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Tinubu Has Failed To Protect Northern School Children, NEF Says

March 26, 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed in his responsibility to secure the country, the Northern Elders Forum, has said.

The Forum said yesterday that the northern part of the country has been mostly hit as a result of the president’s inability to protect the country.

The NEF was reacting to the recent release of 137 students abducted by terrorists in Kuriga, Chikum Local Governmnet Area of Kaduna state.

Their release came after more than two weeks in the captivity of their abductors.

According to the NEF spokesman Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the fact that the criminals were allowed to kidnap the school children is a sign that security of life and property is missing in the country.

His remark was contained in a statement released on Monday.

He called on the President Tinubu administration to wake up to his responsibility to provide security for Nigerian children, stating that “enough is enough” of the abduction of pupils, adding that the administration must do more to put an end insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

Part of the statement said: “It is unacceptable for Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region, to continue living under such insecure conditions.

“Unfortunately, just months into the Tinubu administration, there have already been clear signs of failure in providing the vital aspects of security of life and property to citizens. This situation is deeply concerning and requires immediate attention from our leaders.

“While we celebrate the return of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren, we must also recognise this event as a wake-up call for all of us.

“We cannot afford to become complacent in the face of such acts of violence and disregard for human life. As elders, it is our duty to protect and nurture the next generation.

“We also call for accountability and swift action from our leaders to address the security challenges our communities are facing.”

Following the release of the Kuriga school children, the Kaduna state government failed to confirm whether their release was negotiated with the kidnappers.

The governor of the state, Sani affirmed yesterday that it did not matter whether ransom was paid for their release or not.

CBN Cuts $ Sales To Forex Dealers Amidst Naira Gains

James Orji

March 25, 2024

The Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, has announced a cut in dollar sales to Bureau the Change in the country.

The development comes amidst the gains recorded by the Nigerian currency against the American greenback. The Naira was traded for N1400 to the dollar on Monday after weeks of serious devaluation to as low as N1700.

Analysts have predicted a further recovery of the naira against other international currencies due to the serious tightening measures imposed by the CBN.

In a letter addressed to the BDCs on Monday by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department at the CBN, the apex bank stated that BDCs in the country would no longer be able to buy $20,000 as the case was before.

Last month, the CBN said it has resumed dollar sales to BDCs after months of suspension, stating that it took the decision in a bid to address the lingering price distortions affecting the Naira’s exchange rate.

It also directed eligible BDCs to adhere strictly to guidelines regarding the sale of foreign exchange to end-users.

Part of the guidelines released last month said: “Transactions by BDCs should only take place at approved office/outlet addresses; street hawking is strictly prohibited.

“Daily reports of Foreign Exchange sales to end-users must be submitted before 10 am the next business day on the Financial Institutions Foreign Exchange Reporting System (FIFX) portal.

“The CBN Examination team will conduct periodic spot checks on Foreign Exchange disbursements by BDCs. BDCs must uphold a high standard of professionalism and transparency in line with established guidelines. Any violation will result in immediate revocation of the BDC license.”

Barely a month after, the government-controlled bank said it has reviewed the policy; BDCs will now be able to purchase only $10,000 from the CBN, according to a letter sent to the President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, ABCON, Dr. Hassan Mahmud today.

The Yemi Cardoso-led CBN said the policy takes effect from March 28 this week, adding that BDC will now be able to buy forex at a rate of N1,251 per dollar, instead of the old price of N1,301.

LP Holds National Convention On Wednesday Amidst Controversy

James Orji

March 25, 2024

No going back on the planned National Convention of the Labour Party, the party has declared.

The Julius Abure-led LP made this known on Monday through its Acting National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh.

The convention, Ifoh stated, has been scheduled to take place on March 27, 2024.

Recall that the party disagreed with the LP caucus in the House of representatives on the modalities for holding the convention, and whether to go ahead with it.

Instructively, the Caucus led by Victor Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru, Federal constituency had demanded the postponement of the convention on the basis that key stakeholders in the party had not been duly informed of the plan.

Amidst the disagreement among key stakeholders in the party, members of the Nigerian Labour Party, NLC, last week stormed the party’s secretariat in Abuja, demanding the resignation of Abure.

In spite of the controversy, the party said it’s prepared for a ”smooth convention”.

According to Ifoh, “Arrangements for a successful convention are in top gear. As I speak to you, Nnewi the venue of our national convention is agog with our preparations.

“Our delegates’ list is intact. The delegates have been informed and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has the list. The commission is the statutory body empowered to supervise the conduct of the exercise.

“We are expecting seven (7), delegates from each of the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), all elected members of the party in the Senate and House of Representatives as well as State Houses of Assembly, LP Commissioners and members of the National Working Committee among others.”

Meanwhile, the Presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi is said to have dumped Abure amidst the controversy trailing the party in recent times.

Whether Obi will take part in the convention has remained a matter of conjecture.

Why FG Invited Sheikh Gumi For Questioning

The Source

March 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In the aftermath of the abduction of about 137 school children in the Kuriga area of Kaduna State and the spate of banditry and kidnappings rocking parts of Northern Nigeria ,the Federal Government on Monday, March 25, 2024, said it has officially invited fiery Kaduna-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, for questioning, insisting that neither Gumi nor any other persons is above the law.

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani early Sunday morning, March 24 announced the release of the abducted school children and their teachers.

Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information who disclosed while briefing the Media at the Presidential Villa, noted that since Sheikh Gumi is not above the law, he has to account for his actions and statements, especially, when weighed against the interest of National security.

The Kaduna based Islamic preacher had, on the heels of the national and global outrage that trailed the mass abduction of the kuriga School children ,as usual, offered to mediate between the authorities and the criminal elements,a development that sparked even greater outrage among many Nigerians.

Before now, many people had alleged that the Cleric is one of the sponsors of insecurity in the North going by his numerous provocative statements about the activities of bandits and. kidnappers, with many also calling for his arrest .

According to the Information Minister, the Federal Government will go the whole hog in getting all the necessary information needed to halt the current spate of security challenges in the country.

“Sheikh Gumi or any other individuals are not above the law. If he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take . But if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.

“When you make remarks, particularly, remarks that border on our national security, it is incumbent on our security to think further and they are doing just that. No one is above the law.” Idris noted

Russia Terror Attack: APC Chieftain, Olawepo-Hashim Calls For Nigeria’s Support

Ayodele Oni

March 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

In the wake of the terror attack in Russia, a former Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called for Nigeria’s assistance to Russia in the spirit of international cooperation.

The APC chieftain, wrote a letter “to convey his sympathy to President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia, the wounded and the families of those killed in the terrorist attack of the Music Hall in Moscow on Friday 22nd March 2024.”

In the letter dated Monday, 25 March, 2024 and sent through the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Abuja, Olawepo-Hashim maintained that the attack not only remained “a fiendish assault on live Culture and Civilization, the “horrific act, which reportedly claimed 137 lives and many injured, must be condemned by all peace loving people all over the world and people of good conscience.”

He added that “the attack further underscores the ubiquitous nature of terror which no nation is immuned against as long as there exist ample number of fertile minds for evil sometimes not always possible to completely track.

“Sad occurrences such as the 9/11 in the US, London Tube bombing, and many variants of terrorist actions such as this in powerful nations highlights the necessity of increased international cooperation and solidarity against terrorism and the need to strengthen Peace Globally across political divides.

“Though Nigeria feels the pains of terrorism daily, Nigeria people must stand with Russia, a friendly Nation that has demonstrated generous friendship and support to our Nation in times of war and peace in the past.

“Not only did Russia support efforts to keep Nigeria one during the Nation’s Civil War, Russia extended economic support for the building of important economic infrastructures and provided scholarships and technical training for the Nation’s key professionals.

“Russia was a key ally of our founding fathers in the struggle for independence from colonial rule.

“The bond of friendship between Nigeria and the Russian people has been traditionally reciprocal as demonstrated during the incident of the Chernobyl nuclear tragedy when Nigeria announced substantial financial donation in Solidarity with Russia.

“Let me add my voice as a friend of Russia at a time like this to comfort those who were wounded in last Friday attack and to stand in Solidarity with Russia.”

Eziukwu Road Market Aba: It Is Business As Usual For Merchants Of Deaths, As NAFDAC Turns Blind Eye To Mass Production Of Adulterated Food Items

The Source

March 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite the loud outcry and indignation that trailed the discovery of large scale production and sales of counterfeit and adulterated products at Eziukwu Road Market by men and officers of the National Agency For Food ,Drugs ,Administration And Control NAFDAC, early December 2023 ,the unwholesome activities have persisted even with greater audacity, The Source Magazine findings have authoritatively revealed.

For one, the regulatory body, NAFDAC, had raided the market known in many circles as a sanctuary for producers and marketers of fake and unwholesome beverages ,drinks baby products,and other related items ,resulting in the sealing of no fewer than 200 shops and business premises, and thr arrest of about 30 persons believed to be the ring leaders of the cartel behind the illegal production and distribution chain.

The NAFDAC raid led by the South East Zonal coordinator, Martins Iluomode, which lasted for a week also led to the closure of the entire Market considered as the leading hub for the sales of beverages, drinks ,and essential food items of different hues, SouthEast of the Niger.

However, the market was reopened on December 20, 2023, following a Memorandum Of Understanding MOU entered into between the leadership of the market and NAFDAC .

Among other things, the MOU prohibited the production and sales of all counterfeit and adulterated products within the Eziukwu Road Market and its precincts.

It was, also, agreed that only products with NAFDAC registration numbers shall be allowed to be sold at the market, according to the MOU.

The MOU also empowers NAFDAC, as the regulatory body for Food and other essential items, to visit the market, at least, once every month to monitor level of compliance.

Ilomuode, NAFDAC Southeast Zonal coordinator signed for the regulatory agency, while Hon Alphonsus Udeigbo led other market executives to sign the MOU.

However, three months down the line ,The Source Magazine findings have shown that it is business as usual for producers of fake and unwholesome products at the market.

Impeccable sources revealed that the resurgence of the illegal production of counterfeit products not long after the NAFDAC raid ,should be domiciled squarely at the door steps of the regulatory agency.

“NAFDAC came here within the second week of December 2023 and in the end, made some arrests, particularly those that were caught in the act.

“About 25 to 30 of them considered to be the ring leaders of the illegal production and sales were arrested with their business premises and shops sealed .

“The expectations of all well meaning people and stakeholders were that those apprehended should be prosecuted and punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

“But to the surprise of everybody, those arrested by NAFDAC did not only return to the market almost immediately, but made a triumphant entry so to say.

“This is because they came back and engaged in wide jubilation, boasting about how they are firmly in control of NAFDAC officials.

“Some of them were openly bragging about how they compromised and are ready to compromise even more NAFDAC officials so as to remain in business.

“In their characteristics loud nature ,they were even saying that they had an existing ” Understanding” with some NAFDAC officials ,long before the Market’s MOU with the regulatory agency.

“According to them, NAFDAC has been in the picture about the nature of their businesses,because they ” settle” them appropriately.

“Since NAFDAC raided the market, arrested some people and signed the MOU with our leaders at market ,no body has seen them again and or heard anything from them. Even the official report of their visit and how they ended up with those they arrested ,nothing have been heard from NAFDAC. So for most of us at the market ,Nigerians should hold NAFDAC responsible for the mass production of poisonous products going on at this market.

“The Regulatory Agency should equally be held to account for the deaths of many Nigerians ,particularly infants who consume some of the fake items that are produced and sold at the market.” an authoritative market source stated.

All attempts made by The Source (Magazine) to speak with Mr Ilomuode ,the South East zonal coordinator of NAFDAC were rebuffed.

Several calls made, SMS and WhatsApp messages sent to him were never responded to as at the time of reporting.

Trade Union, Labour Veteran Blast Abure “For Desecrating Ideals Of Party”, Call For His Sack

Akinwale Kasali

March 25, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Labour and Trade Union Veterans have called for the sack of embattled Labour Party, LP, National Chairman, Julius Abure.

The Veterans alleged that Abure has desecrated the Party, as well as the ideals that led to the creation of the Party.

Among the Union Veterans calling for the immediate sack of Abure include: Pioneer President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, the 2nd President of the NLC, Comrade Ali Chiroma, the pioneer General Secretary of the Congress, Comrade Aliyu Dangiwa and the 2nd National Treasurer of the NLC, Comrade S. O. Oshidipe.

Others are Comrade S. O. Z Ejiofoh, the Board of Trustees Chairman and pioneer Chairman of Labour Party, Comrade Lawson Osagie Esq, Comrade Salisu Mohammed, all of whom were the main actors in the formation and registration of Labour Party.

The Veterans, in a statement issued and signed by Comrade Lawson E. Osagie, said that those attacking Presidents of NLC, including the current one, Comrade Joe Ajaero, for defending the ethical values of the founding fathers of Labour Party which they claimed being desecrated by Abure are neither informed nor knowledgeable in the hierarchical structure or organs of the NLC and how decisions are made.

The Old Unionists said that they regretted that the noble ideals that made them to form the Labour Party to free Nigerian people from decades of bad governance are being desecrated by Abure.

They stressed that they are perturbed by the alleged monumental cases of frauds by the Party’s National Chairman and called for his immediate resignation to save it from further embarrassment.

According to the statement, “We cannot sit down and continue to watch as the ideals, principles, and ethical values of Labour Party we toiled so much to build over the decades are being rubbished by one man.

Consequently, we urge Barrister Abure to step aside now as the National Chairman of Labour Party and in his place, the Board of Trustees should appoint a Caretaker National Chairman that will organize Congresses in the States before the National Convention can be convened,” the Labour Leaders emphasized.

They stressed the need for the Board of Trustees under the Chairmanship of Comrade Ejiofoh to be enlarged to accommodate representatives of the new stakeholders namely Mr. Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party Legislative Caucus.

“This body will be charged with the implementation in spirit and letter of the MOU referred to earlier,” they added.

They also posited that the Supreme Court under Justice Uwais ruled long ago that workers have the right to form a political party to defend and promote their interest.

“How then can any well-read and informed lawyer say that NLC has no business in politics or is a meddlesome interloper in the affairs of Labour Party formed by the Trade Unions themselves.

“For the benefit of those who want to know, the 2009 Constitution of the Labour Party in which NLC and TUC Presidents and Secretaries are made statutory members of NEC of Labour Party were the input and contribution by the Edo State Council of Labour Party and Bar Julius Abure was Secretary of the subcommittee on the Review of the Constitution while Comrade Lawson Osagie was the Chairman and a Benin-based legal practitioner, Barrister Adams Aliyu was also a member.

The Veterans also contended that Abure’s current rhetoric about the role and place of NLC in the Labour Party is not only disappointing but embarrassing to the culture of comradeship and solidarity of the trajectory and historical perspective of the labour movement in general and Labour Party in particular.

According to the statement, “The Trade Union veterans emphasized that those attacking the Presidents of NLC including the current one, Comrade Joe Ajaero for defending the ethical values of the founding fathers of Labour Party now being desecrated by Barrister Abure are not informed or knowledgeable in the hierarchical structure or organs of the NLC and how decisions are made.

“No individual takes decisions at the NLC. It must go through organs such as the National Administrative Council (NAC),the Central Working Committee (CWC), and the National Executive Council (NEC).

“ This is the old tradition which is still followed and respected religiously because NLC is a democratic organization in which power resides in organs and not in an office.

“Barrister Abure refused to implement the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU brokered by INEC and signed by all stakeholders but prefers to sideline the Board of Trustees headed by Comrade Ejiofoh and all those who laboured tirelessly to get Labour Party registered because of his hidden agenda which had now come to the open.”

“The Labour Party was recommended by the then Political Bureau set up by General Ibrahim Babaginda (rtd) during his transition as the 6th Political Party to be registered but the process was scuttled when General Babaginda opted to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).

“The struggle to form the Labour Party continued until it was eventually registered as Party for Social Democracy (PSD) and after the NEC meeting in Bauchi in 2001, the name of the Party was changed to Labour Party,” the Trade Union veterans emphasized.

President Tinubu Lauds Team Nigeria For Outstanding Performance At 13th All Africa Games

Akinwale Kasali

March 25, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 13th All Africa Games, AAG, has been applauded by President Bola Tinubu, who showered praises on the Team members for their outstanding performances at the Continental Games.

Team Nigeria finished second on the medals table behind Egypt with 47 gold, 33 silver and 40 bronze medals at the Games in Ghana.

Lauding Team Nigeria for its superlative performance that saw members win more medals than their previous outing at the Games five years ago, Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, described their performance as commendable.

Conveying President Tinubu’s congratulatory message, the Sport Minister said the President was delighted and impressed with their performance promising to support them and make their preparation ahead of the 2027 All Africa Games in Egypt smooth.

His words, “ On behalf of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu ,GCFR , I welcome you back to our dear country.

“I congratulate you for your outstanding performance in the just concluded 13th African Games that held in the Republic of Ghana.

“Our sports-loving President and the vast majority of Nigerians warmly felicitate you for your gallantry and achievements in putting the country on the firm pedestal as a leading sports powerhouse on the continent of Africa.”

At the Games, Nigeria competed with 51 other countries in a fiercely contested event for honours in 29 sports. Nigeria took part in 25 events.

The Minister, however, stressed the need to immediately start preparations for the 14th African Games scheduled for Egypt in 2027 to improve on the performance in Ghana.

“While you bask in the euphoria of your exploits and worthy sense of achievement, let me quickly remind you that preparations for the 14th African Games built to hold in Egypt starts now.

“As your Sports Development Minister, dubbed Nigeria’s Games Master General, I sure will be with you all the way, ” he said.

He assured that the Ministry would continue to prioritise the welfare of Nigerian sports men and women in line with international best practices.

Edo Deputy Gov Impeachment: Two Investigative Panel Members Decline Offer

Ayodele Oni

March 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Drama continues to unfold in the planned impeachment of Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. Two members of the investigative panel set up by the Chief Judge of the State to investigate the allegations against Shaibu have turned down the offer.

The State House of Assembly had directed the Chief Judge to constitute a panel to investigate allegations against the embattled Deputy Governor.

The Deputy Governor, on his part, is making efforts to seek a Court injunction to restrain parties in the impeachment.

The two members of the Investigation Panel raised by CJ, The Honourable Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, who declined their appointments are Prof Violet Aigbokhaevbo and Prof Boniface Onomion Edegbai.

Both Professors have, however, been replaced with Barrister President Aigbokhian and Barrister Mariam Erakhoba Ilevbare.

The latest development is contained in a release on Monday signed by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Benin City, B.O. Osawaru.

Edo State chapter of the Conference of Registered Political Party (CRPP) had urged members of the impeachment panel set up by Justice Daniel Okungbowa to investigate the allegations levelled against Shaibu, to decline the offer.

Binance Executive’s Escape: Reno Omokri Tackles Mocking Nigerians, Says Nigeria Will Rise

Ayodele Oni

March 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Reno Omokri, former presidential aide and social media influencer, said that Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance executive in Nigeria took advantage of courtesy granted him to escape describing the escape as disappointing.

Omokri, in a statement states “The reported escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla from custody is disappointing. However, more disappointing is the reaction of some Nigerians who are capitalizing on the unfortunate event to say, ‘Nigeria is finished’.

“These were the same citizens who sided with Binance when Nigeria took their two officials into lawful custody. Firstly, Nadeem Anjarwalla did not escape from prison, because he was not in prison. He was under house arrest.

“There is a world of difference between house arrest and prison or jail. And he took advantage of the courtesy granted him to observe Ramadan prayers to escape. It is also not impossible that he may have compromised his guards.

Nadeem Anjarwalla - Binance Regional Manager — Nadeem Anjarwalla

“For example, on September 6, 2023, former British Army soldier and wanted terrorist, Daniel Abed Khalife, escaped from Wandsworth Prison, where he was under heavy guard security.

“In America, violent felon, Danelo Cavalcante, escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31, 2023. Not to mention the 7.3 million illegals who have entered America without vetting in the last four years of Biden.

“And even Russia has not been able to get all those who executed the recent condemnable terror attacks at a concert venue in Moscow. In none of the above instances did citizens of those countries say their country is finished.

“Our stock market is now the most profitable on Earth, bar none, and our GDP is growing at 3.46%. The Naira is fighting back. And our security agencies have just pulled off a series of remarkable feats of rescue and daring.

“Nigeria is not finished. Nigeria is rising! This temporary setback will be a setup for a remarkable and permanent comeback.”

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