Home Blog Page 1225

Socialite Mach€tes Wife To Death, Commits Suicid€, Ondo Police Command Investigates

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Sesan Adelabu

By Ayodele Oni

A Socialite and Petrol Station owner in Akure, Ondo State, Sesan Adelabu, popularly known as Emirate, has reportedly mach€ted his wife to death.

He was said to have committed suicide by drinking sniper, an insect-killing substance, thereafter.

It was gathered that the incident happened in the Alagbaka area, Akure, Ondo state capital. Adelabu was the owner of the Emirate filling stations in Akure.

His body and that of his wife are said to have been deposited in the morgue.

Ondo State Police Command Spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami- Omisanya, in a reaction said the Commissioner of Police, (CP) Abayomi Oladipo has ordered the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, (CID) to take over the case.

Police account stated that “On the 9th of February, 2024 , a distress call was received by the police of A’ Division Akure, by men of Special Protection Unit.

“The Officer attached to the deceased in his house at Alagbaka area in Akure, received a call from the deceased’s’  child around 6pm asking after his father, because he was not picking his calls.

“The Police man while trying to inform his principal, discovered him face-down and lifeless  in the toilet while his wife’s body was found on the bed with multiple cuts suspected to be machete cuts on her head and face.

An empty container of sniper was also found at the-scene.

“Investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident and scene cordoned off to enable police do the needful please.”

Brigadier-General Arogbofa, Jonathan’s Chief Of Staff Dies

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa, has died at the age of 71.

Arogbofa, a retired Brigadier- General, died  Saturday morning. Details on his death remains sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

Arogbofa was born on November 10, 1952, in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State. He became the Chief of Staff to Jonathan from February 10, 2014, to May 29, 2015.

Arogbofa attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Alabama, United States Army Command and General Staff College, University of Lagos, and University of Ibadan.

Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Center for Research, Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD).

CBN To Tinubu: No Loan After Buhari’s Ways and Means Abuse

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, will no longer give loans to the federal government in term of ways and means.

CBN Governor made this known on Friday after he met alongside other members of the Economic Team with the Senate Committees on Finance, Appropriations, Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions.

The Senate had summoned the Economic Team led by Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy to respond to the current hardship in the country and what is being done to ameliorate the situation.

Recall that the apex bank had blamed the excess cash in circulation for the current inflation ravaging the country.

The cost of basic commodities like food and other household items has hit the rooftop in the last few weeks, as Nigerians slam the authorities for not doing enough to arrest the situation.

Answering questions from the committee yesterday, Cardoso blamed the current inflation on the excess Naira in circulation fueled by the previous administration over-borrowing from the CBN through the W&M window.

The CBN Act provides that five percent of the yearly Budget be borrowed from the apex bank to plug deficit, Buhari, according to checks abused the window by borrowing as much as N24 trillion within eight years of his administration.

Under him, according to figures provided  by the CBN W&M rose to an unprecedented level of 2900 per cent to N23.8 trillion.

When the former president came to power in 2015 CBN  loans to the federal government stood below N800 billion cumulatively.

According to Cardoso, the apex bank has now introduced strict measures to curb such abuse of power by the federal government in line with its enabling Act.

Cardoso said: “On our side at the CBN, we have responded with significant monetary policy tightening to reign in inflationary pressure.

“Empirical analysis has established that money supply is one of the factors fueling the current inflationary pressure. For instance, an analysis of the trend of the money supply spanning over nine months shows that M3 increased from N52.01tn in January 2023 to N68.25tn in November 2023 representing N16.24tn or 31.22 percent increase over the period.

“Increase in Net Foreign Asset following the harmonisation of exchange rates and the N3.22tn ways and means advances were the major factors driving the increase in the money supply.”

“I am pleased to note the Fiscal Authorities efforts in discontinuing Ways and Means advances. This is also in compliance with Section (38) of the CBN Act (2007), the Bank is no longer at liberty to grant further Ways and Means advances to the Federal Government until the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2023, is fully settled.

“The bank must strictly adhere to the law limiting advances under ways and means to five percent of the previous year’s revenue.

“We have also halted quasi-fiscal measures of over N10tn by the Central Bank of Nigeria under the guise of development finance interventions which hitherto contributed to flooding excess Naira and raising prices to the levels of Inflation we are grappling with today,” he said.

Emefiele’s Wife: Why EFCC Declared Her Wanted

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0

By Adesina Soyooye

For the Emefiele family, it is not just raining, it is pouring.This is because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared Mrs Margaret Emefiele, beloved wife of Godwin Emefiele, wanted.

The anti-graft agency declared her and three others wanted over alleged money laundering and economic sabotage. The three others are:

Mr Eric Odoh, and a couple,  Anita Omoile and her husband, Jonathan Omoile.

Dr Godwin Emefiele, immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has been having a running battle since June, 2023, following a change in Government and the swearing-in of Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s President.

Suspended by Tinubu from office, he was picked by the Department of State Services, DSS, within 24 hours of that suspension. Later sacked by the President, Emefiele was transferred to the EFCC after several weeks in the custody  of the DSS. He has since been arraigned in Court by the EFCC charged for sundry issues including corruption, economic sabotage, money laundering.

The EFCC which decalared his wife and the three others wanted Friday night accused them of  allegedly conspiring with the embattled former CBN Governor “to convert huge sums of money belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria and committed felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretences, and stealing, contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287, and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.”

The EFCC detailed their offences in  mugshot photographs of the four suspects late Friday night.

It read: “Emefiele, Odoh, Mr and Mrs Omoile, wanted by the EFCC. The quartet of Eric Odoh, Margaret Emefiele, Anita Omoile and Jonathan Omoile, are wanted by the EFCC for offences bothering on economic and financial crimes. Any information on their whereabout? Please contact the nearest EFCC Command or the nearest Police Station.”

Foreign Remittance Threatened After CBN Ordered IMTO’s To Pay In Naira

By
James Orji
-
0

International Money Transfer Operators, IMTOs, operating in Nigeria have notified their customers that they would no longer pay foreign remittances in dollar.

The notification is in compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, directive to that effect, the operators informed their customers through various messages seen by the magazine.

According to the details of the CBN guidelines, the Naira pay out will be based on official Importer and Exporter, I&E rates to the dollar.

For instance, Worldremit said in a notice to customers that based on the CBN directive “it’s no longer possible for any money transfer to be paid out in USD in Nigeria. But please don’t worry. You can still enjoy the same quick, safe and affordable WorldRemit service to Nigeria by sending money in Naira instead. If you have any questions or concerns, our dedicated support team is always here to help,” it said.

The magazine learned that other 62 IMTOs licensed by the CBN has sent similar messages to their customers as required by the apex regulatory authority.

Some of the authorized IMTOs operating in Nigeria include major international money transfer companies such as Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPalRia Financial, TransferWise, WorldRemit, PagaTech, Flutterwave, VFD, Interswitch, and others

The Yemi Cardoso-led CBN had during the week issued new guidelines to the operators, which financial analysts described as one of the last-ditch efforts to ensure stability in the foreign exchange market, as well as  saved the Naira from further depreciation.

Meanwhile, keen financial experts informed the magazine that the new directive by the apex bank to IMTOs to pay out dollars on foreign remittance at the official I&E rates may discourage Nigerians abroad from sending foreign currencies to their loved ones back home.

This may further reduce foreign remittances into the country, which experts insist has shrunk over the last few years due to some CBN policies considered by foreign remitters as disincentives.

Last year, Nigeria recorded the least direct remittance of the year over the past nine years  with less then a billion dollar in the first half of 2023.

Oyo Gov Signs Electricity Law, Promises Stable Power Supply

By
James Orji
-
0

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has promised that the state is on the path of supplying electricity to the residents of the state.

The state’s helmsman made this known on Friday at the Government House, Agodi while signing into law the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024.

Recall that the National Assembly had in May 2022 passed a law making it possible for states to generate, transmit and distribute their own power, ending years of the exclusivity exercised by the federal government in the power sector.

The law was later amended in November 2023, clearing the bottlenecks that hindered the states from supplying their own electricity.

The governor said the action of the NASS has promoted true federalism, where the sub-nationals are allowed to develop at their own pace by using the resources available to them.

The state government, he said, has taken up the baton to ensure that the residents of the state enjoy power stable supply in the future, saying the government should be held responsible for this promise.

Makinde said: “As promised earlier in the week, we are signing the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024 into law today. This law will enable Oyo State generate, transmit and distribute electricity within the State.

“Amendments of the constitution like these is what we mean when we advocate for fiscal federalism.

“In years to come as we work towards energy sufficiency, our people can hold state governments accountable on the issue of electricity supply.”

Retirees Send SOS To Governor Sanwo Olu Over Plan To Demolish Their Houses

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

Residents of Berliet Community in the Oshodi- Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, have sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to the Lagos State Government following the news of imminent demolition of over 20 houses by the Management of MOJEC International Limited.

Most of the Landlords in the Community are Retirees who claim that despite a Court order restraining parties in the disputed land matter to maintain status quo, the Management of MOJEC are bent on demolishing their houses.

The Retirees wrote an SOS letter to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Attorney-General of the state, Pedro Lawal (SAN) to come to their rescue and intervene in what they described as illegal action.

They explained that they bought their respective parcels of land directly from the indigenes and original owners , three and six decades ago and had been living there peacefully, until MOJEC International Limited surfaced to lay claim to them.

The affected buildings are located on Fayemi Close, lbitoye, lgbesa Igbehin streets.

The affected landlords described the company’s action as contempt of court, wondering why they would carry out such action despite a pending court’s restraining order.

Tayo Obamonire, one of the affected landlord explained that she bought the land in 1974 from the Isiba of Onitire family and did all the necessary documentation before she started building in 1977.

Barely had the construction started than MOJEC company, according to her, started laying claims to her property and others, saying it received the approval of former Lagos State Military Administrator, Col Raji Rasaki.

She said, “We went to court and the court fined the then Chairman of the company for destroying my foundation. Though he didn’t pay then, the company took their hands off the property.

“ They came again in 1978 and started making trouble . They ordered some thugs to bundle my builders into the booth of the car. I was even accused of murder. When we went to the Police, they (Police ), told us to resolve the matter and exonerated me for murder. “Again in 2017, they came and pulled down my building alongside others. They came with armed policemen who beat up many landlords who attempted to question their action.

That was when we went to court and the court told us to maintain the status quo. But we discovered that the company disobeyed the court order. As you can see, they have brought equipment to test the soil, in order to start building, inspite of the court’s restraining order. Is the company bigger than the law? “.

Another landlord, Ita Elijah , who still had scars of the injury he sustained in 2017, when policemen came to pull down some buildings, said, “ I was thrown into the Black Maria like a common criminal simply because I requested to know why they should embark on the demolition when we had documents to show as owners of the buildings”.

Other landlords further stated that they had Certificate of Ownership from the Lagos State Government.

They therefore called on Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu and other relevant agencies to intervene by calling the company to order, to avoid a bridge of peace.

They further alleged that the company had engaged the services of some government officials to strip them of their property.

Debunking the claim of the Retiree Landlords, MOJEC International Limited said it was not aware of the soil test being conducted on the disputed land.

The company’s Secretary/ Head Legal Services, MOJEC International Limited , Christabel Iremhinmhen, who spoke with some journalists at her office on the Oshodi\Apapa expressway, Lagos, said “ The community is complaining that we flaunted Court order, but they were the ones who flaunted the order. As at the time they developed the area , there was a restraining order subsisting injunction. They also flaunted the order too . Their hands are dirty. They are only using delay tactics.

” I want to let you know that if they have a court order, it is not a substituting order.

“We have brought evidence in court and they don’t want to open their case, they keep amending and amending documents. A government official has even given evidence in court. We have no problems, they are lying. The government is our evidence.

“ Our case is strong, that is why the government is our witness. We have C of O, so the land belongs to us.

“ We are ready for anything. As for the dredging on the land, I am not aware of that, but even if there are people doing something on the land, they( landlords) had in the past violated the court order, because, to go to equity, you must go with clean hands. We are waiting for them to open their defense”, she stated.

LASEPA Shuts Down 250 Worship Places, Nightclubs Over Noise Pollution

By
The Source
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has shutdown at least 250 organisations, including industries, worship places and night clubs as a result of noise pollution and other environmental infractions over the last three months across the metropolis.

The action is part of efforts by the Lagos State Government to achieve an improved, safer and sustainable environment in the State.

Babatunde Ajayi, LASEPA General Manager, disclosed this during the Agency’s one-day capacity-building training for its accredited consultants across the state in conjunction with the Climate Transition Academy, held in the Central Business Development Area, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ajayi said LASEPA has embarked on a lot of reforms geared towards achieving a noiseless, cleaner, safer and pollution-free Lagos. He said that the training was to update the consultants’ knowledge of current trends in addressing global climate change challenges and other environmental problems for sustainable development.

He, therefore, charged the accredited consultants to support the State Government’s bid to deliver a safer, healthier and sustainable environment through the adoption of Environment Social Governance (ESG) global model in tackling identified environmental challenges.

According to him: “The training of LASEPA accredited consultants has become necessary so as to update their knowledge and increase their capacities in the application of the global standard model in managing environmental issues, especially climate change problem and their associated greenhouse gas emissions.

“In achieving our ministerial mandate, the agency would strengthen its enforcement measures to ensure compliance with government regulations towards achieving a cleaner and sustainable environment in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of the state.”

The Executive Director, Carbon Limits Nigeria, James Ogunleye, who spoke on behalf of other facilitators, stated that the programme would help to expose LASEPA-accredited consultants and broaden their knowledge of current global practices in a sustainable environment.

Ogunleye, noted that there was a great departure from the old practice of consultants just knowing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Audit Report (EAR), and Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) to qualify as a consultant.

Dangote Storms Kano After Hunger Outcry, Pledges to Ease Economic Burden

By
The Source
-
0
Dangote in Kano

By Daniel Maduka

Gov. Yusuf Solicits Establishment of Power Plant, Sickle Cell Centre in Kano

President, Dangote Conglomerate, Aliko Dangote has pledged to support social policies and human development initiative of Government, targeted at ameliorating the economic burden in Kano.

Dangote made the pledge when he met with Governor Abba Yusuf at Government House Kano, Friday. He acknowledged that the common man could hardly survive the present state of inflation in the nation.

Specifically, Dangote promised to support Kano to improve health, education and empowerment of the less privileged struggling to live.

“We are here, first of all to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court. I want to assure you of our support throughout your administration, maybe not only four years but eight years.

“Kano is home, even though the MC addressed me as the richest  black man, but you can address me as Kano indigene. I am your subject and you can always call on me for cooperation to see how we can develop Kano.

“And going forward, we really need to see how we can develop areas of health, education, empowerment, how do we assist the Government because Government cannot do it alone”.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, he said Dangote further added: “I want to assure you that we would continue to support you not because I am from Kano but because I know your intentions are good.

“You have the mandate of the people and I know that it is very difficult for any human being to clap with the two hands now. For now you will be the right hand, and we would be your left hand, together we shall clap.

“So be rest assured that we would support you and support your administration and we want to tell you that we would continue to pray for your success because your success is ours. I am sorry for coming this late because I was supposed to have been here before now but I am  traveling a lot.

“Not that we took the Government for granted because I really want to have enough time to come and tell you that we believe in your administration and we are ready to support you”. Dangote assured.

On his part, Governor Yusuf Yusuf solicited Dangote’s support for the establishment of an independent power plant to revive the ailing industries and boost the economic strength of the State.

Similarly, the Governor told Dangote that Kano dearly needs the establishment of sickle cell hospital to provide free medication for the patients.

Besides, the Governor pleaded with the business tycoon for the completion of the gigantic projects initiated by Dangote Foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.

He noted that as a proud indigene of the State, Alhaji Dangote is capable and willing to execute as many projects as possible that is why ” I am using the opportunity to solicit and appeal for a lot from him for the people of the state”.

Governor Yusuf added, “I want to make a passionate appeal to you to extend your hands of assistance by completing the gigantic projects initiated by your foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ Pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.”

“In the area of infrastructural development, the Governor expressed the need for Dangote to assist in the provision of modern roads construction, Housing, community development as well as human capital development among others.

“While appreciating the kind gesture of Aliko Dangote in the area of education and health care development, especially in the eradication of the poliomyelitis, the Governor gave the assurance that whatever form of support given, it will be used judiciously.”

FG Asks Labour To Suspend Planned Nationwide Strike, Assures MOU Will Be Implemented

By
The Source
-
0

By Daniel Maduka

The Federal Government has appealed to the organized Labour, to reconsider its planned Nationwide industrial action, noting that it is sincerely committed to fulfilling the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding MOU signed with Labour.

Minister of Labour (State) Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha who made the appeal at a crowded press briefing on Thursday February 9 2024 in Abuja also assured of Federal Government’s commitment to open and constructive communication with the Organized Labour, for the purpose of fostering positive labour relations ,as well as ensure a supportive and conducive working environment for workers.

She emphasised the need for patience and understanding, adding that negotiations most times pass through a gradual process, with resolutions and agreements unfolding In stages

“The Federal Government is assuring Nigerians of its continued commitment to addressing labour concerns and fulfilling all agreements so as move forward together .

“Government will continue to leverage on the principles of social dialogue, valuing the inputs of our social partners, with the goal of creating a better Nigeria for all.

“The Federal Government will ensure the complete implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the organized labour'” the Labour Minister stated.

It will be recalled that the Organized Labour, had two days ago, issued a 14-day Nationwide strike notice, citing Government’s reluctance in observing the terms of earlier MOU as a major reason.

1...1,2241,2251,226...2,903Page 1,225 of 2,903