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CBN Douses Tension On Elections, Promises Cash Assistance To INEC

By
Ayodele Oni
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CBN Gov Emefiele

By Ayodele Oni

As fingers are being pointed at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a possible instrument to truncate this year’s general election, the Governor Godwin Emiefele, has assured that the apex bank will do everything possible to ensure success of the poll.

Emefiele, who spoke on Tuesday, allayed the fears in some quarters that the crisis associated with the circulation of the redesigned Naira notes might jeopardize the  elections, which kick off less than 20 days time

Emefiele assured Nigerians that the apex bank would not allow itself to be used to frustrate the elections.

The CBN boss, who spoke when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, led 11 National Commissioners on a visit to the Bank, said the CBN will make available every cash needed to pay logistics for the success of the elections.

He was responding to a request from Yakubu that the CBN should find a way of addressing scarcity of currency across the country, 17 days to the Presidential and National Assembly elections since some service providers to the commission were “unbanned.”

Emefiele assured him: “The CBN will not allow itself to be used as agents to frustrate the forthcoming elections which is a positive assignment.

“If you require cash to pay some of your service providers, we will make it available to you. We will not allow ourselves to be seen as agents that frustrate a genuine assignment.”

The INEC chairman had told the CBN Governor that the 2023 polls would be the best in Nigeria’s history, adding that concerns had however been raised about the processes leading to the elections.

He said while the Commission had transferred all its accounts at the state and national levels to the apex bank, some of the services being rendered to the Commission needed to be paid for in cash.

Imo Will Be Secured For 2023 General Elections – Uzodinma

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has assured that there will be enough security during the forth coming elections.

He gave the assurance in a meeting he had on Tuesday at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward Executives, Local Government executives, Zonal executives, State Executive members, Sole Administrators, Development Centre Chairmen and former Interim Management Chairmen of the Councils in Imo State.

Congnizance of the nefarious activities of  non state actors and their sponsors in orchestrating killings, kidnappings, and targeting mainly APC members, the Governor assured the Party leaders that “Government will provide sufficient security to stop all forms of threats and harassment of innocent citizens and prevent them from voting their preferred candidate and party in the forthcoming elections.”

The Governor who said he was aware of reports of intimidations, persecutions, harassments and threats said “we will have peaceful elections in Imo State and no person or group of persons will stop Imo people from exercising their electoral responsibilities.”

He bemoaned the despicable situation where only APC men and women are being hunted for and killed, Party members property destroyed for no reason, all instigated by the opposition parties using unknown gunmen, saying the situation has to stop.

The Governor commended the dexterity and resilience of the APC members in the State for coming out whenever they are invited, noting that “in the face of harassment you still stand firm and have trust in the Party you belong.”

Governor  Uzodimma told the audience that nothing will push him into joining the evil men and women in the killing of innocent Imo citizens, rather,  he assured the Party faithful that his government will stop at nothing in fishing out those behind the killings in Imo State.

“APC is at the National, APC is in Imo State and election is about the people, therefore APC stands as a Party to beat. When the opposition discovered that it is difficult to defeat the Party in power they decided to create what they called distractions.”

Governor Uzodimma reiterated that his relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari was instrumental to Imo State getting the necessary support and financial grants to carry out her responsibility, noting that the efforts of his administration in the areas of shoring up Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) made it possible for his government to make the first advance payment of N10 billion  to Craneburg Construction Company for the construction of the Owerri/Okigwe and the Owerri/Orlu roads.

The Governor then told the Party executives to go home and assert their positions, take ownership of their Wards as the ruling Party based on the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic as amended, assuring them of total support of the State Government under his watch.

Welcoming the Governor to the meeting, the Chairman of APC in Imo State,  Dr. MacDonald Ebere said that the Party leaders from the 305 Electoral Wards were all gathered to listen and take directives from the Governor as the leader of the Party in the State regarding the forthcoming election,  promising that by time they leave the meeting “all their fears and anxieties must have been assuaged.”

Present at the Meeting were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.  Emeka Nduka, Members of the State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the State Expanded Executive Council and some Apex Leaders of Imo APC.

Find Courage To Confront Evil Men In Imo State, Uzodinma Tells Imo Peace Committee

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has challenged members of the Imo State Chapter of the National Peace Committee to find courage to confront the evil men and women sponsoring violence and insecurity in the State.

Addressing the Committee members who paid him a working visit at the New Executive Council Chambers Government House Owerri, on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma advised them to take it as a responsibility to ensure the restoration of peace anchored on justice, noting that his government will support and give them the necessary logistics that will make their job easy.

He commended the activities of the National Peace Committee established in 2014 and helped to ensure that the 2015 election which was greeted with tension and volatility turned out to be relatively peaceful.

The Governor said he welcomes the idea of extending the Peace Committee to the States, noting that ‘’any responsible Government will quickly welcome the Committee for peace and development to thrive.”

He reassured of the support of the State Government, saying that “the inauguration of the Peace Committee is a sign of hope and encouragement as well as support to the efforts of the Clergy in preaching peace.”

He  also expressed satisfaction with the calibre of membership of the Committee which he said are capable of delivering on their mandate.

The Governor reminded the Committee  that there is silent war in Imo State, orchestrated by those who lost elections and therefore swore to “make the State ungovernable,” reiterating that though he was privileged to know those sponsoring the violence in Imo  and causing mayhem everywhere, but his covenant with God has made him to look up to God for vengeance.

However, he was emphatic that “No man will get power in Imo State by killing his people because Imo people are in the hands of God.’’

He then wished the Committee the best as the members go about their responsibilities.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee in the State, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Philip Ogbonna said they came to inform Governor Uzodimma that the National Peace Committee Imo State Chapter had since been inaugurated in Imo State on November 7, 2022 and to request that the Governor gives them the necessary support and logistics to fulfill their mandate.

He said they have also resolved to partner with the State Government and to “support the Federal, State and Local Government on this initiative to bring peace before, during and after the elections.”

Rev. Fr. Ogbonna addeed that members have resolved to work to stop the unwarranted destructions, terrorism and killings in the State which are to nobody’s gains, and acknowledged that “in Imo State things have gone bad” and that “most conflicts and crisis in the State are aimed at pursing self interest.”

He said they have resolved as a Committee to ensure peace through consultations and dialogue and affirmed that “peace is achievable by continually seeking solutions to peace.”

Adding his voice, the Chairman of CAN Imo State, Very Rev. Eches Divine Eches recalled how Governor Uzodimma has been described at many fora as “a man of humility and peace” and said that it is on that pedestal that they “stand to be part of the National Peace Committee, knowing full well that the Governor, leading the way, the Committee is bound to succeed.”

IPMAN Divided Over Planned Shut Down Of Operations Nationwide

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be a division over directive by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN)  to members to suspend all operations across the country.

Members of the body form the bulk of Major distributors of Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS) popularly called petrol nationwide.

IPMAN also directed its members to suspend payment of ordering products from source until further notice.

In a counter directive, the IPMAN National Operations Controller, Mike Osatuyi, said the insinuation that marketers had concluded plans to shut down operations should be disregarded.

In a statement on Tuesday  by its chairman, Mohammed Kuluwu stated that the directive to shut down operation is mandatory on all members.

IPMAN Letter

IPMAN had, on Monday, debunked the report that marketers will shut down operations once the government starts the enforcement of N195 per litre pump price on Monday.

The IPMAN National Operations Controller, Mike Osatuyi, who made this known, said the insinuation that marketers had concluded plans to shut down operations from Monday should be disregarded.

The IPMAN Publicity Officer, lbadan Depot, Mojeed Adesope, last Friday, called for the shutdown of all IPMAN filling stations due to the government’s pronouncement that the pump price of petrol should not exceed N195 per litre.

Adesope said dealers, particularly independent marketers, described the development as tough due to the high ex-depot price of the commodity.

Osatuyi, however, said Adesope has no mandate to talk on behalf of the national body of the association, adding that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was preparing the logistics to start supplying petrol to IPMAN members directly.

Abeokuta Erupts As Irate Youths Block Major Roads, Set Up Bonfire Over Scarcity Of New Naira Notes, Fuel

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Abeokuta Protest

By Akinwale Kasali

There is palpable tension in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as irate youths have set up bonfires on major roads in the State and blocked the roads. Vehicular movements are halted.

Oke Ilewo, the commercial hub of the State, Sapon and Obantoko area of the State Capital are presently a no- go area as Security Agents have been shooting sporadically into the air to disperse irate youths whose bitter complain is the  sufferings they are going through over the scarcity of the New Naira Notes and Fuel.

There is also an ongoing protest at the front of Guaranty Trust Bank in Asero, Obantoko, Area of the State over the inability to withdraw Old and New Naira Notes from their Automated Teller Machine, ATM, and also at the Counter in the Banks.

Police are, however,  on ground to calm the situation.

In a chat with some of the aggrieved youths who had set up the bonfire and blockade of the roads, they lamented that they are unable to withdraw money from the ATM and also from POS Operators as they are charged exorbitant prices.

They lamented that to withdraw N1000 from a POS Operator, they are charged between N300 to N400, while to collect N5,000 they are charged N1000.

Expressing their grievances further, they lamented that to withdraw N10,000 they are charged between N2,500 to N3,000 which is unacceptable leading to stage this protest/

Some Women who had scampered for safety as a result of the crisis that emanated at First Bank in Sapon area in the State, said that they had slept at the ATM point in other to withdraw early in the morning if the Bank Officials had put money in the ATM Machine, unfortunately, they had been left waiting till now before the irate youths got annoyed and set a bonfire in front of the Bank.

One of the women who pleaded anonymity said the suffering is too much and getting out of hand, as his Children had not eaten since yesterday due to her inability to have access to her money in the Bank and also that she cannot pay the exorbitant charges by POS Operators.

“It is so disheartening as we haven’t had it this bad. The nation is in shambles and anarchy is looming if it is not addressed in earnest. How can we be using money to buy money?

“This is real suffering. We can’t have access to our money, no fuel and we are saying we have a Government is so sad”, she said.

Politicians Are Resurrecting June 12, Says Ganduje

By
Uche Mbah
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Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

By Uche Mbah

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Tuesday, claimed that those behind the annulment of June 12 are regrouping to truncate the upcoming General Elections election.

A group, Association of Better Nigeria, had gone to court asking for the annulment of June 12,1993 Presidential election which the late business mogul, MKO Abiola, was leading at the polls. The Military Government, under Ibrahim Babangida, was later to annul the election before the results were announced.

But Ganduje is equating the current court cases instituted by four political parties to prevent the Presidency and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from extending the deadline of Cash swap to the June 12,1993 situation.

According to him, those behind the annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential election “are regrouping and dangerously masquerading” in the prevailing crisis.

He accused the the Peoples Democratic Party of being behind the crisis.

This was disclosed in a release by the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who went further to claim that the open support of the project testifies to the veracity of their position.

According to the statement, it was “unfortunate that the CBN and its collaborators are insisting unnecessarily on the imposition of an unreasonable time frame for the old Naira notes to cease to be legal tender, in total refutation of the obvious national dearth in the necessary technological infrastructure for the process.

“The rigid insistence on the implementation of these harsh, inhuman and insensitive cash policies to a point of neglecting their widespread rejection by the vast majority of Nigerians including the National Assembly and all state governors, is an ominous agenda for the undermining of the nation and consequent scurrying of a smooth transition to a freely and fairly elected successive administration.”

An Abuja High Court had, Monday, issued a restraining order on the Presidency, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor and 27 Commercial Banks from interfering with the status quo regarding the ongoing currency swap in Nigeria.

Specifically, they have been restrained from  suspending, stopping, extending or interfering with the currency redesign terminal date of February 10th or issue any directive contrary to the February 10 date.

Five political parties had approached the Court accusing the Commercial Banks of sabotaging the project and the country through acts of hoarding and non disbursement of the new N200, N500, N1000 notes to the public.

The Court was presided over by Justice Enenche.

In a Motion by five of the eighteen political parties the Court presided over by Justice Enenche also granted an order directing the CEO’s of the banks and their alter egos to show cause why they should not be arrested and prosecuted for the economic and financial sabotage of the country by their illegal hoarding, withholding, not paying or disbursing the new N200 N500 and N1000 bank notes despite supply of such notes by the Central Bank.

There have been controversies and tension over the disbursement of the new notes which has put citizens through untold hardship. Governors under the aegis of the ruling party have been pressuring the Presidency to either reverse or extend the deadline. The governors, led by the Kaduna state governor, Nasir el Rufai, include Governors of Kogi, Zamfara, Ondo, Rivers, Imo, Benue, and Kano states.

The case had listed bank CEOs and their staff as respondents.

Protest Halts Movement On Lagos/ Benin Highway

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ore-Benin expressway Protest

By Ayodele Oni

Despite warning by Ondo state pice command against any form of protest in the state, some residents in Ore on Tuesday staged a peaceful demonstration along Ore-Benin expressway against the scarcity of naira notes and fuel  ravaging the nation.

The police command had on Monday met with stakeholders including representatives of students, bankers and petroleum marketers on the need to allow peace to reign.

Tuesday’s protest, which caused gridlock along the ever busy highway, leading to the eastern part of the country, made travellers plying the route stranded.

Some of the protesters claimed that the recent hardship ravaging the country due to scarcity of naira notes and fuel is becoming unbearable.

“We are protesting to send a message to the government, that we the masses are suffering.”

Investigation reveals that some banks have started disbursing the new naira notes on counter but with a zeal.

Every customer is paid two thousand naira, despite their request, with the banks insisting that the measure is to ensure that the few notes go round.

Also, despite warning that petrol should not sell more than N195 per litre, many filling stations in Ondo and Ekiti are still dispensing at between N400 and N450 per litre.

PDP: G5 Cracks As Governor Ikpeazu Abandons Group

By
The Source
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Any Atiku Supporter Is An Enemy – Governor Ortom

By Gideon Njoku

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has exited the G5. The G5 is a group of five Peoples Democratic Party’s Governors who are opposed to the Leadership of the Party as represented by Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, and the Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The other members of the Group are leader, Samuel Ortom, Benue State, Spokesperson, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu State and Seyi Makinde, Oyo State.

Between them, they divided the PDP, and deprived it of a common front since the Presidential Primary which denied Wike of the ticket in favour of Atiku, and also denied him of the Vice Presidential slot in favour of Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

After Wike’s loss, they asked that Ayu steps down as the Chairman of the Party for a Southerner, and insisted that it was a breach of the Party’s constitution for both the Candidate and the Chairman to come from the same Zone – North.

That was not agreeable to most people, including other PDP Governors. Since then the five of them exempted themselves from all Party activities, including the Presidential Campaign. They have, in so many ways, worked against the Party and its Candidate.

But a crack seems to have emerged, according to Ayu.

While addressing the Presidential Rally in Makurdi on Monday, which Ortom boycotted, Ayu announced that the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has come back to the main PDP fold, and agreed to work with the Party and its Presidential Candidate.

Ayu disclosed that he held a discussion with Ikpeazu two days earlier, and they had sorted things out, and Ikpeazu had come back to the fold. He, therefore, appealed to Ortom to come back to the fold.

Not a few people are of the opinion that the death of Professor Uche Ikonne, the Governor’s preferred Governorship candidate, forced Ikpeazu to do an about turn. Having lost Ikonne to death, Ikpeazu had stood the risk of not picking Ikonne’s replacement. The Primary to replace him was conducted by the National body which was in a position to sabotage Ikpeazu’s desire. He was said to have quickly made an about-turn in exchange for the support of the National body.

His immediate past Chief of Staff, Ambrose Ahiwe, picked the ticket. If the arrangement/agreement will hold is another matter.

Ikpeazu is a Senatorial candidate. The election will take place same day, February 25, as the Presidential election.

2023: Ayu Slams Ortom For Shunning Atiku’s Rally In Benue State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Iyorcha Ayu and Samuel Ortom

By Akinwale Kasali

Iyorchia Ayu, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has lambasted Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom for shunning the PDP Presidential Campaign Rally for its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Makurdi, Benue State Capital.

Ortom,  his deputy, Benson Abounu, Commissioners, Aides and the 22 Local Government Chairmen of the State were all absent at the campaign rally which infuriated Ayu. The is controlled by the PDP. The National Chairman hails from there.

Ortom is one of the PDP G5 Governors, led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who declared war on the Leadership of the Party as represented by Ayu and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku, since Wike lost both the Presidential and Vice Presidential tickets to Atiku and Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Leading the campaign rally for Atiku in the State are former Governor of the state, Senator Gabriel Suswam, former President of the Senate, David Mark, and the three Senators representing Zone A, B and C; Suswam, Orker Jev and Abba Moro. They were all present.

Also, the Party’s Governorship Candidate and his deputy, Titus Uba and John Ngbede, respectively, and some state working committee members attended the rally.

At the rally, Ayu appealed to Ortom, who had not shown support for Atiku, to join hands with the party to be able to rescue the country.

Ayu said that he met with one of the G-5 governors, the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, two days ago and also urged him to work with them.

The PDP Chairman however claimed that  there was no division in the party, despite the position of the aggrieved G-5 Governors.

Ayu said, “What we have is some of our members who are aggrieved but we are appealing to Governor Ortom to come back and join us to rescue the country. Governor Ortom has nowhere to go. We have already resolved our issue with Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu. I was with him two days ago and he has agreed to work for the success of our party.”

Atiku, while speaking with the mammoth crowd at the rally, promised to ensure that the crisis between the people of the state and Fulani herders would be resolved if voted into office.

He said, “I am the umbrella of Tiv people worldwide. If you vote for me, I will make sure peace return to Benue State. I will come to the state and make sure Fulani signs a peace pact with the people of the state.”

Atiku also promised that the $10m promised in his blueprint would be injected into the economy to create jobs for the youth.

He further assured the people of Benue State that he would fix the federal roads that pass through the state, just as he promised to reopen the railway line that passed through the state and ensure that the Academic Staff Union of Universities no longer embarks on strike.

NIMASA Seeks Improved Partnership With South Korea

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Korea

The Deputy Minister for Overseas Koreans and Consular Affairs, Republic of Korea, Choi Yeong, says Nigeria is the gateway to unlocking the potential of the African Continent’s Blue Economy.

Choi Yeong who made the assertion during a courtesy call on NIMASA Management in Lagos led by the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria   His Excellency Kim Young Chae  also commended the sustained and improved security situation in the Gulf of Guinea with the strong presence of Nigeria, adding that the Korean government looks forward to continuous support from the Nigeria government in the area of intelligence and information sharing.

“Nigeria is the one of the biggest country on the African continent in terms of economic size, population and market potentials. So Nigeria could be a very important partner to us the People of Korea. Nigeria could be our gateway to the whole of African continent. We are glad to inform you that Korea has scheduled a summit involving the entire African continent in 2024 and we hope it will strengthen relationship with Nigeria and Africa.” He said.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR noted that the relationship between both countries is over 40 years, and there is the need to further deepen it. He noted that Korea is a foremost maritime country with highly recognized capacity in the areas of shipbuilding and ship repairs adding that Nigeria is willing to partner Korea in shipbuilding for the short, medium and long tern benefits of both countries.

“There is no how the issue of trade can flourish without adequate security. NIMASA is making steady progress in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other security Agencies to secure the safety and security of investors, Vessels, and Seafarers in the Nigerian maritime domain. Considering the fact that population of Koreans is highest in Nigeria when compared to other African states, the need for improved relationship between Nigeria and Korea cannot be over emphasized Korea has arguably the best Shipbuilding Companies globally and that is an area we desire partnership. We have commenced discussions with the Samsung Group and Hyundai as well on the issue of shipbuilding and ship repairs.”

Speaking on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, he stated that since the 2nd quarter of 2021, there have been no issues of kidnapping and insecurity, assuring them that the Federal Government is determined to achieve a safe and secured maritime domain in Nigeria, adding that the time to improve Korea, Nigeria Bilateral relationship particularly in the fishing sector is now.

“I believe we can also explore improved interphase in areas such as deep sea fishing. . Fishing in Nigeria used to be a very large source of income not far behind oil and Gas. The numbers are not looking very encouraging at the moment. Partnership will lead to more fishing trawlers in Nigerian waters,” he said.

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