Ekweremadu, the 25-year-old daughter of senior Nigerian politician Ike Ekweremadu, the Old Bailey court heard that he ran away after doctors decided he was not a suitable candidate.

However, in a body-worn footage shown in court on Tuesday, February 21, he appeared to be crying and distressed when he walked into the police station and spoke to a woman on reception. He told the woman repeatedly he had “no papers” having been brought into the country by a man he met in Lagos.

He said at the police station;
“He carried me to hospital to remove my kidneys. The doctor said I was too young but the man said if you do not do it here he would carry me back to Nigeria and do it there.

“I don’t know anywhere, I don’t know where I am. I was sleeping three days outside around, looking for someone to help me, save my life.”

Addressing jurors, he said; “Nobody told me about kidney transplant.”

In a video-taped interview, he told police he was treated like a “slave” at the house in London where he was staying. He claimed he was told he had to go ahead with the operation in exchange for N1.2 million (around £2,000).

The victim added “I was afraid because I don’t know what they are going to do to me.”

Prosecutors also told the court that though the victim was given money, he had nowhere to stay so decided to ask for directions to a police station.

Ike Ekweremadu, 60, his wife Beatrice, 56, Sonia

 

3days To Election, Enugu Labour Party Senatorial Candidate, Oyibo Chukwu Shot, Set Ablaze

 

Three days to election, the family of Enugu Labour Party Senatorial Candidate, Oyibo Chukwu has been thrown into mourning.

 Report says Mr Oyi o Chukwu, who is running for the seat of a senator in Enugu state has been shot and set ablaze.

It was gathered Mr Oyibo died in the process

Mr Oyibo Chukwu who was a lawyer, was said to have been attacked while returning from a campaign trip.

It was gathered that Oyibo Chukwu was said to have been burnt inside his vehicle, but it was not yet known how many people were with him in the vehicle. The incident happened at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area on Wednesday evening, February 22.

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Chijioke Edeoga, who confirmed the unfortunate incident, said that the gunmen shot him inside his vehicle with five other people with him and set the car ablaze.

“It is true that our senatorial candidate for Enugu East senatorial district for Saturday’s election has been killed. They (gunmen) shot him and five others and set them ablaze.

“Our party members are being targeted for assassination by political parties that felt threatened by the rise of the Labour Party in the state and are afraid they may lose Saturday’s election.”

Morris Monye, a member of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, also confirmed the attack in a tweet on the micro-blogging site, Twitter on Wednesday evening, February 22, 2023.

The former Presidential aspirant tweeted: “Information about the attack is still very sketchy but a top Labour Party member has confirmed the attack on Oyibo Chukwu but said he should not be quoted until the family speaks.

“News is filtering in that LP Senatorial Candidate for Enugu East, Chief. Bar Oyibo Chukwu has been shot and killed. The vehicle he was traveling in was set ablaze.

“He was growing in popularity

“His opponents are Chimaroke Nnamani (PDP) and Ada Ogbu (APC).”

It was also learned that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Uche Nnaji was also attacked at the spot where the Labour candidate was killed.

The attack on Oyibo Chukwu is coming a few days before the 2023 election slated for Saturday, February 25.

 

Governors Are Devastated By New Naira Policy Because They Can’t Buy Votes Again – Sanusi

 

Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi, claims governors are angry with the new naira policy because they will not be able to buy votes during the February 25 and March 11 elections.

 

 On Sunday, Mr Sanusi advised would-be voters to disregard the governors and other politicians’ opposition to the naira swap.

“It is the politicians’ plan to leverage the people’s poor conditions to buy their votes during the election period,” said the former emir of Kano. “That is why they are suffering the most from the naira redesign policy as they will not be able to use the money stolen over all these years to buy the people’s votes, bribe the police, the judges.”

Mr Sanusi added, “Therefore, the naira redesign has affected their plans for the coming election since they cannot bring the money to the open for swapping. Their criticism of the policy is not for the good of Nigerians but for themselves.”

He stressed that “this election is not about who has more money, political influence, or thuggery. It is about ensuring good governance.”

 

LASU Staff Slumps, Dies While Queuing To Withdraw New Naira Notes

 

A Grade Level 13 officer with the Lagos State University(LASU) Ojo, Mr Ademola Adesola has reportedly slumped and died while queuing in a bank within the university to withdraw N5,000 of new notes as officially pegs by the bank for an individual account holder.

According to the Head of the Publicity and Public Relations Unit of the university, Mr Jeariogbe Olaniyi, in a chat with Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, the incident was unfortunate.

He said that the late Adesola drove himself to the school in the morning and around 11.30 am, he left the office for the bank to collect money from his account while waiting, he slumped and died in the process.

He said the deceased spent only about 30 minutes or thereabouts in the queue when he suddenly collapsed and could not be revived. He said he was rushed to the university clinic for attention but all efforts to revive him back to life proved abortive.

Buhari Has Met Citizens’ Expectations, Nigeria Now Better Under His Government – Minister Of Information, Lai Mohammed Boast

 

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime has made tremendous progress.

 

 According to Mr Mohammed, Nigeria is now better than before 2015 when the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power.

Mr Mohammed said this on Monday when he was featured on Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) live programme, “Good Morning Nigeria.”

During the programme, the minister said Mr Buhari’s government had met the expectations of Nigerians and was true to its mandate given the time frame and circumstances.

He said that attempts to de-market the government and the country were the handiwork of die-hard naysayers and a vocal minority.

Speaking on the administration’s achievements, the minister said in 2015, the entire North-East region was inaccessible, and 20 of the 27 local government areas in Borno were under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.

He said presently, no portion or part of Nigeria’s territory was under the occupation and control of insurgents.

Mr Mohammed recalled that in 2015, Nigeria was the number one importer of rice from Thailand, but with the current administration’s policies and programmes on agriculture, the country is self-sufficient in the staple and food in general.

He said millions of farmers had been empowered with the Anchor Borrowers Programme while the number of rice mills in the country had increased from two in 2015 to 60 presently

The minister said under the administration’s social intervention programmes, 10 million pupils were fed daily while two million households benefitted from Conditional Cash Transfers, among others.

Mr Mohammed said the administration had constructed 17,000 km of new roads and rehabilitated 8,000 km across the country

“We completed the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, as well as the second Niger bridge, which was a mirage for more than three decades.

“Also for more than three decades, Nigerians did not know what it means to travel by train until the Buhari government came to power.

“In spite of all the sabotage, today we have working, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, Abuja-Kaduna railway and Ajaokuta-Warri railway which were not in existence before we came,’’ he said.

The minister said Mr Buhari’s government would continue to build a progressive and prosperous nation and would not be cowed or intimidated by the naysayers.

 

Four Days To Election, House Of Representatives Candidate, Ado Isah Dies

 

Alhaji Kamilu Ado Isah, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate in Wudil/Garko House of Representatives Constituency of Kano State has reportedly died.

 

 Isah, a former Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), died on Monday following a brief illness.

This is coming four days before the general elections for president, senators, and the House of Representatives.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Presidential candidate of the NNPP, described his death as shocking and a huge vacuum that cannot be filled in a condolence message to his family, Daily Trust reports.

He stated that the candidate devoted his time, wealth, and energy to the success of the party and his immediate community, pleading with God Almighty to forgive his flaws.

“I am saddened by the loss of Hon. Kamilu Ado Isah, the NNPP House of Representatives Candidate for Wudil/Garko constituency.

“May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal peace. My condolence to his family, friends and the NNPP Kano Chapter,” he said.

The deceased was buried in Kano according to Islam rites.

Nigeria will hold general elections on February 25, 2023, to elect the President and Vice President, as well as members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

 

I’m Suffering, My Wife Has No Money To Cook Food – Former Abia Governor, Orji Kalu Cries Out Over Naira Scarcity

 

Former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu has decried the challenges the monetary policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria has thrown Nigerians into.

 

 Kalu, who spoke while featuring on Channels TV on Monday night, said the cash scarcity has hit his home hard to an extent that they could hardly cook food because they could not get enough money.

“You can see the policy is right but I don’t keep money in my house. I am suffering.

“The other day, my house manager told my wife in Abuja that we have no money to cook food. My wife was virtually roaming around and we feed over 250 people every day. It is a problem to me and to everybody.”

Although, the Senator representing Abia North, said if he was the president he would have obeyed the Supreme Court decision, he insisted the cash crunch would not affect the chances of his party, All Progressives Congress from winning the Saturday’s presidential election.

He said, “This is why if I am in the position of the Mr President as I have told you before, I will listen to the Supreme Court judgement. The Supreme Court to me, whether they are right or wrong, Mr President should obey the law and ask his Attorney General to put a review to the Supreme Court.”

SaharaReporters had reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria had in late 2022 introduced the new naira notes – N200, N500 and N1000 to replace the now old banknotes.

The issuance of the new notes started in December 2022 and to last to January 31, 2023. Because of complaints of scarcity of the new currency notes, CBN extended deadline for swapping or returning the old notes to deposit money banks to February 10.

Although, Nigerians have been crying over the scarcity of the new notes, sleeping in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) points, the apex bank had maintained that it printed enough new N200, N500, and N1,000 notes to go around.

The banker’s bank, however, claims that politicians are hoarding the new notes.

 

Naira Redesign Will Hurt Politicians More Than Ordinary Nigerians – Sanusi

 

The 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, has urged Nigerians to support the Naira redesign and cashless policy of the apex bank.

 In a statement addressed to Nigerians on Monday, February 20, Sanusi stated that people should be careful not to fall for the manipulation of politicians.

Sanusi who further revealed that the policy was not new and has been in the pipeline for over ten years, added that it has made the “loot stashed away by politicians useless.”

Warning: Abort Any Plans Of Disrupting The 2023 General Elections –Chief Of Army Staff

 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has warned criminals and thugs to stay away from and desist from causing infractions in the 2023 election’.

The COAS gave the warning at the inauguration of 73 new participants of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 7/2023 and the Inaugural Lecture of the college on Friday in Abuja.

Gen Yahaya assured Nigerians of the loyalty of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to protect its integrity and ensure a peaceful exercise.

He said, “As we move towards the 2023 general elections, I want to assure the nation of the commitment of the Nigerian army along with the other services and our stakeholders, of our preparedness to provide a conducive environment for a free, fair and credible election.

Criminals, thugs, hooligans and miscreants are advised in their own interest, not to interfere with the elections as the law-abiding citizens and good people of Nigeria go to the polls to freely exercise their constitutional right to vote”.

Naira Swap Policy: El-Rufai, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, Others Drag Federal Government To Supreme Court

 

The Governors of Kaduna, Ogun, and Lagos alongside seven other states have approached the Supreme Court to abrogate the insistence of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Government on continuing the implementation of the cash swap policy against the existing court pronouncement.

 

 This action of the governors becomes the latest in efforts to salvage the country’s constitutional order and respect for the rule of law as it continues to dwindle under the highhanded Muhammadu Buhari regime.

In the suit marked SC/CV/162/2023, the plaintiffs through their counsel, A.J. Owonikoko, are praying the apex court to declare that Mr Buhari’s state address, which aired last Thursday, is unconstitutional.

In the face of brewing anarchy which has rocked different cities across the country and untold economic hardship for many Nigerians, Mr Buhari disclosed in his address that his regime and the CBN will not rescind its position to take old N1,000 and N500 notes out of circulation.

The president’s statement, according to analysts, was an insult to the country’s highest court and a disregard for the nation’s democratic order.

In a suit brought by state governors against the regime, the Supreme Court earlier ruled that all parties should maintain the status quo until the suit is resolved and that the old N1,000, N500, and N200 notes should remain legal tender.

The suing governors described Mr Buhari’s pronouncement as an “unconstitutional overreach and usurpation of the judicial power.”

“Contrary to the order of the Honourable Court, the substantive 1st defendant through the President of the Federation, and its agent, the Central Bank of Nigeria, have repeatedly released statements that the old Naira Notes are no longer legal tender, hence resulting in misleading the general public on what the status quo to be complied with, pendente lite, should be,” the suit read.

 

Naira Scarcity: Sex Workers Lament Low Patronage, Says Customers Pay With Fake Bank Alerts

 

In Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, some commercial sex workers have decried low patronage in their business due to the scarcity of naira notes.

 

 Those who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Sunday said the scarcity of the notes was a threat and had crippled their businesses.

They said that although the currency swap policy was commendable, the current mode of implementation was a challenge to their business.

Alexandra Tricia (pseudo name), a commercial sex worker, said her customers had reduced drastically due to the current ‘no cash syndrome.’

She described the development as both frustrating and slow for the business.

“Some of my customers will come, and after negotiations, they will ask if I have an account so they can transfer the money to me.

“When I give them the account number, they will press their phones and tell me that they have transferred some money.

“The worst part of it is that you will see their own alert in their phones, but most times you will not get your own alert,” she said.

According to her, some customers demand their service despite the fake alerts.

“Infact, there is one of my colleagues that a customer sent a transfer alert to, but up till now, the money is still pending but she has serviced the man,” she said.

Another sex worker, Ifedi Ote (pseudo name), a university dropout, said many of her colleagues in the business had left temporarily due to the current cash crunch.

She said the development had caused customers with little cash to pay “next to nothing” for their services.

“Clients who have cash will price you as low as N1,500 to N3,000.

“When you refuse, they will tell you that the amount is the only cash they have on them, and because I need cash, I will be forced to accept the price,” she said.

She, however, lauded the naira policy, saying it will curb crimes.

Another commercial sex worker, Tracy Ehigbere, appealed to the authorities concerned to urgently address issues around the currency swap policy.

 

Tinubu Will Build On APC’s ‘Achievements’ In Nigeria – Buhari

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to vote for his party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu in Saturday’s presidential election.

 

 This was stated in a public notice shared by his Special Assistant on Digital Communications and the Deputy Director, Special Media Projects/New Media, APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Bashir Ahmad via Twitter on Sunday evening

According to the notice, Buhari said Tinubu will build on his “achievements of the last seven years” as the president of the country if elected as his successor during the forthcoming poll.

He said, “Fellow Nigerians, I want to use this opportunity to once again thank you for electing me to be your President on two occasions.

“I am not a contestant in this election, but my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has a candidate in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As I mentioned before, Tinubu is a true believer in Nigeria, who loves the people and the development of our country.

“I am calling on all of you to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is reliable and I trust he will build on our achievements.

“Finally, I want to once again assure you that I am fully aware of the current hardship you are facing as a result of some policies of the government which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country.”

“I am appealing to you to exercise further patience as we take appropriate measures to ease these hardships. God willing, there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” the statement added.

 

Buhari Is Plotting coup d’etat In Nigeria To Be Led By Retired Army General – Governor El-Rufai Claims

 

According to Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufia, the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is plotting to instigate a military coup in Nigeria in order to avoid transferring power to a civilian administration when his tenure expires in May 2023.

 

 Mr El-Rufai’s statement on Thursday night marked a sharp escalation of the ongoing confrontation between states and the Buhari administration over the raging scarcity of new notes and petroleum products.

Mr El-Rufai, in a nationwide broadcast to Kaduna residents, said Mr Buhari has become desperate to ensure that Mr Tinubu does not emerge Nigeria’s president at the ballot box next month, saying it was the reason behind the sudden and chaotic attempt at withdrawing some important national banknotes from circulation.

“Once Asiwaju Bola Tinubu emerged as the candidate in June 2022 and subsequently did not pick one of them as his running mate, this currency redesign policy was conceived to ensure that the APC presidential candidate is deprived of what they alleged is a humongous war chest.

“They also sought to achieve any one or more of the following objectives:

“a. Create a nationwide shortage of cash so that citizens are incited to vote against APC candidates across the board resulting in massive losses for the Party in all the elections;

“b. Ensure that the cash crunch is so serious, along with the contrived and enduring fuel shortage existing since September 2022, that the 2023 Elections do not hold at all, leading to an Interim National Government to be led by a retired Army General;

“c. Sustain the climate of shortage of fuel, food and other necessities, leading to mass protests, violence and breakdown of law and order that would provide a fertile foundation for a military take-over,” Mr El-Rufai said.

A spokesman for the president did not immediately return a request seeking comments.

The announcement came hours after Mr Buhari addressed the nation on Thursday morning, saying his administration would consider relaxing the draconian currency redesign policy by allowing only the N200 notes to return to circulation. The N500 and N1,000 notes will not be returned as legal tender in Nigeria, Mr Buhari said.

Still, the president’s comment was an affront to a Supreme Court order on the controversy, which said all old notes should remain in circulation. Mr El-Rufai said Kaduna residents should disregard Mr Buhari’s position on the matter and obey the Supreme Court instead by continuing to see the notes as legal tender in the country.

Mr El-Rufai also said Kaduna residents should continue to spend the old naira notes, saying any banks that reject such transactions would be shut down.

“The Kaduna State Government and its agencies shall seal any facility that refuses to accept the old notes as legal tender and prosecute the owners,” Mr El-Rufai said. “If need be, we shall take further consequential actions according to the law.”

 

Governor Ganduje Vows To Destroy Banks In Kano Refusing Old N500, N1,000 Notes

 

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has threatened to destroy any commercial bank in Kano that refuses to accept deposits of old N500 and N1,000 notes.

 

 The governor made the threat on Friday while inspecting palliatives provided to residents in the state to cushion the effect of naira scarcity induced by naira redesign policy of President Muhammadu Buhari regime.

“Any bank that refuses to accept old five hundred and one thousand Naira notes will be destroyed. We will not tolerate such disobedience from any financial institution operating within our jurisdiction,” Mr Ganduje said.

“We will convert the space of the destroyed banks into schools that will provide quality education for our children,” the governor added.

Governor Ganduje’s threat to commercial banks comes hours after the police warned that anyone attacking banks in protest will be treated as an armed robber.

Mr Ganduje’s threat contradicts the naira redesign policy that has made old N500 and N1,000 no longer legal tender in Nigeria.

On Thursday, Mr Ganduje had faulted the naira redesign policy, berating Mr Buhari regime for achieving nothing in eight years, and plotting to destroy the All Progressives Congress (APC) that made him president.

But Mr Buhari regime, through its spokesperson Garba Shehu on Friday, has insisted that the policy has no political undertone but targetted at helping Nigerians elect a president of their choice.

 

Your Government Has Caused Us Pain, We Believe In Supreme Court – Lagos Governor Tackle Buhari

 

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for calm over the ongoing protests rocking different parts of the state.

 

 Sanwo-Olu on Friday said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government had caused people pains, but the state government had joined the suit filed at the Supreme Court and hoped there would be proper ruling by February 22.

The governor made these known in a press release on Friday signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, saying he was on top of the situation.

Earlier today, there were protests and riot in various parts of the state over the hardship caused by the naira redesign policy and the inability of residents to access the new notes.

Areas like Lagos-Ikorodu road, Agege, Iyana-Ipaja, Igando, were all involved in violence that rocked the state.

The governor’s statement read, “The Lagos State Government has noted with deep concern the protests in some parts of the state this morning. The protesters are said to be angry over the naira redesign and its consequent scarcity that has caused so much hardship and confusion among our people.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes there is no need for violence as the Supreme Court is looking into this controversial matter and will make its position known on February 22.

“Lagos State has since joined the legal dispute – all in the interest of our people – in the belief that the highest court in the land has the capacity to adjudicate on the matter. The fuel situation is easing following some steps taken by the government.

“The government praises Lagosians for showing understanding, despite the pains that the Federal Government’s measures have brought. Residents should continue to be law-abiding by shunning any form of incitement by mischief makers. Mr. Governor is working with his colleagues to ensure that this hardship does not go on.”

 

Court Orders Kidnap Kingpin, Evans, To Return €233,000 Ransom To Victim And Pay N50million As Damages

 

A High court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos has ordered kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike aka Evans, to refund the sum of €233,000 ransom he collected from one of his victims, Chief Donatus Dunu.

 

 Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi on Wednesday, February 15, also ordered the convicted kidnapper to pay N50 million as general dameges in favour of the Claimant.

Evans abducted Dunu, who is a pharmacist, on February 14, 2017. Duru later escaped from captivity after the convicted kidnapper took €233,000 from his family.

Upon his escape, Dunu, who is the CEO of Maydon Pharmaceutical Company, filed a suit demanding the return of the sum of £223,000 he paid as ransom while in the custody of the kidnap kingpin. He also demanded the sum of N50 million as damages.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Ogunjobi held, “I accept the unchallenged and uncontroverted evidence of the Claimant and his witnesses. The evidence support the reliefs sought by the Claimant.

Consequently, the Claimant is entitled to be paid or repaid and or recover from the Defendant, the sum of €233,000 ransom coercively paid by the Claimant to Defendant when the Defendant kidnapped the Claimant in the year 2017 and held the Claimant hostage for months.

The sum of N50million is awarded as general damages in favour of the Claimant against the Defendant.

Post judgment interest is awarded on the said sum of €233,000 at the rate of 10% per annum from judgment i.e. 14th of February, 2023 until final liquidation.

The adjudged said sum of €233,000 and N50,000,000 is hereby ordered to be paid or recovered from the Assets of the Defendant. This is the Judgment of the Court.”

The court however refused the claim for prejudgement interest of 40 percent per annum on the €233,000.

 

I Can’t Reconcile With Atiku Again – Governor Wike

 

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has maintained that there is nothing like a last-minute deal or reconciliation between the G-5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

 

 Speaking on Thursday at his residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital in a media chat with Channels TV crew, Governor Wike also said he is not ready to sit down with Atiku or any member of his camp for reconciliation with the G-5 governors or the Integrity Group under the leadership of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

The G5 governors are Wike of Rivers, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

Speaking during the media chat monitored by SaharaReporters, Wike noted that he owes nobody an apology to have hosted the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu in Port Harcourt on Wednesday after his (Tinubu’s) rally in the state.

Governor Wike, who was asked if there was any possibility that the G5 governors would have a last-minute deal with Atiku before the presidential election on February 25, 2023, said, “No, we can’t do that; it’s over! We have said it and there is nothing anybody can do about it now. They believe they can win the election. I am not ready to sit down with anybody again.”

Governor Wike said the G-5 governors have their own strategies and “not all of us will do the talking. That others are quiet does not mean we are not together. We know what all of us have agreed.

“We cannot tell you the approach. Forget about what people are saying, the 25th is here. Everybody will see it.”

 

Pastor Dies Attempting To Recreate Jesus’ 40-Day Fast

 

A pastor in Mozambique, Francisco Barajah, has died after attempting to fast for 40 days like Jesus was said to have done after his baptism, according to a report shared on Thursday.

 

 Barajah, who founded the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church in the central province of Manica, was unable to stand, bathe or walk by the end of his fast, Noticias Online reports.

He passed away at the hospital in the city of Beira on Wednesday.

Relatives and friends became concerned about Barajah’s health as he visibly deteriorated, ultimately deciding to intervene in his fatal act of faith.

A local report of Barajah’s attempt to recreate the fast said he was foregoing water as well as food. The pastor, who also worked as a French school teacher, was said to have developed “severe anaemia,” had internal organ damage and was unable to digest food.

It adds that one of Barajah’s neighbours said the clergyman had become sick on the 25th day of his fast, but that his health became much worse on the 38th day. Medics reportedly attempted to rehydrate and nourish Barajah with liquid foods, but to no avail. His followers were said to be unsurprised by the news of his death after seeing his extreme weight loss.

 

Naira Scarcity Created To Stop Tinubu From Winning Presidential election: Gbajabiamila

 

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiama has said the current hardship occasioned by fuel and naira scarcity to “elements” bent on scuttling APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu’s victory at the February 25 poll.

 

 Mr Gbajabiamila stated this in Lagos on Tuesday during the launching of the second phase of a transport initiative called ‘Gbaja Ride’ for his Surulere constituents. The 35 low-fare buses will ply different routes in Surulere and its environs.

“As your representative and speaker, I have a good understanding of the current hardships and discomfort being faced by many Nigerians, without exception to my constituents,” Mr Gbajabiamila explained. “The lower legislative chamber under my leadership has been on the side of the people, working tirelessly to rescue them from these difficulties. I am glad that the judiciary has also confirmed our position on the implementation of the policy of naira redesign.”

He explained that the new naira banknotes policy was a well-thought-out one, which had unfortunately been hijacked and politicised, alleging that some elements created a crisis around the policy to stop Mr Tinubu from becoming the next president.

Mr Gbajabiamila said the plot seemed to be failing as Nigerians still keep faith with the APC and Mr Tinubu despite the chaos following the naira scarcity.

“Nobody can convince me that it is not a plot to stop Asiwaju from becoming the president of this country. But I am glad that our God is a wonderful being as the plot these people sat together to hatch, he has intervened,” said Mr Gbajabiamila.

He added, “I have followed the campaign team to the East, North and everywhere with Asiwaju, and I doff my hat for Nigerians.”

 

Emefiele’s Naira Policy Has Dropped Out APC Rating Drastically – Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu Lament

 

The Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has knocked the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, saying he (Emefiele) planned to disrupt the 2023 general elections.

 Governor Akeredolu said Emefiele is not fit to head the apex bank.

Akeredolu explained that the CBN governor ought to have been booted from office when he showed interest in contesting for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

This was made known by the governor while receiving members of the Youth Directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, of the APC led by Seyi Tinubu.

The governor who affirmed that the rating of the APC drastically dropped with the naira and fuel shortages in the country, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct Emefiele to reverse the naira redesign policy now, adding that the new and old notes should be allowed to co-exist.

He said despite an existing court injunction, the old notes seem to have ceased to be legal tender in the country.

“We have a problem we are facing in this country today. Our rating as a party is not that favourable. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy?

“Okada, taxis, banks are not taking old notes again. There is an injunction, and everyone is behaving like there is no injunction,” he said.

 

Buhari Extends Deadline Of Old N200 Notes As Legal Tender Till April 10

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the continued use of old N200 notes as legal tender till April 10, extending the deadline for the note by 60 days.

 

That means the deadline for the old N500 and N1,000 notes remains February 10, 2023, despite the Supreme Court ruling temporarily suspending the deadline.

The old N200 notes will be used alongside the new N500 and N1,000 notes and other notes that were not changed.

The President gave this directive during a nationwide address on Thursday morning amid the scarcity of the newly redesigned N200, N500 and N1,000 notes which has led to hardship for Nigerians and adversely affected businesses.

 

I Promise To Emulate Buhari’s Incorruptible Nature – Tinubu Vows

 

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has promised to ensure prudent management of Nigeria’s resources, as well as build on President Muhammadu Buhari’s “incorruptible” nature.

Addressing party supporters at a rally in Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Tuesday, Mr Tinubu promised to continue with Mr Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign if voted into power in the February 25 election.

“To you, I make the pledge that the incorruptible attitude of President Muhammadu Buhari will continue,” the former Lagos governor said. “We will prudently manage your resources and increase your revenue generation capacity.”

He also pledged to invest in education for youths, promising to make Imo a tourism destination in the country.

“We have come to assure you that we will break the shackles of poverty and ignorance. You can depend on us. Vote for APC. We will make Imo a destination for tourism,” he added.

Speaking, Abdullahi Adamu, the APC national chairman, thanked the supporters for coming out en masse to welcome the campaign team and reassured them of the party’s commitment to the provision of security and economic emancipation.

Also, Governor Hope Uzodimma thanked Mr Buhari for extending the delivery of dividends of democracy to the state through the upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, to a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

He also thanked Mr Buhari for approving the construction of a naval base in Oguta, the reconstruction of the Owerri-Orlu, Owerri-Okigwe and Owerri -Umuahia dual carriage expressway as well as the upgrading of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a University.

Adams Oshiomhole, former APC national chairman, called on the people to give their votes to the APC for the continuation of the good works of the present government, as evidenced in the construction of critical infrastructure such as the Niger bridge.

On his part, the president thanked the people for their continued support and expressed hope that Tinubu would emerge victorious in the poll.

Old Naira Notes Remain Legal Tender, Says Supreme Court

 

The Supreme Court has reaffirm it’s Order on the suspension of the February 10 deadline for the use old naira notes

The court also adjourned the hearing of the case brought against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the naira redesign policy to Wednesday 22nd of February.

With the adjournment, Nigerians are left wondering whether or not the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes remain legal tender.

The court session held on Wednesday provided clarity on the issue.

Abdulhakeem Mustapha, counsel to Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara, asked the court to make an order directing the federal government not to implement a deadline on the old notes.

However, a seven-member panel of the apex court led by John Okoro, said there was no need to issue a fresh order as “the interim order is pending the hearing on the motion on notice”.

Reacting to the pronouncement, Adeola Adedipe, a lawyer, said the federal government is still bound by the supreme court ruling until the suit is heard and determined.

“It simply means that the interim order subsists pending the determination of that motion having not been set aside,” he added.

“And if it is perceived that any organ of government that ought to comply with it is in breach, then the plaintiffs know what to do. Which is to commence enforcement proceedings. But the court won’t tell them that.”

Ruling on an ex parte application brought by three states: Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara, the supreme court, on February 8, restrained the CBN from giving effect to the deadline on the use of old notes.

The court issued an interim injunction “restraining the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the commercial banks from suspending or determining or ending on 10 February, the time frame with which the now older version of the 200, 500 and 1,000 denominations of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction”.

Abubakar Malami. attorney-general of the federation (AGF), the sole respondent in the suit, subsequently filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

However, Malami said the federal government would obey the order in line with the rule of law.

Despite the assurance to comply with the order, some commercial banks, filling stations, and traders have stopped accepting the old naira notes from customers.