Fidelity Bank to help Schools prepare for New School Session with Edu Loan Product

 

As the summer break winds down, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has emphasised its devotion to help schools prepare adequately for the next session and deliver quality education.

Through its bespoke product known as the Fidelity Edu Loan, administrators of registered private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria can access loans of up to N180million.

In a chat with journalists, Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede said, “At Fidelity Bank, we recognize the pivotal role quality education plays in the development of any nation and this informed our introduction of the Fidelity Edu Loan. Through the offering, privately-run educational institutions can access loans at a friendly rate for working capital needs like minor renovation on their school property, financing the purchase of school supplies like books, teaching materials, furniture or uniforms; and making salary payments.

“Similarly, schools can leverage the Fidelity Edu Loan to purchase fixed assets like school buses, generators and construct new school buildings.

To be eligible for the product, the requesting customer must have operated their educational institution for at least three years and should be duly registered with the relevant authorities.

“The Fidelity Edu Loan is part of our larger education finance proposition at Fidelity Bank as we aim to empower everyone within the education ecosystem, including the schools, parents and contractors, with amazing financial and non-financial products and services.

 For instance, we have the Fidelity Personal loan which provides instant loans of up to N5million to employees of private and public organisations by simply dialing *770*08# from their mobile phones. This can become handy for paying school fees or meeting other personal needs”, explained Ede.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 8million customers serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels. The bank was recently recognized as the Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking & Finance Awards. The bank has also won awards for the “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

We Now Charge 500 Naira For Short Time Due To Subsidy Removal – Commercial Sex Workers Lament

 

The economic crunch occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy has grossly affected commercial sex workers in Kano State as they have been complaining about low patronage by their customers.

They expressed their pains while fielding questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, August 27.

The sex workers in the ancient commercial city, who hitherto smile home with their pockets full, now resort to lobbying customers to do “business” with them at very ridiculous low charges.

Ms Mercy Benjamin told NAN that before now, a round of “short time” service could be settled with N5,000 within a time frame of one hour, but the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal had forced customers to disappear.

Benjamin said one round of sex now goes for as low as between N500 and N700 for the same services.

“Things are not really going on well with this business for now because of the present economic challenges we are facing,” she said.

Another sex worker who identified herself as Jennifer, told NAN that it is no longer business as usual for them, saying “my brother, business is no longer moving as it used to be.

“Things have become so hard that if you see more than three customers in one day, you will thank God. Customers are hard to come by, and when they come, the offer is nothing to write home about.

“In this very particular room, I pay N5,000 every day; and I must confess to you that I am owing the management three days debt now because of low patronage

“Before fuel subsidy removal, we were enjoying high patronage with good prices. These days, I used to attend to seven to 10 customers everyday with good prices ranging between N5,000 and N10,000 for short time services.

“This is apart from other incentives like good food, drinks, chicken, Isi-ewu and other goodies that customers provide on their own volition,”

“Unlike now when customers hardly come to hang out in the evening, we used to have customers on day-break ready to offer well above N20,000 and also take care of your accommodation, food and drinks. This is really hardtimes for us,” she said.

 

Popular Nigerian Pastor Commit Suicide After His Girlfriend Left Him

 

A pastor of a Pentecostal Church in Nnewi, Anambra State, identified as Pastor Prosper Igboke, has committed suicide as he jumped down from a two-storey building in Nnewi.

It was reported that Igboke jumped down from the building and died instantly after he was jilted by his lover, who he had spent so much money on.

A relative of the deceased said the 30-year-old man from Leru community in Umunneochi Local Government Area, Abia State, had trained his lover in the University, after which she declined his marriage proposal.

“The incident happened last month. The man (Igboke) was 30 years old at the time of his death. His girlfriend, whom he intended to marry disappointed him after seeing her through the university.

He jumped down from a two-storey building and died. I am surprised that a man of this age and a pastor can do this.”

According to their village tradition, the relative said he was buried in a forest for committing “sacrilege”.

“He was eventually buried on Friday in a bush in his community,” the source added.

In Order To Curb Corruption In Our County, My Government Will Focus On Review Of Judges’ Salaries — Pres. Tinubu

 

President Bola Tinubu has assured of his administration’s commitment to concluding a thorough review of the remuneration of judicial officers in the country.

The president said this while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by Barrister Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, August 25.

He said the battle against corruption necessitates a comprehensive review of the salaries and allowances of judicial officers, an issue that is well known to him, given his landmark success in reforming justice administration in Lagos State.

Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, in a statement on Friday quoted the president as saying: “We must deal with the review of remuneration if we truly want to fight corruption in the Judiciary. We will look at the cost, as well as the consequences.”

God Will Build Nigeria Through Pres. Tinubu — Deeper Life G.O, Pastor Kumuyi

 

The General Overseer of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi says Nigerians should be rest assured that God will rebuild the nation through President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in Osogbo, Osun State, he said: “Let’s forget the past. This is a new day and I believe; we all believe that we’re going to see new things for our country through our President and through the members of the cabinet. Good things will happen.

If you look at the new ministers one by one, you’ll see the good things they’ve done either as state governors of the past or as former ministers and I would say they have been carefully chosen. If we support and accept them and if we are not criticising their every step, we believe that God will walk through them and use them as instruments to build our nation.

God will perform a miracle in the heart of our leaders and their hearts will be towards the people and the wisdom to lead us and do everything that will benefit us as a country, the Lord himself will do it in their hearts.”

Niger Is Our Brothers, Don’t Go To War Against Them – Ex-Governor El-Rufai Warns President Tinubu-Led ECOWAS

 

The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, has described the proposed military invention by the President Bola Tinubu-led Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Niger Republic as a war between brothers.

El-Rufai stated this on his X, previously Twitter, on Tuesday morning, adding that the battle between ECOWAS and Niger Republic would be a fight between Northern Nigerians and Niger Republic.

He wrote, “TUESDAY THOUGHT: As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’, because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers. Indeed, the people of Niger Republic are one and the same with those living in Northern Nigeria. Let us bend therefore over backwards to avoid this civil war between brothers.

“And so for this bright Tuesday, please enjoy this classic and reflect on the equally timeless lyrics. Music is something to enjoy, but being so overwhelmed with public affairs in the last 10 years, I have lost valuable pleasurable moments.

“Time to catch up on lost time. Enjoy!! Life is too short not to!! – @ elrufai”

El-Rufai’s demand to avoid military action in Niger is the latest from northern Nigerian stakeholders.

Nigerian Army Brigadier General Reportedly Falls, Dies While Running During 2023 Annual Physical Training Test

 

Brigadier General I. M. Ahmadu, a senior officer in the Nigerian Army, is dead.

He reportedly fell and died while running during the Second Annual Physical Training Test for 2023 on Monday, August 21.

According to report, Ahmadu who was an Artillery Officer serving in the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes, was confirmed d£ad at the hospital where he was rushed to.

“Sadly, an Army Brigadier General lost his life while running during the Second Annual Physical Training Test for the year 2023.

His name is Brigadier General I.M. Ahmadu, an Artillery Officer currently serving in the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes.

The General has however been buried this evening according to Islamic rite,” a top military source was quoted as saying.

With Father And Mother In Jail, Ex-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu’s Eldest Son Weds In Abuja

 

The eldest son of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and wife, Beatrice, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jnr, got married to his woman, Tiffany Adaobi Obinna-Uzor, at the Basilica of Grace, Anglican Communion, Gudu District Abuja, today August 19.

The wedding ceremony was well attended by dignitaries including deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kau, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Senate President David Mark and a host of others.

The Ekweremadus were absent as they are currently in the UK serving jail terms after they were found guilty of organ trafficking.

I Personally Told Tinubu To Appoint Me As Minister Of Solid Minerals – Dele Alake Boast

 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, says President Bola Tinubu assigned him the portfolio because of the sensitive position of the sector to economic renewal.

Mr Alake disclosed this on Monday while briefing reporters after the inauguration of 45 new ministers at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister said he specifically asked the president to assign the ministry to him contrary to the general perception that he would be given a particular portfolio.

‘’The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, as you know, is a sensitive position in this period of economic renewal,” said Mr Alake. “So, that position was one that I specifically asked Mr President to give me, and he obliged.”

Mr Alake said the much talked about portfolio speculated for him was not necessarily tailored for only him.

He expressed readiness to hit the ground running as the minister of solid minerals.

“The ministry is key to the administration, and the president wanted someone that he trusts and believes would deliver effectively,’’ Mr Alake said.

Before the president assigned portfolios to his ministers designate, there were speculations that Mr Alake would be assigned to information and communication-related ministry.

My Vision Is To Build A Caring And Better Society – Nollywood Actress, Daniella Okeke Declares

 

Talented Nigerian  actress, Daniella Okeke has continue to display her love for humanity with her foundation, Daniella Okeke Foundation (DOF).

The epitome of beauty and brain, Daniella has been variously described as a perfect role model, an extraordinary giver, whose life has become, in our times, the true definition of a humanitarian.

The successful model and entrepreneur, through her NGO, has carried out various laudable projects, by reaching out to both young and old in the society.

According to report, the Imo State born thespian said her vision is to make a positive difference in the world via her non-profit organization, a community established to empower and uplift the less privileged accross the country.

“Our vision is to build a caring and better society. The foundation’s to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians as much as we can. Also, to give hope to the hopeless. Reaching out to those who cannot help themselves is my own little way of giving back to the society.”

She continues, “We have visited Kirikiri women’s federal prisons, where we distributed food items and other basic supplies to imprisoned women with their new born babies. Also, the DOF has also reached out to destitute homes, educational campaign to schools with our Stay At School project and others too numerous to mention.”

“Our “Stay At School Project” is aimed at encouraging children to study and go to school. We believe Education is very important because it is a powerful tool for empowerment and we are committed to help these children reach their full potentials. Through the Stay At School project, we have distributed essential writing like story book, text books, writing materials, school bags and other school supplies. We hope to do more as funds improves. We working on other projects which will be unveiled later’,” Okeke concluded.

Fidelity Bank Boss Advocates Eeasures To Curb e-fraud Challenges

 

Fidelity Bank boss advocates measures to curb e-fraud challenges

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has called on the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, NeFF to come with solutions to the challenges posed by electronic fraud to financial system.

According to a report published in Vanguard Newspaper, she made this call in Lagos while speaking at the 3rd quarter general meeting of NeFF.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe explained that e-fraud are activities carried out online to exploit individuals and business entities for financial gain.

She listed examples of e-fraud to include: Phishing; Advanced fee fraud (419); Online Auction Fraud; Identity Theft; Tech Support Scams; Online Romance Scam; Investment Scam; Business Email compromise; Ransomware; Online Rental Schemes; Pyramid Schemes; and Click Fraud.

Highlighting the rising trend of e-fraud in the country and the associated challenges, the Fidelity Bank boss said: “According to data released by NIBSS, the value of electronic payment transactions in Nigeria increased by 298% YoY from N34.04 trillion in Q1 2022 to N135.52 trillion in Q1 2023.

“As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, our reliance on digital transactions has grown exponentially. However, with this rise in digital interactions, the threat of e-fraud has become a significant challenge affecting individuals, businesses, and industries alike.

“The banking industry lost a total of N14.3 billion to electronic fraud in 2022, up from the N12.7b reported in 2021. As at Q1 2023, the total fraud loss was N5b according to the NIBSS Annual Fraud Landscape reports.

“The Mobile channel is the most exploited channel by fraudsters in 2021 and 2022 with 42,821 and 45,090 reported fraud records respectively. Total fraud count in 2021 was 123,918 and 101,668 in 2022.

“E-fraud has permeated multiple industries, spanning from banking and finance to e-commerce and beyond. These cybercriminals leverage advanced methods to exploit vulnerabilities, gaining unauthorised access to crucial data and funds. The repercussions of e-fraud are not limited to financial losses; they also extend to eroding trust and eroding brand reputation.

Biblically, Women Are Not Supposed To Be Pastors – Ghanaian Pastor Says

 

The General Overseer of Christian Ministry of Reconciliation (Grace and Truth) Pastor John Nyamadi, has said that a woman is not supposed to be a pastor.

Pastor Nyamadi, who moved to Nigeria in August 1978, stated this in an interview with Punch when asked about the doctrine of his church.

“Our doctrines come from the Bible. We believe that God is one, which is the Lord Jesus. In creation, He was the father; in redemption, He was the son, who came for the purpose of saving us, and after accomplishing salvation, He promised to be in us, which is the Holy Ghost. Even the apostles asked Him why He didn’t stay till the Holy Spirit came and He said if He didn’t go, the Holy Spirit wouldn’t come. So, He came back in the form of the Holy Ghost and that’s one of our beliefs,” he said.

“We also believe in baptising in the name of Jesus Christ. We also believe that a woman is not supposed to be a pastor because it was not so in the beginning. I know many churches are trying to adopt what suits them, but biblically, a woman is not supposed to become a pastor and we are following exactly what the Bible says,”

Photo Of Late Saint Obi Burial In Imo

The late Nollywood actor Obinna Nwafor popularly known as Saint Obi has been buried at his hometown Alaenyi Ogwa, in Imo state on Friday.

The Veteran Actor died in Jos on May 7, 2023, at the age of 57 years.

Nigerian Singer Wizkid Loses Mum

Award winning Nigerian afrobeats singer, Ayodeji Balogun, best known as Wizkid, has lost his mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun.

According to reports, Mrs Balog un died in the early hours of Friday.

Though the singer is yet to make an official statement, his manager, Sunday Are, confirmed the story to Punch newspaper.

“Yes, she died this morning, at about 1:30 a.m.,” Mr Are said.

Endure Sufferings From Subsidy Removal For Better Tomorrow – Tinubu Tells Nigerians

 

President Bola Tinubu has tasked Nigerians to endure the sufferings emanating from the removal of fuel subsidy as a price that must be paid for a better tomorrow.

“These pains are the pains of birth, birth of a new nation. We know the removal of fuel subsidy has created some pains and that is why palliatives are being put in place.

“We can endure this for a moment; what we are going through today is for a better tomorrow. Nations are great because citizens have hope that tomorrow will be better than today,” he added.

The president was speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the public presentation of the book “Brutally Frank,” an autobiography of elder statesman, Edwin Clark.

Represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Tinubu also called on traditional rulers and politicians to sustain the nation’s unity.

The president said all hands must be on deck to realise a great nation, and called for everyone to manage Nigeria’s diversity for the unity of the country.

“We are greater when we are introduced as Nigerians than when we are introduced on the basis of ethnicity.

“This country is structurally complex and structurally difficult but can never be difficult to manage.

“Our plurality, our diverse cultures, languages, religion, constitute the source of our strength.

“Since we came in, we have demonstrated enough for the management of this diversity through appointment of persons, citizens into key, strategic positions,” Mr Tinubu said.

The president, who noted that the country was going through a difficult phase, assured Nigerians that a new nation would soon be birthed.

The President described Mr Clark as a great man and an extraordinary citizen with a “household name throughout the country.”

He noted that “Clark is a part of the Nigerian legion, the Iroko of the South-South and the Eagle of the nation.”

Also speaking, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, chairman of the occasion, said the presence of dignitaries at the occasion was deserving to a man such as Mr Clark.

“It is deserving that at his ripe age of 96 years, the Nigerian nation could gather in this befitting manner to honour him and pay deserving respects to his towering legacy of national service.

“My relationship with the Clark family, unknown to many, has been enduring over the years and has been expressed in deep bonds of friendship and mutual respect.

“The period in which Nigeria emerged from its most challenging political turmoil was one that needed great dexterity and empathy in the arduous task of reconciliation, rehabilitation, reintegration, reconstruction and rebuilding our bonds of oneness.”

While recalling the days of how Mr Clark was chosen as Federal Commissioner, Mr Gowon said that, “there was no better Nigerian for the job of Information Minister at that time.

“That was when we needed to show our warmness and empathy for one another as a people.

“The need to fill in the void created by Chief Anthony Enahoro’s exit was what gave Clark the job of Minister in the government which I headed.

“He became my confidant and the voice of the government, fearlessly defending the government and projecting its image. I found comfort in discussing government and other issues with Clark.”

Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the book as a good political-history book that most Nigerians would be desirous of reading, adding that “It will be useful to our young people.”

Mr Jonathan said that Mr Clark was a person whose vision for Nigeria was “the security of this country and for the unity of this country.

“Clark is one of those few Nigerians that his name should be written in letters of gold in our political-history book.”

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the author of the book was a true elder statesman and a phenomenal patriot.

“Clark has remained “Brutally Frank” in his submissions over the years. I am therefore not surprised that his autobiography is titled “Brutally Frank.”

“I have no doubt that the wisdom and perspectives shared in this great book, will offer us a chance to reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken as a society and to glean valuable lessons that can guide our future endeavours.”

In his vote of thanks, the author of the book, Mr Clark called for the restructuring of Nigeria.

The event had in attendance traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Amanayabo of Town-Brass, Alfred Ditte-Spiff; the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, serving and former governors and serving and non-serving senators.

British Arrested After Killing 7 New Born Babies, While Planning To Kill 6 More

 

A British nurse has been found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at the hospital where she worked.

Lucy Letby, who was in her mid-20s and working at the Countess of Chester Hospital at the time of the murders is now the UK’s most prolific child killer of modern times.

Lucy Letby, 33, harmed babies in her care by injecting air into their blood and stomachs, overfeeding them with milk, physically assaulting them and poisoning them with insulin, Manchester Crown Court in northern England heard.

She secretly attacked 13 babies in the neonatal ward at the Countess of Chester hospital between 2015 and 2016, Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said in a statement.

Her intention was to kill the babies while duping her colleagues into believing there was a natural cause of death, prosecutors argued.

Doctors at the hospital began to notice a steep rise in the number of babies who were dying or unexpectedly collapsing, the court heard. When they could not find a medical explanation, police opened an investigation

In 2018 and 2019, Letby was arrested twice by police in connection with their investigation, according to the UK’s PA Media news agency. She was arrested again in November 2020.

Authorities found notes Letby had written during searches of her address.

“I don’t deserve to live. I killed them on purpose because I’m not good enough to care for them,” she wrote in one memo, adding in another “I am a horrible evil person” and in capital letters “I am evil I did this.”

Pascale Jones of the CPS called Letby’s actions a “complete betrayal of the trust placed in her.”

“Lucy Letby sought to deceive her colleagues and pass off the harm she caused as nothing more than a worsening of each baby’s existing vulnerability,” she said.

“In her hands, innocuous substances like air, milk, fluids – or medication like insulin – would become lethal. She perverted her learning and weaponised her craft to inflict harm, grief, and death.”

Victims’ families said they “may never truly know why this happened.”

“Justice has been served and the nurse who should have been caring for our babies has been found guilty of harming them,”

Don’t Wait For Government To Do Everything; Help People Around You – Remi Tinubu Tells Nigerians

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has asked Nigerians to help people around them and not wait for the government to do everything.

Tinubu’s wife gave the admonition on Wednesday while hosting the National Executive of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) in her office at the State House, Abuja.

“We cannot wait for the government to do everything. We must lend a helping hand to everyone around us,” she said.

She also appealed to women to ensure youths are guided to follow the path of good values and morals.

Earlier, former First Lady Patience Jonathan promised to support Mrs Tinubu to move Nigeria forward during her visit to the State House on Wednesday.

“You’re one of the women that I looked forward to because you can make Nigerian women proud, I’m here to encourage and support you because we’re one country and our country must move forward.

“Twenty-four hours, I’m with you, call me anytime, any day, I’ll work with you for the country to move forward and to be better because it’s our country, we have no other place to go,” she said.

Nigerian Singer, Naira Marley Becomes NDLEA Ambassador

Nigerian controversial singer and songwriter, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, known as Naira Marley has become an ambassador to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to campaign against drug abuse in the country.

This was made known by the spokesperson for the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi in a statement on Thursday.

He said that Naira Marley was well received by the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) when the artiste paid a visit to the National Headquarters of the agency.

According to Babafemi, the meeting was aimed at deliberating on effective strategies to combat the issue of illicit drugs in Nigeria.

“Music star, Naira Marley in Abuja to declare support for the War Against Drug Abuse on Thursday 17th August 2023,” he wrote.

“Watch out for the video of his message to Marlians and Nigerian youths here tomorrow,” he said.

See who’s on board ⁦@ndlea_nigeria⁩ War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign; it’s your fav, Naira Marley. Watch out for the video of his message to Marlians and Nigerian youths here tomorrow pic.twitter.com/nx4r0arRBu

— Femi Babafemi (@FemiBabafemi) August 17, 2023

Naira Marley in a video shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, said he would like to urge his fans, the ‘Marlians’ and the Nigerian youth to stop doing drugs because it is not good for their well-being.

“Let us all stop substance abuse in any form. I have keyed into this campaign to support the NDLEA to stop drugs on the streets. Please, join us as drug abuse is not good,” the 32-year-old said.

You’re Putting Nigerians Through Scary, Difficult Times – Ogun State First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun Tackles Tinubu

 

Bamidele Abiodun, the Ogun first lady, has lamented that President Bola Tinubu is putting Nigerians through a difficult and scary period in the country’s history as the petrol price hit the roof and the naira continues to reel in a free fall.

“We are going through a period now in our country that is very, very trying. It is very, very scary. As one of the pastors has said, even the wealthy, they are afraid. How much more the people that don’t have?” said the wife of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

She made the remarks while speaking on Sunday at the ninth annual convention of the Women Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), South -West Zone.

The convention-themed ‘Abounding Grace’ featured many empowerment and award presentations from regional dignitaries and was held at the Apostolic Church, Abeokuta Area Headquarters, at Ijemo Agbadu, Abeokuta.

Ms Abiodun added, “We all know how much we were buying petrol three or four months ago. We all know how much petrol is today and we also know that it is not even steady yet.”

She warned, “It may still be going up, and we know the cost of fuel once it goes up, it affects every aspect of our life, the cost of food goes up, the cost of everything goes up.”

The Ogun governor’s wife was also worried about the naira’s free fall, urging Nigerians to rely on God for survival.

Tinubu Withdraws Gun Case Against Emefiele, Files 20 New Charges Against Him

 

The Tinubu-led administration Tuesday applied to withdraw the “illegal possession of firearms” case it filed against the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice Mohammed Bakodo Abubakar told Justice Nicholas Oweibo that the application followed the result of further investigations.

He made his application orally.

But the defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) opposed him, arguing that because the government was in disobedience of the court’s order granting Emefiele bail, its application could not be taken.

The judge on July 25, admitted Emefiele to N20 million bail on two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

But the DSS rearrested the embattled bank chief after fighting off prison officials on the court’s premises.

The Nation gathered that the government has filed fresh charges against Emefiele in Abuja.

Speaking with journalists after the day’s proceedings Mr. Abubakar said the fresh charges – with 20 counts – were filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

One of the counts accuses Emefiele of “conferring unlawful advantages”.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Emefiele from office in June.

Emefiele’s suspension was confirmed by Willie Bassey, the Director, Information, for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

It read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect.

“This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

“Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.”

Current Petrol Pump Prices Will Remain, Says Tinubu

 

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is already taking steps that would curb the increase of fuel price in the country without having to reverse the nation's decision to exit the subsidy regime.

President Tinubu’s assurances were relayed to journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who disclosed that the president is taking steps to clean up inefficiencies within the petroleum industry.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) had threatened to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if the prices of PMS increased above what they currently are.

The threat, therefore, triggered rumours that fuel prices might be increased again.

Reacting to the threat by the organized Labour, the president noted that such a move was premature, urging all stakeholders to be circumspect in reacting to the current situation, even as he appealed for calm from all citizens.

According to Ngelale, “The official position is that there is no increase in prices at this time and that Mr. President is convinced based on the information before him that we can maintain current pricing without reversing our deregulation policy by swiftly cleaning up existing inefficiencies within the midstream and downstream Petroleum sector.”

Speaking further, the presidential spokesman said, “The president wishes, first, to state that it is incumbent upon all stakeholders in the country to hold their peace. We have heard, very recently, from the organized Labour movement in the country concerning their most recent threat.

Fidelity Bank Distributes Food Packs To Benue IDPs

 

 Leading financial institution, Fidelity Plc, has distributed over 1,200 food packs to the internally Displaced Persons in Makurdi, Benue State in its ongoing commitment to eliminate hunger among vulnerable persons in the society. 

The event, which took place on Thursday, 10 August 2023 at the IDP Camp, Federal Housing Estate in North Bank, Benue State was executed in partnership with the Hyacinth Alia Foundation and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BESEMA). 

Speaking during the distribution event, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Meksley Nwagboh noted that the Fidelity Food Bank is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Bank designed to reach out to vulnerable persons and reduce the effect of hunger.

In his words, “The vision of the Bank is to reach out to the less privileged communities through our partner organisations who identify with these communities. In Benue State, we are partnering with the State Government through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

 “So, as I speak with you over 24,000 Fidelity food packs have been distributed to communities across the country to help cushion the effect of hunger which has become a global issue" he stated.

Commenting on the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Innovation Strategies, Special Duties, Development, Policy, and Planning, Fidelis Unongo, commended Fidelity Bank for their donation and also appealed to IDPs to exercise patience, noting that the Governor is aware of their requests and is working to ensure that they get settled back to their ancestral homes.

 On his part, the Chairman of the IDP Camp, Abraham Tar who spoke in Tiv, commended Fidelity Bank for their kind gesture and promised to ensure that the items donated gets to the desired beneficiaries even as he appealed to donors to also look into the health condition of the IDPs, especially women and Children.

Some of the beneficiaries, Msurshima Kunde, Comfort Lorfa, and Terundu Shima applauded Fidelity Bank for their kind gesture and appealed for increased health services at the camp to enable them access quality healthcare services.

UBA In Trouble As Court Awards 6million Damage For Opening Unsolicited Account For Customers

 

Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded damages against the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, for the unlawful closure of the account of a customer without a valid court order.

The customer, Mr. Azuka Onwuka, also accused UBA Plc of opening a 'strange' account without his consent in a bid to cover the illegal closure of the initial account.

Justice Yelim Bogoro while delivering the judgment in a suit instituted by Onwuka, on July 10, 2023, in a suit numbered FHC/L/CS/317/2023, described UBA Plc's actions as unconstitutional, unlawful and an abuse of its position as a financial institution.

The judge ordered UBA Plc to pay a total sum of N6 million to Mr. Onwuka, as general damages and costs of instituting the suit. 

The bank was also ordered to write a letter of unreserved apology to Mr. Onwuka, for the humiliation, grief and annoyance the bank caused him while the case lasted. 

Onwuka in his suit filed by his lawyer, Collins Akinade, told the court that the suit is pursuant to Sections 36, 37 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. 

He pleaded with the court for the following reliefs: "A declaration that the respondent’s unilateral opening of account number '1003284792' (the fictitious account) for and in his name and purportedly operating same for him notwithstanding the absence of any consent constitute violations of his data privacy which is an aspect of the fundamental right to privacy enshrined and protected under Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A declaration that the respondent’s abuse of its position as a financial institution patronized by the Applicant through the imposition upon him of a second current account by which account it unlawfully assumed the position of a tribunal and forcibly debited and extorted payment from him of his money constitutes gross violations of fundamental right to fair hearing and property inherent in the expropriated money and contrary to Sections 36 and 44(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Article 14 African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

"An order for the immediate payment of the sum of N100 million, as general/exemplary damages by the respondent to him.

"An order for the immediate payment of the sum of N5 million, by the respondent to him as cost of the action.

"An order for the tender of written unreserved apology by the Respondent to the Applicant for the humiliation, grief and annoyance it caused him in the circumstance." 

Onwuka's statement of facts as highlighted by the court was: "The applicant is a customer of the respondent which is a notable and one of the biggest commercial banks in Nigeria with whom he opened and had been operating a bank account since December 2003. The account number is 1003293912 and tied to the Applicant's mobile phone number +234 803 305 **** through which he had been receiving electronic alerts/records of transactions on the account. 

"The applicant upon discussions with a foreign company (Royal Bank of Canada) regarding an offer of engagement as a consultant anticipated the company’s due diligence checks on him, including especially a credit check. The applicant had not operated the account since 2006 which at the time had a credit balance of the applicant, but out of abundance of caution requested a confirmation from the respondent that his account was in credit debt free. 

To the applicant’s shock and dismay, the respondent informed him that he was owing the sum of N48, 882.05 (Forty-eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty-two naira, five kobo) on an account in his name (account number 1003284792 but which was completely strange to him, having neither authorized the respondent or any third party to open any such account. It is self-evident that the respondent took undue advantage of its custody of the applicant’s personal details he supplied for opening his account to open and operate the second and authorized account it foisted upon the Applicant, together with the debit balance it had contrived on the account. 

"The applicant's vehement protests for closure of the said strange and unauthorized account and his credit status duly rectified were to no avail, the respondent revealing that it had sent his name to the Credit Bureau as a Debtor. And that it would only remove the name from the Bureau upon settlement of the debt it had contrived against the applicant through the strange unauthorized second account. 

"After several months of the stalemate with the respondent standing its ground, even after his complaint to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the applicant was forced to pay to the respondent in settlement of the contrived debit balance in the strange/unauthorized account. But by this time the applicant’s negotiations with his prospective Canadian principal had been called off. 

 "By their letter of September 30, 2022, the Applicant's solicitors wrote a letter demanding monetary compensation for him and an apology and the Respondent replied by its letter of October 4, 2022, to beg for time to conclude its investigation into the matter and then revert accordingly. The respondent has failed to revert to the applicant’s solicitors as it had promised but the applicant discovered from his mobile phone bank alert that it had proceeded to surreptitiously credit the said sum of N51, 818.32 (Fifty-one thousand eight hundred and eighteen naira, thirty-two kobo) to his account."

Uzodinma Drops Deputy, Unveils New Female Running Mate Ahead Of Imo Gov. Poll

 

The Imo State Governor and governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Hope Uzodinma has dropped his incumbent deputy, Placid Njoku.

The governor has picked Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaro as his new running mate ahead of the November governorship election in the state.

According to report, Uzodinma unveiled his new running mate in Owerri, the state capital, on Saturday.

The governor also boasted that his achievements in the last 43 months were enough to get him re-elected.

He said: “I have enumerated a few of our achievements today just to let Imo people know that the APC government remains the best bet to the attainment of improved life and economic development we all yearn for.

“So, during the campaign for re-election, I want my work to do the campaigns. So, Imo people that I know are very appreciative of what we have done in the last 43 months.

“We don’t need to employ tactics, subterfuge, propaganda, and deceitful politics to achieve re-election. That belongs to the opposition who have nothing concrete to say.”

Despite some security breaches in the state, Uzodimma expressed belief that his administration has done well in safeguarding lives and property.

Niger Coup: Tinubu Is “Novice” In International Diplomacy – Lamido

 

The former governor of Jigawa State, Mr. Sule Lamido, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the situation in Niger.

In a Facebook post titled “Nigeria/Niger face-off,” Lamido voiced his concerns about the president’s recent actions.

Lamido suggests that President Tinubu leans on the experience of Nigeria’s previous leaders to navigate the crisis effectively.

He said, “Since the coup d’etat in Niger some weeks back, President Tinubu has found himself walking on a very tightrope.

“He has never been exposed to international diplomacy and can fittingly be called a novice in this field. The fact that he is an emperor with the total dominance of the most populous and prosperous State of Lagos does not confer on him any wisdom in diplomacy.

“But he is also the luckiest Nigerian president had he desired to harvest from the wisdom and experience of former Presidents and Heads of State Nigeria is so richly blessed with.

“I thought President Tinubu would have from the onset looked into the chemistry of the cocktail called ECOWAS before taking a weighty decision on any issue that affects the region and its consequences on his country.

“Had he done so, he would have found out what is the history of one of the oldest members of the region, President Alassane Quattara of Ivory Coast.

“There was a time when Quattara’s nationality was in dispute, that his ancestral country was Mali. President Lauren Ghabbo disqualified him from running as president even though he was at once prime Minister of Ivory Coast! But today he is the President of Ivory Coast.

“By a twist of fate, there is today a military junta in Mali (his ancestral home) running the country and we have not heard President Quattara asking for a war to be launched on Mali in the name of DEMOCRACY. The saying blood is thicker than water readily comes to mind.

“Back to Nigeria and the face-off with Niger. There is total unanimity in Nigeria that we should not go to war with Niger for so many many reasons given by all and sundry, especially the seven States contiguous to the Niger Republic! In any case, the Senate mandated by the Nigerian Constitution to authorize the President with such power has unambiguously withheld that authority.

“The next thing for President Tinibu now is to embark on damage control and repair and harvest from the connection and wisdom of our former Presidents and Heads of State as someone rightly advised over BBC Hausa service.

“These leaders are highly respected and trusted not only in our sub-region but globally. There is indeed no love lost between President Tinubu and some of them, but certainly, on any issue that affects Nigeria no matter how remote, those leaders will always be there for Nigeria!

“Time is not on the side of both countries. What we had in the last one thousand years has been lost in a matter of a few weeks. But we have a bond and love for each other to build on. May Allah bless Nigeria and Niger. Ameen.”

Those Against Tinubu Will Have Sense By Force – Festus Keyamo

 

PFormer minister of state for labour and productivity, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has again taken a swipe at supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, Peter Obi, over social media trolls targeted at President Bola Tinubu.

A section of Nigerians who do not support the election of Tinubu had since Friday taken to social media to tackle the president over his move to pay N8,000 to 12 million households in a bid to mitigate the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

Reacting to some of the social media attacks, Keyamo in a tweet on Saturday, lamented that the anti-Tinubu elements “are still lurking online with all kinds of negative expectations”.

According to the former minister, there is no point picking offence from the trolling, saying “they will eventually get sense by force”.

“They have virtually created an alternate world for themselves, far removed from reality, locked themselves in their own bubble and just bandy all kinds of inanities around and amongst themselves to make themselves happy. Please, mark some of them with their comments below.

“Rather than get angry, we should feel deep pity for them. They will eventually get sense by force”.

Tinubu-led ECOWAS Biggest Mistake Was Threatening Military Action Against Niger Republic Coup Leaders —Fani-Kayode

 

Former Minister of Aviation and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, has said that the threat of military action against the Niger Republic coup leaders by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was a terrible mistake.

Mr Fani-Kayode who stated this in a statement titled, “Niger Republic: A Word Of Caution To The Dogs Of War”, said that it would be inappropriate for Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, to be held responsible for the socioeconomic problems created in Niger Republic by France.

He added that it will be unjust for the Nigerian government to allow our military personnel to be used as tools to foster French maltreatment of African countries.

He said, “I am on record as saying that if Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali or ANY OTHER country attacks Nigeria, violates our territorial integrity, or attempts to take one inch of our nation, we must and will fight them to the last man.

“I have also said that Nigeria’s defence budget is FAR higher than all the other 14 countries in West Africa PUT TOGETHER, and that there is no nation in our sub-region that can defeat us in a military conflict despite our many challenges. I stand by these words.

“I am however constrained to add the following as a word of caution to those who seek to ‘cry havoc and unleash the dogs of war’ and as a piece of unsolicited advice to the advocates of military invasion.

“It would be imprudent and unwise for Nigeria to attempt to clean up France’s mess in Niger Republic. The French are the most rappacious, greedy, vicious, pervasive, destructive and unrelenting neo-colonial foreign power on the African continent.

They have done nothing for Africa other than pillage, rape, undermine, plunder and take advantage of her. To deploy our military, go to war and allow Nigerian blood to be spilled just to help her to continue to gang rape the citizens of Niger Republic and subject them to slavery would be unjust, wicked, short-sighted, stupid and counter-productive.

“Worse still it would have implications for the stability of our nation, our entire sub-region and our increasingly-fruitful relationship with President Putin and the Russian Federation who are slowly emerging as Africa’s best friend and, together with the Chinese, appear to be the only foreign power that truly seeks to assist and support the growth and development of African countries.

“To those who believe that Nigeria ought to continue to be the poodle, local enforcer and hatchet man of the French, the Europeans, the British and the Americans in our sub-region, I ask the following: who do they think is behind Boko Haram and ISWAP and why did these so-called Western allies refuse to sell us arms to fight those two terrorist organisations until Trump came along? And of course since Trump left we have been given nothing.”

Fani-Kayode added that the western world want to fight a war against Nigeria’s African brothers, causing a cauldron of fire in the West and North African subregion.

They also want Northern Nigeria and the entire African Sahel region to be burned to ashes, similar to Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan, he said.

He continued: “We must never allow this to happen, and if the truth be told the biggest mistake that ECOWAS made in the first place was to threaten Niger Republic with military action if the coupists refused to step down and restore President Bazoum to power.

“I say this because once a threat is issued and it is not followed up with action, you look weak, ineffectual and pathetic. That is the quandary we are now in and the wisest thing to do at this point is to step back from the brink and rhetoric of war and engage in diplomacy.

“Deploying our troops into our neighbour’s country in an attempt to effect regime change on behalf of a bunch of power-obsessed feral psychopaths like the French whose primary dream and fantasy has always been the dismemberment, destabilisation and destruction of Nigeria is asinine and unacceptable.

“To do the dirty work for a nation that stood on the wrong side during our civil war and that almost pushed us into a war with the Cameroons over the Bakassi Peninsular is deeply insulting to our sensibilities.

“I do not support military governments and I cannot abide or stomach the way in which Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso have threatened, insulted and made a mockery of our nation and people over the last few days, but one thing is clear : the military regimes in all of those three countries are wildly popular and the hatred for France in each of them is palpable and irreversible.

“Why should we get involved in all this? This is not our fight and if we choose to stand on the side of the French imperialists, neo-colonialists and oppressors against the will of the people of these three sovereign nations it may well result in chaos, mutiny, rebellion and a revolution in our own country. This must be avoided at all costs.

“It is time to get sense and sheath our swords. This whole thing is obviously a Western conspiracy and trap and we must ensure that our newly-elected president does not fall into it.

“This is the time for restraint and wise counsel to prevail. This is the time for us to put our national interest before that of any other. This is the time for us to indulge in some sober reflection and reject any gung-ho and bellicose action that would ultimately result in a reversal of the great strides that we have made as a nation over the last 24 years and the destruction of our great country.”

Ecuador Presidential Candidate, Villavicencio Shot Dead At Campaign Event

 

Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio has been shot and killed during a campaign event in Quito.

The politician was killed on Wednesday.

Officials have suggested that “organised crime” may have been behind the assassination, RT reports.

The shooting occurred as the 59-year-old politician prepared to leave a political rally in Ecuador’s capital, with his campaign adviser Carlos Figueroa confirming his death to local media, noting that he had been shot in the head three times.

President Guillermo Lasso commented on the shooting in a statement shared to social media, saying he was “outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.”

He added that “organised crime has gone too far,” and said the murder would be solved.

Footage has circulated online purporting to show the moment of the shooting, with more than a dozen gunshots heard as security guards escorted Villavicencio to a vehicle following the rally in Quito.

Figueroa said the candidate had no vital signs when he examined him immediately after the attack, and that he was declared dead at a nearby hospital.

According to Ecuador’s attorney general, an unnamed suspect in the shooting was arrested, but later died of injuries sustained during an “exchange of bullets” with law enforcement. Nine others were wounded during the incident, including two officers and a candidate for local office.

Police described the shooting as an act of terrorism and vowed to launch a probe.

Not long after the murder, Villavicencio’s party, Movimiento Construye, took to social media to say that “armed men” had attacked its campaign office in Quito, but shared no further details.

In a separate statement, the party also demanded action from the government, insisting Villavicencio’s death must not go “unpunished.”

President Lasso noted that he called an urgent meeting of top security officials to discuss the incident on Wednesday night.

He has previously denounced organised criminal gangs and drug traffickers, blaming them for a recent surge in violence across Ecuador, which has become a major campaign issue.

The assassination came just 10 days before Ecuador’s next presidential election, in which Villavicencio was set to compete with seven other candidates.

A former lawmaker and a vocal anti-corruption activist, he had been polling at 7.5% at the time of his death, putting him in fifth place, according to local media reports.

Other candidates in the race have reacted to the slaying, with indigenous presidential hopeful Yaku Perez announcing that he had suspended his campaign.

Another candidate, Otto Sonnenholzner, urged officials to “act,” saying “we don’t want words… we are dying,” comments echoed by Social Christian Party contender Jan Topic, who also paused his campaign.

Amid Hardship, Kebbi State Governor Approves N675m Furniture Allowance For Elected Council Chairmen

 

The governor of Kebbi state, Nasir Idris, has approved the sum of N675 million for the payment of furniture allowance to the 21 elected local government council chairmen in the state.

This was made known in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, today August 10. Idris quoted the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Umar, as saying that “the approval is for 2022 to 2024.”

While appreciating the governor for the kind gesture, the permanent secretary also commended him not only for making people’s lives meaningful but also for executing projects that have a direct bearing on the lives of generality.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, who is also the Chairman, Birnin Kebbi Local Government, Aminu Ahmed, expressed deep gratitude to the governor for granting the approval.

“The allowance is long overdue but with the coming of this administration, our impeccable and amiable governor has graciously approved the allowance, this is a sign of good leadership. May Almighty Allah guide him and give him the wisdom to excellently pilot the affairs of the state,” he said

Why Fuel Price Will Continue To Go Up — IPMAN Says

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria said the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as fuel would continue to increase as long as the US Dollar rose in the foreign exchange market.

Chinedu Okoronkwo, the National President of IPMAN, in a chat with DailyPost disclosed that fuel price will keep soaring if the dollar keeps rising in the forex market.

According to him, “Nigerians should understand that with fuel subsidy removal, the government is no longer determining pump prices but the market forces. The product is bought in dollars. The dollar is around 890/$1 now. As the dollar climbs, fuel pump prices will continue to go up.

As a solution, he urged the government to double up efforts to make Compressed Natural Gas available for Nigerians.

“Government should make conscious efforts towards making CNG available for Nigerians.”

Naira dropped further to the dollar, exchanged at N782.38/$1 on Wednesday at the official market. But, at the parallel market dollar is enchanted at 910/$1.

Consequently, the pump price of the product is expected to exceed N617/per litre.

Emefiele Seeks Court Order To Stop Tinubu Government From Further Prosecuting Him

 

Suspended CBN Governor Emefiele has sought a court order to stop Tinubu Government from further prosecuting him.

Nuella's News reports that the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, to stop the Federal Government, through the Department of State Services, DSS, from further prosecuting him.

This reliable Nigeria News platform recalls that Emefiele, arraigned on July 25, by DSS over alleged illegal possession of a firearm, was, however, admitted to bail and ordered to be remanded in prison custody, but was re-arrested by the DSS.

In a fresh application before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, Emefiele through his lawyers, led by Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, is seeking an order of the court discharging him of all charges brought against him by the DSS, arguing that it was in “brazen disobedience” of the subsisting orders of the court granting him bail on July 25, 2023

He further prayed for an order, prohibiting the Federal Government from continuing to enjoy any form of indulgence from the courts except and unless it complies with the bail ruling.“Relying on Section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and under the inherent powers of the court, Emefiele wants the court to stay further proceedings in the current charge until he exhausts all the remedies available to him in law to compel the government and the DSS to obey the order of the court admitting him to bail or remanding him in prison custody, until he perfects his bail terms.

In the application, he is seeking to invoke the jurisdiction of the court to enforce its orders, so as not to be seen “as a toothless bulldog or paper tiger.”

According to Emefiele, his fresh application seeks to preserve and protect the “efficacy, majesty and integrity of the court as well as the rule of law in our democracy.”

Meanwhile, the DSS has joined issues with him, while the court will hear the fresh application today.

 

 

Breaking: ECOWAS Orders Immediate Standby Military Force Against Niger’s Coup Leaders

 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered its standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic.

The President of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Touray, made this known while reading the resolution of ECOWAS on the Niger coup at the ECOWAS Extraordinary meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Touray, the regional bloc maintained a stand against the military government in Niger and directed immediate enforcement and monitoring of sanctions on the military junta.

The resolution partly reads, “Direct the Committe of the Chief of Defence Staff to activate the ECOWAS stand-by force with all its elements immediately.

“Order the deployment of the ECOWAS stand-by force to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

“Underscore its continued commitment to the restoration of constitutional order through peaceful means.”

Breaking : Okonjo-Iweala Debunks Claims Of Threat To Life After Meeting Tinubu

 

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has debunked a statement currently circulating on social media, claiming that she has been receiving “toxic calls and messages” in the aftermath of her recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

A statement by her Media Adviser, Paul Nwabuikwu, said, “The statement is false. It is not from Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.”

Court Shuts Down Heritage Bank Over Unpaid Debt

The woes of Heritage Bank, under the leadership of Akinola George- Tgaylor continue to deepen as court has ordered the immediate closure of the bank.

Heritage Bank which appears to have witnessed better days in its banking operations has continued to lose its battle for survival under the new leadership of George Taylor.

The growing concerns by customers of the distressed lender took a different turn as Honourable Justice (Dr.) I.J. Essien instructed the Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun in a court order to ensure police security for the Court’s Sheriffs in executing the Court’s directive to shut down operations of Heritage Bank with immediate effect.

This is following judgment in a garnishee order issued against Heritage Bank

in lawsuit tagged number MCN/MKD/07m/202, filed by Shehu Mudi .

According to the National Industrial Court seated in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, the garnishee order, instructs the immediate closure of Heritage Bank Limited, after it failed to remit an amount exceeding N710 million to Shehu Mudi and 656 other entities.

The Court maintained its stance that the bank’s branches must remain shut until it fully adheres to the directives outlined in the garnishee order.

This is coming amid heightened concerns by customers of the bank bordering on its faulty operations and inability to avail funds for withdrawals across the counter in several branches.

According to a report by The SUN, Justice Essien emphasized that the garnishee entity (Heritage Bank) had become an obstruction to the due process of justice.

The judge said that while considering the exhibits and arguments, he recalls the court made an Order Absolute in Exhibit A, which stipulated that the Garnishee should remit the Judgment amount being sought through this application within a span of 3 days.

He said this specific directive was further validated by the Court of Appeal and confirmed in Exhibit D, which is contained within its ruling and documented as Appeal Number CA(MK/26/2022).

He added that within this judgment, the Garnishee was explicitly instructed to fulfill the Judgment debt within a 3-day period.

Regrettably, despite the multiple orders that have been issued by both this Court and the Court of Appeal, Garnishee has continued to blatantly disregard the mandate laid out by this Court’s Order.

The judge ruled:

Further to this, despite the Garnishee’s undertaking to pay the Judgement sum to anywhere located in Nigeria until the Garnishee (Heritage Bank PLC), comply with the Order of the Court of Appeal directing it to pay to the judgment creditor the sum of N710,969,140.19 which is made up of the judgment sum and interest accrued from 14/12/2021 to December 2022 which sum has been set aside by the garnishee and party represented by the bond entered into at the Court of Appeal by the garnishee.

Heritage Bank continues to wallow in murky waters under the watch of its embattled Chief Executive, Akinola George Taylor who was recently entangled in an alleged messy boardroom crisis that saw the sacking of staff who are perceived as loyalists of his predecessor, Ifie Sekibo.