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IGP Says 400,000 Security Agents Set For Election Duties

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigeria Police

By Ayodele Oni

As preparations are in top gear for the General Elections next week, the Inspector General of Police,(IGP) Usman Alkali Baba disclosed on Thursday that over 400,000 security personnel are set to be deployed to states.

According to him this is part of measures being taken to ensure hitch free polls on February 25th and March 11, 2023.

The security personnel jointly, comprise the Police force, the Department of State Services, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Correctional Officers, National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (NDLEA) among others.

Out of the entire security personnel to be deployed, the police force is producing about 310,973 officers.

Baba said the various arms of security personnel have come up with their unique identifications system to ensure they are not infiltrated by unscrupulous persons.

The IGP spoke in Abuja while highlighting some of the plans being put in place by the Police Force, as contributions  to ensure hitch free polls Nationwide.

He noted that the police would not be allowed to offer escort services to VIPs during the election days, warning those planning to foment trouble to be weary.

President Muhammadu Buhari had recently given the Police authorities a clear warning that the eye of the nation is upon them to ensure that the elections goes hitch free.

The President had early in the week commissioned some security vehicles to be used for the election by security agencies.

The Police boss explained that it has not been able to prosecute electoral offenders, because the new electoral act only mandates the police to investigate such cases, adding that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is saddled with the responsibility.

Naira Crisis: Emefiele Threatens Banks’ CEOs With Sack After Buhari’s Broadcast-Source

By
James Orji
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0

Godwin Emefiele, Nigeria’s Central bank Governor has met with all the chief executive officers and managing directors of all commercial banks in the country in Abuja.

Sources who witnessed the meeting said the Emefiele threatened the banks’ CEOs with sack if they fail to rein in some of their staff sabotaging the government’s efforts at resolving the naira scarcity across the country.

Emefiele disclosed that he met with the top commercial banks’ officials after the president’s broadcast today. He did not disclsoe the details.

The apex bank governor had met with President Buhari at least four times in the last few days as the government is trying to resolve the money crisis that has sparked violence across the country.

The magazine, however, understands that the meeting with the president and the commercial bank’s managing directors may not be unconnected with how to quickly address the currency crisis before it goes out of hand.

The meeting comes on the heels of President Muhammadu Buhari’s early Thursday morning national broadcast to Nigerians on his government’s efforts at addressing the shortage of the new naira notes across the country.

Buhari had in the broadcast blamed some unscrupulous commercial bank officials for frustrating the government’s efforts in dealing with the shortages.

Recall also that President Buhari has extended the expiration of the old N200 notes to April 10, stating that the N500 and N1000 are no longer legal tenders.

Sources who spoke with the magazine said the CBN governor read the riot act to the bank’s managing directors when they met, warning them that  banks officials caught working against the interest of the government henceforth will be dealt with accordingly.

“The CBN governor did not hide his feelings when he met with the CEOs this morning. He told them he was shocked with the way things are going despite CBN efforts in the last one week to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians by releasing more new banknotes to the banks,” a source privy to the meeting said.

According to the source who pleaded anonymity because of the fact that he was not authorized to speak on the issue, Emefiele told the CEOs “to wake up to their duties or be sacked.”

“He warned them that they will be held responsible for the actions of their staff saying ‘the tea party is over’.

President Buhari during his broadcast said his government is “not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

“​To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens  are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.

“​I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law,” Buhari said.

Group Faults Buhari, Says His Pronouncement On N200 Note, Contempt of Court

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group under the auspices of Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) has condemned in the strongest terms the violence that has broken out in some parts of the country as a result of the scarcity of the new Naira note and rejection of the Old Naira Notes.

The Group said the Naira Redesign policy is wicked, insensitive, irresponsible and with its implementation provocative and has subjected Nigerians to untold hardship, pains, agony and deprivations of their personal and legitimate money domiciled in banks.

In a press statement issued in Lagos on Thursday 16th February 2023, the Executive Director of the Group, Nelson Ekujumi, stated: “We are saddened and traumatized by the pains and anguish inflicted on innocent Nigerians by the inhuman implementation of this policy which has degenerated to pockets of violence and it’s attendant destruction of properties and likely loss of life”. “We condemn the violence in it’s entirety and call on Nigerians to remain calm and not to fall prey to the plots of anti democratic elements whose major goal is to truncate the smooth conduct of the 2023 general elections”.

The group stated that it sympathized with Nigerians for enduring the pains and agony inflicted by the policy so far and urged them to continue to keep the peace because, “Together we shall weather and overcome this storm”.

However, CSER wants it placed on record that the blame for this violence should be placed squarely at the doorstep of the CBN Management and the Federal Government for their insensitivity to the pains of ordinary Nigerians in accessing their personal and legitimate funds which is condemnable and unacceptable.

The Civil Society Organization, while welcoming and appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for his presidential broadcast of 16th February 2023 in response to the Naira redesign policy implementation crisis, however faulted the President’s speech for affirming only the old N200 notes as valid legal tender as against the old N500 and N1000 notes which from the speech are no longer legal tender.

Ekujumi noted that, it is not in doubt that Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy in which the law of the land is supreme as individuals, groups and institutions are subject to the provisions of the law. Going further, he stated, “We are aware that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is one that prides itself as a respecter of the rule of law, we are also aware that only yesterday 15th February 2023, the supreme court ruled that it’s order on the dateline extension of the old N200, N500 and N1000 naira as legal tender subsists till the next adjourned date of 22nd February, 2023”.

“Therefore, we are at CSER are at a loss as to where in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, Mr. President derives the power to over ride the pronouncement of the court via a presidential broadcast?

“As stated by Mr. President in his presidential speech today, he himself made allusion to the matter being in court and we would have expected him to have taken judicial notice of the court pronouncement in his speech, but which unfortunately and sadly was not the case.

“With all due respect, Mr. President by the presidential broadcast of recognizing only the old N200 as legal tender and pronouncing the old N500 and N1000 notes as no longer legal tender, is by law liable for contempt of court which is unfortunate.

“We also want to use this opportunity to call on Nigerians to take electoral notice of politicians and political parties who have sided with the people in this trying times as against those gloating and calling on the CBN to remain resolute in inflicting pains on the suffering Nigerians, they have exposed themselves as who they really are as enemies of the people who wish us no good but are only pretending and should be rejected at the polls.

The Group, therefore, called on Nigerians to “remain calm and not resort to violence in resolving this CBN inflicted crisis, we demand that Mr. President retract that part of his speech in obedience to the supreme court ruling that the old N200, N500 and N1000 remain legal tender till the determination of the suit which next hearing is slated for the 22nd of February 2023.”

“I Sympathise With Nigerians, Unscrupulous Bank Officials Responsible For Sufferings”

By
The Source
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0
Buhari-independence Day

By Muhammadu Buhari

Full text of the National Address, given on 16th February 2023, By President Muhammadu Buhari on the challenges of the Naira swap and State of The Nation

My Dear Compatriots,

​I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.

2.​Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.

3.​Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.

4.​In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.

5.​For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.

6.​In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.

7.​Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:

  1. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4trillion.
  2. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;
  3. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;
  4. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and
  5. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria

8.​Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.

9.​I have been reliably informed that  since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held  outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.

10.​This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:

  1. A strengthening of our macro economic parameters;
  2. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;
  3. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;
  4. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;
  5. Exchange Rate stability;
  6. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and
  7. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.

11.​I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

12.​To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens  are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.

13.​I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.

14.​During the extended phase of the deadline for currency swap, I listened to invaluable pieces of advice from well meaning citizens and institutions across the nation.

15.​I similarly consulted widely with representatives of the State Governors as well as the Council of State. Above all, as an administration that respects the rule of law, I have also noted that the subject matter is before the courts of our land and some pronouncements have been made.

  1. ​To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.

17.​In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.

18.​Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.

19.​Let me assure Nigerians that our administration will continue to assess the implementation with a view to ensuring that Nigerians are not unnecessarily burdened. In this regard, the CBN shall  ensure that new notes become more available and accessible to our citizens through the banks.

20.​I wish to once more appeal for your understanding till we overcome this difficult transient phase within the shortest possible time.

21.​Fellow citizens, on the 25th of February, 2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members. I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

22.​This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.

23.​I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.

24.​I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.

Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Buhari Speaks On Benefits Of Naira Swap

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Despite hardship being experienced by Nigerians over the naira Redesign, President Mohammadu Buhari has said the policy is beneficial to the nation.

The President, in an early morning broadcast explained that “I have been reliably informed that  since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held  outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.

“This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:

“A strengthening of our macro economic parameters; Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices.

“Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation.

“Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways; Exchange Rate stability.

“Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and

Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti- money laundering legislations.”

On hardship being experienced President Buhari stated that ” I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy.

“I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

“To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens  are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amount of currency; and ability to make deposits.

“​I have similarly directed that the CBN should intensify collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, so as to ensure that any institution or person(s) found to have impeded or sabotaged the implementation should be made to bear the full weight of the law.”

President Buhari Extends Circulation Of N200 Notes Till April

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to return into circulation the old N200 notes.

The President gave the order in a broadcast on Thursday morning.

He said the old N200 note will be spent alongside the new notes of N200, N500 and N1000 till April 10, 2023.

He said, “To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.

“In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.

“Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.”

Feb 25: Wike Has Joined APC After Meeting Tinubu, PDP Says

By
James Orji
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0
Wike and Tinubu

Speculation over the defection of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has ended after the governor met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC and other officials of the party in Port Harcourt, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said.

Governor Wike  hosted Tinubu and other APC apparatchiks in the Rivers government house ahead of the party’s presidential campaign yesterday.

As the leader of the G5 PDP governors not in support of the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, not a few insist that Wike’s association with the opposition party has become too close for comfort, even though the governor has not openly declared for APC.

According to a statement issued by the Rivers state chapter of the PDP on Thursday, and signed by Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, the party said the meeting Governor Wike had with Tinubu and other APC top shots  has ended speculation on where he stands.

The PDP said: “Today marked the end of all speculations by Nigerians and hypocritical denials by Governor Nyesom Wike of his current political standing as Wike play host to the APC presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the council chamber of the Rivers State Government House with all members of the Rivers State executive council present.

“This has not only justified the consistent position of the Rivers state Presidential Campaigns Council that Governor Wike who has wholly engaged himself in anti-party activities, has criminalized the mandate of the People’s Democratic Party who offered him the platform upon which he was elected governor.

“The utterances of Governor Wike in time past against President Buhari’s policies and poor performance in governance and the manner in which the Governor vilified and spoke despicably about Bola Ahmed Tinubu for telling Nigerians that he wants to continue Buhari’s legacy of good works, is diagnostic that he has no single strand of integrity and credibility left in him for turning around not just to embrace but to consummate his marriage to a party he described as Cancer.

“The show of shame is seen to have been ignorantly celebrated by his minions who are all soon to become internally displaced politicians if they don’t return to good reasoning.

“The people of Rivers state would have benefited more if the Five hundred million Naira that was disbursed for the failed mobilization of people to the APC presidential rally was voted into SMEs for wealth and job creation for the surging population of unemployed youths or for the payments of retirees benefits and gratuity.

“It’s now obvious why Governor Wike ran to the courts to seek judicial asylum knowing he was about playing his highly predictable last game of desecrating the mandate of the People’s Democratic Party.

Governor Wike had approached the court to stop the PDP from suspending him, but the party said he cannot remain in the party and continue to break the rules.

“Governor Wike as a lawyer should know that you can not suspend the hands of justice in perpetuity while you continue to break all known laws that govern a system. The day of reckoning is here. The leadership of the party must act to save what is left of the PDP in Rivers State,” the statement said.

UK Govt Warns Citizens To Avoid 25 States, ATMs

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

The United Kingdom, UK government has advised her citizens to stay away from Automated Teller Machines, ATMs across Nigeria.

The Rishi Sunak-led government has also issued an advisory to British nationals living in the country to avoid traveling to 25 states for security reasons, saying criminal activities are now prevalent in such states.

The advisory was issued in response to the violence that broke out in some parts of the country due to the prevailing naira crisis, caused by the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to demonetize old naira notes of N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes.

Violence has broken out in Edo, Delta, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, and Lagos states in recent days as the shortage of new naira notes persists with citizens finding it difficult to withdraw cash from the banks.

President Muhammadu Buhari while addressing the nation early Thursday morning, said the government took the decision to illegalize the old naira notes in order to fight corruption.

Not a few insist that the president has shattered the hopes of many Nigerians with his speech and that more violence is likely to break out as his speech has simply not addressed the situation.

The UK government, therefore, warned her citizens to take security issues seriously, including avoiding ATMs as the naira crisis is likely to spark violence in some places across the country.

The advisory said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the redesign and issue of new N200, N500 and N1’000 Naira notes. This has led to shortages of cash, which are likely to persist for a period.

“You are encouraged to check notes provided by currency exchange vendors will be valid for the duration of your travel to Nigeria, and to follow local CBN guidelines.

“Areas such as banks and ATMs have seen a spike in criminal activity, and as such, it is advised that you take extra precautions particularly when withdrawing cash in crowded spaces, and during night time hours.

“There have been outbreaks of violence in southwest Nigeria as a result of cash shortages, and there is a risk of other urban areas being impacted across the country. We advise travellers in Nigeria to exercise their judgement, including being aware of any large crowds or potential disturbances.”

It further warned that terrorists attack are likely in states such as Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara, urging nationals to stay away from such states.

Other states to be avoided include Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.

The UK government also advised citizens against traveling to Kano, Sokoto, Kogi, Bauchi, Jigawa, Niger, and within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State, Abia State, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States, as well as Plateau State and Taraba State

“Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Nigeria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider. On 15 February, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced the online Nigeria Health Declaration Form for incoming travelers. This is a requirement for all travelers to complete before travel to Nigeria,” the UK government said.

Uzodimma To Deliver Paper On Strategic Leadership And National Development At War College, Friday

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State will on Friday deliver a paper at the National War College, Abuja as part of the intellectual advancement of the foremost institution.

He will be speaking on the theme: Strategic Leadership and National Development.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba disclosed in a statement issued in Owerri, Wednesday that the governor will be among few distinguished Nigerians privileged to lecture at the elite War College in Abuja.

He said the governor was selected to deliver the paper based on his antecedents as a pan Nigerian committed to the continued unity of Nigeria.

Emelumba added the paper will enrich the scholarship pursuit of the College as well as deepen the course of national unity.

OPINION: The Peter Obi I Know – Ama Obika

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi

I was privileged to know Mr. Peter Obi in 1988. when I was the Branch Manager of Savannah Bank Plc in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Peter Obi was quick and smart to identify with  genuine, aggressive and progressive Branch bank Managers and  became friends with most of them and consequently opened accounts in their banks to patronize their services. I believe his friendship and rappour with most of the Bank Managers and his effective utilization of banking services at that early states or formative period of his trading business contributed handsomely to his spiral growth  and wealth.

He astronomically grew his business and escalated from trading to assessing foreign exchange for imports of containers of various Goods and Services that are fast moving and profitable.

When I was the Assistant General Manager Headquarters Branch of SBN Plc, in 1990, I marketed Peter to open Current account at HQ Branch/Corporate Branch in Broad Street, Lagos to join the league of conglomerates the likes of Mobile Nigeria Ltd, CFAO, Shell Nigeria etc. whose accounts were domiciled and managed by us. For Mr Peter to operate and included in the lists of multinationals customers speaks volumes for the level and class of his company-Next International Ltd.

Those days of bidding for FX allocations and payment of premium was rampant, Peter patronized Savannah Bank Plc FX Allocation but he did not solicit to offer and the bank did not demand premium either.

Peter right from time frowns at corrupt inclinations. or tendencies and practices. He will not offer or take bribe. He will not spend unnecessarily or wastefuly and frowns at people who do.

He will not try to impress you with his wealth and knowledge and will not be impressed by your exhibition of wealth either.

Peter sparingly operated with bank loans. He built up capacity to generate cash and quite liquid, So he had the ability and capacity to fund his various business from cash generated from trading operations. However once in a while, requested for TOD ( Temporary Overdraft Facility), which he promptly paid off within few days. His volume of turnover was so enticing that every reasonable Brach manager will not hesitate to oblige any request for TOD from him.

Peter, no matter how close with the Bank Managers, waited patiently and quietly for his turn to see the Manager even though he was the number one customer of the Branch in terms of volume of turnover.

What struck and attracted me to Mr. Peter Obi were his quantum of humility, simplicity. comportment, ,composure, highest level of respect to seniors and elders, obedience to constituted authority. Peter is extremely respectful. He will not address you by your first name once you’re older no matter how friendly with you. Just Sir. These qualities or attributes associated with him have become legendary or simply put, his way of life, just a piece of cake.

In 1991 a certain customer of Savannah Bank Plc, a Northerner, secured a Federal Government contract in billions of naira. He deposited his mobilization in the bank, and approached the bank for facilities to fund the contract. But because of single obligor requirement my bank did not have the capacity.  The Chairman of the company approached me to help source for foreign exchange to import the products from Germany from any of our high net-worth  customers.

From my credit evaluation I had determined that it’s almost risk free. I tabled the proposal before Peter. He did not object. He agreed to provide the funds. I linked him up with the customer. Within forty five days, the supply contract was executed and the customer promptly paid back the loan to Peter. The customer was flabbergasted that an Igbo man took that kind of risk and provided unparalleled support to an Hausa man.from the North.

Peter had built up his business and accumulated his wealth long time ago, as far back as 1990 under unblemished and transparent business dealings. Peter I know is very straightforward and sincere. Because of his sincerity in business I appealed to Peter in 1992 to be a go-between, when I had disagreements with my business partner on ownership of goods I imported. He voluntied to warehouse and sale the products at no cost to us and accounted and remittted every kobo due every party. The level of trustworthiness of Mr. Peter Obi is incomprehensible.

Mr. Peter Obi also built his wealth and conglomerates from hard work, excellent, effective, efficient Credit utilization and discipline. He promptly repaid facilities and credit card purchases. He consistently paid his credit card bills before maturity and that earned him excellent credit rating and unblemished credit records in the UK. This I figured was actually one of the reasons his business grew in bounds. In the United Kingdom where he lived, maintaining excellent credit records and effective utilization, tantamount to access to unlimited wealth creation.

As far back as 1990, Peter was the first Nigerian Businessman I knew that had Credit Black Card from UK Banks. Despite the Black Card and accumulated flying hours that entitled him to enjoy first class tickets and flights, besides he is richer than most people that fly first class. Peter refused to fly First Class. To him that funds should be ploughed or channelled to more useful and beneficial services.

When Ovaltine Producers and products existed from Nigeria sometimes in the early 90’s Peter in collaboration with a third party bought the franchise, produced the products from  Switzerland and shipped and distributed the products to Nigeria. He believes very much in Nigeria. He had evaluated the potentials, the untapped resources both human and materials inherent and abound in this country and seam to have concentrated his business or rather put all his business in one basket( Nigeria Nation)

Despite his enemous wealth accumulated from trading and investments, he is known to have shunned the idea of buying property in US or other foreign countries. His house where he lives in London is very simple and modest. No one will believe it’s a billionaire house. His simplicity is even reflected in the car he drove both in the UK ( Honda Legend) and Nigeria ( Peugeot 505 by 1990 when he was already a billionaire. His life style of simplicity didn’t start now because he wants to be President. Renowned and successful world leaders like Angela Merkel, Mahathama Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln etc were reputed to have lived an inspirational simple and un-ostentatious life that Peter Obi practices. Also prosperous countries today were nourished, rebuilt by and escalated to greatness by leaders that Peter Obi has taken time to study and emulate. And he is poised to apply it in his Nigeria nation building projections.

The Peter Obi I know may not  be capable of practicing left hand at old age. He will not learn deceit now. He will stick to what he has been practicing and know how best to accomplish-frugality, sincerity, transparency, purposeful leadership, disciplined spending, prudence, calculated decisions and sobriety etc

Peter as far back as 1991 was one of the highest single Shareholder in Barclays Bank UK and the only black with that kind of Investment.

Also within that period, Peter had overwhelming shareholding in Fidelity Bank Plc that entitled him to a seat on the Board. He didn’t get the Seat. That did not bother him. He knew he will get there one day. He eventually did, many years later, not only a seat on the board but became the Chairman, with a equitable or controlling shareholding.

All Peter Obi’s investments thereafter are concentrated in different parts of Nigeria not even that much in Igbo Land.

Peter quest for transparent leadership and desire to become the President of Nigeria is divinely projected and propelled since many years far back. This stems from the sacrifice of his two siblings to God’s vineyard. One, the immediate junior brother to Pristhood, and the senior sister  a  Rev. Sister of the Holy Rosary Sisters.

Sometimes we may not guess correctly how God rewards us. Invariably, there is no iota of doubt that the prayers of parents, sacrifices, goodness or conscious dedication of their children to God’s vineyard are rewarded bountiful by God in numerous ways. So Peter Obi is a beneficiary of such reward. God is with Peter Obi all the way. and he is destined for greatness. Whatsoever God has decreed and joined together man shall labor in vain to obstruct.

To prepare himself to the task in the future God inspired him to escalate his knowledge and wisdom. He went to Oxford University , he went to Harvard University  , he went to Columbia University, to Cambridge etc. for studies in relevant areas to prepare him for future leadership and management. He transversed all over the World for experience and knowledge. Visited and interacted with many developed countries Political and business top leaders.

Mr. Peter Obi performances precipitated by the transformation and level of infrastructural improvements and development in Anambra State during his tenure  as Governor are already history, it cannot be covered with propaganda or political jingoism.

Mr. Peter Obi is a silent philanthropist. He is a born and devout Roman Catholic. He is the first layman I saw that gave Holy Communion on a Sunday mass celebration in London in 1988. For the Roman Catholic Church to permit a layman to administer Holy communion then, was unprecedented. Peter extends generously his philanthropy to other Christian Churches and Moslems too.

Nigerians time has come to salvage Nigeria and Nigerians. Mr. Peter Obi is very much qualified and very capable. We should consider him as God sent to rebuild the Nigeria Nation. From all antecedents happening since he declared to contest the Precedency through the Labor Party, one will not hesitate to conclude, that truly he is God sent.

Let’s bequeath a new legacy of hope, love. prosperity and survival to the future of our children from February 2023 forward. These embodiments of hope ,love, and inspiration are being propelled and burning like fire in the hearts of youths and the people that genuinely have the interest of Nigeria at heart.

Progressive and true Democrates are therefore enjoined to explore the merits of the

great movement of Obi….obidients…” facilitated by The Rock( Okwute). Masses nicknamed him OKWUTE…The Rock because he is an embodiment of strength, vigor, intellect, agility, prowess etc. The parents named him Peter, after St. Peter the Apostle because he symbolizes the qualities of St. Peter whom God gave the key to Heaven. The Rock upon the pillar the Church of God is built and stood. The new movement-the Obedient youths want Peter the “OKWUTE” The Rock upon which our envisaged New Nigeria will be built to stand firm.

So like God’s injunction; “Peter you are a Rock on this Rock Foundation I will build my Church, not even death will ever overcome it. I will give you the Key of the Kingdom of…….”. ? Matt;16:18-19

Nigerians let’s be gracious enough to trust and bestow Mr. Peter Obi with The Key to salvage our Nation and opportunity to repair the economy and rebuild Nigeria that needs total revamping from disintegration or collapsing economy.

He built his wealth through discipline in managing resources, discipline in application and utilization of credit, discipline in manners and ways of doing business. He can replicate what he did in Anambra State as a Governor for Nigerians and for Nigeria.

Fellow citizens of our great country, we should not loose this singular opportunity that props up once in a million blue moons and come out emass to vote and elect Mr. Peter Obi as the President of a rebirth Nation-Nigeria.

I bet, He will perform wonders.

Written By Ama Obika

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