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Banking: World Leaders Mull Removing Russia From SWIFT System

By
Bayo Bernard
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Russian President Vladimir Putin.

European Union leaders have been considering what some are calling the “nuclear option” of removing Russia from SWIFT, a high security network that connect thousands of financial institutions around the world, following the invasion of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden said Thursday that removing Russia from SWIFT is not the direction the rest of Europe wants to go in at this moment, but noted that taking the nation out of the network is “always an option.”

“The sanctions that we’ve proposed on all their banks are of equal consequence, maybe more consequence than SWIFT,” Biden said, referring to the latest round of sanctions he announced today.

The Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba on Thursday urged the West to ban Russia from SWIFT in a tweet. Earlier on Thursday, CNN reported that the EU was undecided as to whether to cut Russia off from SWIFT and that EU nations were split over the decision.

But what is SWIFT, and what could it mean for Russia? The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication was founded in 1973 to replace the telex and is now used by over 11,000 financial institutions to send secure messages and payment orders. With no globally accepted alternative, it is essential plumbing for global finance.

Removing Russia from SWIFT would make it nearly impossible for financial institutions to send money in or out of the country, delivering a sudden shock to Russian companies and their foreign customers — especially buyers of oil and gas exports denominated in US dollars.

“The cutoff would terminate all international transactions, trigger currency volatility, and cause massive capital outflows,” Maria Shagina, a visiting fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, wrote in a paper last year for Carnegie Moscow Center. Excluding Russia from SWIFT would cause its economy to shrink by 5%, former finance minister Alexei Kudrin estimated in 2014.

SWIFT is based in Belgium and governed by a board consisting of 25 people, including Eddie Astanin, chairman of the management board at Russia’s Central Counterparty Clearing Centre. SWIFT, which describes itself as a “neutral utility,” is incorporated under Belgian law and must comply with EU regulations.

What happens if Russia is removed? There is precedent for removing a country from SWIFT.

SWIFT unplugged Iranian banks in 2012 after they were sanctioned by the European Union over the country’s nuclear program. Iran lost almost half of its oil export revenue and 30% of foreign trade following the disconnection, according to Shagina.

“SWIFT is a neutral global cooperative set up and operated for the collective benefit of its community,” the organization said in a statement in January. “Any decision to impose sanctions on countries or individual entities rests solely with the competent government bodies and applicable legislators,” it added.

It’s not clear how much support there is among US allies for taking similar action against Russia. The United States and Germany have the most to lose if Russia is disconnected, because their banks are the most frequent SWIFT users to communicate with Russian banks, according to Shagina.

The European Central Bank has warned lenders with significant exposure to Russia to prepare for sanctions against Moscow, according to the Financial Times. ECB officials have also asked banks how they would respond to scenarios including a move to prevent Russian banks accessing SWIFT.

CNN

Celebrating Bail For Mr Chika Nwoba – The Incaserated PDP Publicity Secretary, Ebonyi State

By
The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

By Anyim Pius Anyim

The bail granted the Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, Ebonyi State, Nwoba Chika Nwoba, calls for, not only celebration, but deep thoughts about the danger democracy is running into in Ebonyi State.

It will be recalled that Nwoba was abducted in a commando-style on January 9, 2021, by known officers and agents of the Ebonyi State Government under the dreaded Ebubeagu outfit. The swift intervention of the State PDP Deputy Chairman, who invited the police to the scene, saved Nwoba from being killed by his abductors.

To the bewilderment of all, rather than arresting the culprits, the police turned around to detain Nwoba until January 26 when he was arraigned in court; for the following offence:

“That you Nwoba Chika Nwoba “M” on the 23rd day of September, 2020 at Ikwo L.G.A. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly and intentionally publish and circulate message via your Facebook Profile (known as Nwoba Chika Nwoba) and falsely credited it to David Umahi, which is a statement, grossly offensive and likely to disturb public peace knowing or having reason to believe that such statement, report is false which statement reads:

“the truth is that the people in Gov. David Umahi’s government are not happy. They have a lot of vital information to leak to the public. What their problem has been overtime is, who’ll have the guts to air it out and not uncover the source….”

The offence for which Mr. Nwoba was charged brings to the fore the fact that any fair comment on Ebonyi State Government talk less mentioning the name of Gov. David Umahi is certain to be punishable by either death or torture or unlawful incarceration or indefinite detention via the instrumentation of a subdued magistrate under a charge that has no place in a democratic society.    

The celebration today is not just because Nwoba has been granted bailed, but because he is alive and that the Deputy Chairman was available and intervened to disrupt the abduction. Otherwise, he would have disappeared to be found death like many others. 

Nwoba’s abduction is only one of the many cases of killings, maiming and intimidation of the opposition or any person that holds dissent opinion in Ebonyi state since Governor David Umahi defected from the PDP to the APC in 2020.

In another bizarre development, the governor on January 25, 2022, without reason or cause, directed that Linus Okorie, a former Member of the House of Representatives, be declared wanted and followed up same by sending the dreaded Ebubeagu to besiege his Abakaliki home in an attempt to abduct him. His saving grace was that he was not at home at the time of the invasion.

On the 21/2/2022, the seat of the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Odefa Obasi Odefa, was dramatical declared vacant on a bizarre allegation that he had resigned from his membership of the House of Assembly. In doing this, the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly did not even consider the integrity of the House in raising such claim. We look forward to seeing the reaction of the Ebonyi State Police Command now that Mr. Odefa has clarified that his signature was forged and he is only been hunted because he affirmed his inability to defect to APC. True to the reign of terror in Ebonyi State, deadly hoodlums numbering over 50 were dispatched to surround his country home with unclear intentions. It took the firm resolve of youths of the community to dislodge them and save the Deputy Speaker and his family from evident danger. 

Just today, the same House of Assembly in another childlike drama purportedly declared the seat of two more members, Oliver Ossi and Ngozi Eziulo vacant, for the same reason of reaffirming their membership of the PDP.

As a leader of a party built on the rule of law, the PDP, and a defender of democracy, I remain resolute in conjunction with other leaders, in using all lawful means to protect the citizens and obtain justice for the oppressed, aggrieved and all victims of the nefarious activities sponsored by the State Government. If the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and their master cares, they can declare the whole of Ebonyi State House of Assembly vacant, that will not change the resolve of the 9 out of 24 members that have vowed to remain in PDP. In the same vein, no amount of torture, killing or abduction will change the resolve of all well-meaning citizens of Ebonyi State from remaining in the party of their choice the PDP. 

I, therefore, urge all Ebonyians to remain steadfast; even in the face of intimidation, killings and suppression, as all necessary actions are being taken to ensure that the State is rescued and made greater in 2023.

The will of the people, working together, is stronger than the combination of guns of these official killers rampaging the state.

Finally, I welcome Chika Nwoba back to freedom and the warmth and love of his immediate family that has been truncated by a government we all worked hard to install in the hope that it will ensure our welfare and security. Chika must not be intimidated into silence or acquiescence because of this experience, for success always comes after much struggles.

Let me reassure all that evil lasts only for a time. We shall overcome.

Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON.

Former President of the Senate

Youth Movement In Ondo Vows To Demand For Rights

By
Ayodele Oni
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Youth Movement in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

In an attempt to give youths a sense of belonging and positions in 2023, a new Socio-political group, in Ondo state, Akoko North Intellectual Youth movement  (ANIYOM) has been formed.

The formation took place at Okeagbe, in Akoko North West Local government area.

The group, it was learnt, came into existence on the 23rd of January 2022 with the aim of putting a stop at mortgaging the future of Akoko North youths.

Membership spreads across Akoko North West and North East Local governments, as well as National congress of Akoko Students, Nigeria youth council, and Akoko youth Forum.

The body is also made up of non-indigenes -Igbo, Hausa, Ebira, and Fulani, youth groups in political parties, Youths in Agricuture, Special Work Programme, National Union of Local Government Employees and Nigeria Union of Teachers.

The Convener, a foremost Youths Administrator in Ondo state,  Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the Youth group is a grassroots socio-political movement, aimed at playing vital role during next year’s general election.

Chief Asagunla, who has been mentoring the  movement, explained that: “Since 1999, our Federal Constituency, just like others within Ondo North Senatorial District, has not had meaningful representation.

“It’s one of the moments in the anals of our history that when right people are entrusted with public responsibilities, they must be accountable to those people they represent.

“Therefore, the recent political activities in Nigeria demand  inclusive participation and involvement of young people in politics, as the only sustainable panacea to achieving growth and development.

“It’s in this spirit that we the youths of Akoko North Federal Constituency agree to come together under one umbrella to organise ourselves into a socio-political movement in defence of  our democracy, promote political interests and attract dividends of democracy to the constituency at all levels of governance.

“That such agenda will be pursued by all within the component elements of the movement to the glory of God and benefits of mankind.

“As we all know that the might of youths in politics can’t be underrated, as well as underestimated, if they are  actively involve in politics.

“This Galant movement (ANIYOM) will help to separate bad leaders from good ones in Akoko North federal constituency and by extension Akoko land generally.

“This movement is ready to eradicate voters apathy and Mortgaging the future of our dear constituency. All we  clamour for is good representation and Youths inclusiveness in political matter in Akoko land.”

Chief Asagunla explained further that the movement is working to expand its tentacles to other Local governments in Akoko land and states in the nearest future.

Soldiers Rout Alleged IPOB/ESN Camps, Uncover Bodies Of Murdered Victms Dumped In Deep Well

By
The Source
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0
Soliders in Imo State

By Charles Igbo

The Nigerian Army says it has routed the camps of those it described as criminals who had put residents and travellers through hell in Azia-Orsumoghu-Lilu-Ihiala in  Anambra and Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

For weeks, those areas take the cake as the most dangerous in the South-east area of Nigeria.

According  to the Army, in a release signed by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the successful operations held  on Wednesday, February 23 and Thursday, February 24, 2022.

During what Nwachukwu called clearance operations, Soldiers overpowered and trounced the criminals. They also discovered decomposing bodies, apparently, of kidnapped victims who were murdered and dumped in a deep well.

The troops neutralized one of the criminals and arrested three suspects. They also recovered “one Pump Action Shotgun,  two live Cartridges,  two mobile phones, One black coloured Toyota Hilux vehicle, and a polythene bag containing substances suspected to be Cannabis.”

Brigadier-General Nwachukwu’s statement reads:

“Troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army on Wednesday, 23, February, 2022, conducted Operations to clear criminal havens, from where members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) operate at Azia, Orsumoghu, Lilu Forest, Mbosi and Uli in Ihiala and Orsu Local Government Areas of Anambra and Imo States respectively.

“During the clearance operations, troops overpowered and routed the dissidents, who staged an ambush against the gallant troops.

“The troops then proceeded to clear Lilu Forest, where they were met with resistance from the outlawed group.

“The criminals were, again, over-ran by the troops who effectively cleared Lilu Forest and the adjoining areas earlier occupied by the dissidents.

“During the clearance operations, the troops uncovered decomposing remains of kidnapped and murdered victims dumped in a deep well by members of the irredentist groups.

“While conducting the operations, the unrelenting troops encountered and cleared four ambush sites along roads Orsumoghu-Mbosi – Ihiala-Uli, dislodging the irredentists from their criminal havens.

“The gallant troops neutralized one of the criminals, arrested three suspects and recovered one Pump Action Shotgun,  two live Cartridges,  two mobile phones, One black coloured Toyota Hilux vehicle, a polythene bag containing substances suspected to be Cannabis and the sum of #1, 920.

“In a separate operation conducted today, 24, February, 2022, troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Nigerian Police have bursted an IPOB/ESN syndicate that disrupted the just concluded Local Government Council elections at some polling stations in Nkanu West of Enugu State.

“During the intelligence driven operation, carried out around Centenary Estate Obeagu Uno, troops uncovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 Pump Action rifles, 10 rifle Magazines, 8 live cartridges, 74 live rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one hand grenade, a tipper truck containing 3 corpses among other items.

“The items have been handed over to Enugu State Police Command for further action.

“The Nigerian Army reassures residents of South East Nigeria of our commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region.”

Imo By-election: Police Bar Orderlies, Siren, To Arrest Escorts Of VIPs

By
The Source
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0
Nigeria Police

By Charles Igbo

Against the By-election in Imo State for the Ngor-Okpala State Constituency election scheduled to hold on Saturday, February, 26, 2022,   the Imo State Police Command has read the riot act for Politicians.

Tension and palpable fear have gripped the State, especially, Ngor-Okpala, over the activities and utterances of politicians in the State, especially those of the two main political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

But the Police, fearing violence and a breach of the peace, has warned of serious consequences, no matter who is involved.

Consequently, in a release signed by the Command’s Spokesman, CSP Michael Abattam, dated February 24, 2022, it has banned the use of siren, Orderlies and every security details. Such people, the Command said, who, usually, accompany VIPs, will be arrested if seen.

The Command, also, asked parents to warn their children to keep off trouble as they would be seriously dealt with when arrested.

Following is the Police Statement.

“In view of the forthcoming State Constituency Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, the 26th of February, 2022 in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, the Imo Police Command, wishes to reiterate the command’s readiness not to deviate from the tenets of impartiality and professionalism. And will not tolerate any act of breakdown of law and order before, during and after the election. 

“The Command, therefore, wish to inform the good people of Imo State especially, those residents in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state that, there will be restriction of movement from 6am to 4pm and appeal to  all and sundry to come out en-mass with their valid PVC to exercise their civic responsibility without fear of intimidation or harassment

“All political parties, their flag bearers and supporters are advised to conduct themselves in a manner that will guarantee safety, smooth and peaceful conduct of the election.

“Politicians and VIPs coming to exercise their franchise are to do so without their security orderlies . 

Also personnel of any security agencies seen escorting any Politicians or VIP as orderlies will be arrested. Moreso, the use of sirens, canvassing or soliciting for votes during the election period is prohibited .

“In the same vain, parents and guardians are equally advised to warn their children and wards to stay out of trouble during this period and they should not allow themselves to be used by any politicians to cause crisis in  any act of thuggery, gangsterism and hooliganism. 

“Meanwhile, the Command is working assiduously with other security agencies to provide adequate security to ensure a level playing ground for all the political parties and all eligible electorates to exercise their franchise peaceful.

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo state Command, CP Rabiu Hussaini, psc enjoin the good people of imo state, especially, residents of Ngo Okpala to be law abiding and voluntarily comply with the order restricting unnecesary movement during the election period, unless those on essential duties . He also advised that they should report promptly any acts of electoral malpractice, political thurggery or any criminality observed to the nearest Police Patrol Team or call the Police Emergency Control Room number; 080347773600 or 08098880197.”

The By-election is to fill the vacancy created by Toochi Okereke whose seat was declared vacant over his unexplained absence from plenary since 2021.

CSP MICHAEL ABATTAM

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

IMO STATE COMMAND.

EFCC Seizes Okorocha’s Property

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been empowered by a Federal High Court in Abuja to seize one of the properties belonging to Rochas Okorocha, a former Governor of Imo State and a sitting Senator representing Imo West.

The presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, made the order for the Interim Forfeiture of the property situated at Plot 1032 & 1033 Cadastral Zone AO3, Takum Close, Off Michika Street, Ahmadu Bello Way,  Garki Abuja.

EFCC had brought an application to the court seeking forfeiture of the said property.

The Commission submitted that the house was suspected to be built from proceeds of corrupt enrichment while Okorocha held sway as Governor of Imo state.

It based its order on an ex-parte application as contained in section 44(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, together with section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 2006.

According to the Commission, in 2018, Abtisal Global Ltd and Archivisual Solution Ltd, companies in which Okorocha is believed to have substantial interest, received N222million from Imo State Government for the development and improvement of the property.

He adjourned the case to April 13, 2022,  after ordering publications of forfeiture notice.

Abba Kyari: NDLEA Ordered  To Respond To Kyari’s Bail Request Within 14 Days

By
The Source
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0
Abba Kyari in Court

By Gideon Njoku

In what would seem like “a clash”, a Federal High Court in Abuja has given the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, 48 hours, to respond to the request of suspended and embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari, for bail from its custody.

The Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order on Thursday while hearing Kyari’s request for bail. But the Counsel to the NDLEA, Mike Kasa, said he was not yet in receipt of Kyari’s application for bail.

However, a few days ago, another Judge, also, of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the Honorable Justice Zainab Abubakar, had given the NDLEA an order to detain Abba Kyari for 14 days, in the first instance, pending the end of Investigations into his case.

Kyari was declared wanted by the NDLEA over an alleged involvement with a Drug cartel, as well as attempting to bribe an NDLEA operative to the tune of $61,000, would-be  proceeds from  five kilograms of cocaine he wanted to sell on their behalf, out of 25 kilograms recovered from two Drug Couriers at the Enugu International Airport when they arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airline Aircraft.

Arrested by the Police, and handed over to the NDLEA, he has been in the Agency’s custody, alongside four other Police officers, since that February 12, 2022.

In a suit filed against the FG and the NDLEA, Kyari is asking for compensation to the tune of N500m for the humiliation and disgrace and torture he claims to have gone through in the hands of the NDLEA. He is, also, asking for a public apology which should be published in two National  Newspapers.

He claims innocence of the NDLEA drug allegations, and says he was framed by the NDLEA operative.

In the suit, his Counsel is also asking for:

 “A declaration that  the arrest and continued detention of the Applicant by the Agent of the Respondent without bringing him before a court of competent jurisdiction from 12th of February 2022 till date, is Illegal, unlawful and a gross violation of Applicant’s fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed by Section 35(1) of the I999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Article 6 of the African Charter on human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

“A declaration that announcing the Applicant in the Press without giving him right to fair hearing nor establishing a prima-facie case against him is illegal, unlawful and an infringement on his fundamental right.

“A declaration that declaring the Applicant syndicate of the suspect without establishing a prima-facie case against the Applicant is unlawful and an infringement on his fundamental right”.

“A declaration that torture, degrading and in human treatment given to the Applicant by the Agent of the Respondent is illegal, unlawful and an infringement on the Applicant’s fundamental human right.

“A declaration that refusal to grant administrative bail to Applicant on alleged bailable offence is unlawful and infringement on the Apphcant’s fundamental human right.

“An order of this Honourable Court restraining the Respondent’s agents, servants proxies, police or anyone acting on their behalf from further harassing, detaining, intimidating, arresting the Applicant unlawfully”.

The main reason he is asking for bail, Kyari’s Counsel told the Court is that he is “suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and severe heart disease that may cause death”.

“That the Applicant was receiving medical treatment on daily basis due to seriousness of the illness.

“That since 12th of February, 2022, the Applicant has not accessed any medical treatment, which is very dangerous to his health.

“That failure of the Applicant to check his heart, high blood pressure will result in severe health problems or may even lead to heart failure and death. Medical report from National Hospital is hereby attached and marked as Exhibit A.

“That due to the Applicant being a diabetic patient and on medical diet, he does not eat outside his home and this is causing a very big hardship on the Applicant that is in NDLEA custody.

“That the health of the Applicant cannot be managed while in NDLEA custody due to the seriousness of his illness. That it is in the interest of justice that this Applicant be admitted to bail on health ground.

“That the Applicant will not jump bail if bail is granted him. That he had a reliable surety who is in court”, read an affidavit he attached in support of the ex-parte application he filed for bail.”

Justice Ekwo did not grant the exparte motion application, but instead, told Kyari to put the Respondents on notice and adjourned till Thursday, February 24.

On Thursday, he gave  the NDLEA 48 hours to respond to Kyari’s application for bail.

Kyari, an otherwise respected Police Officer, was suspended by the Police Service Commission, after he was indicted by America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, over his alleged involvement in Internet fraud with International Internet Fraudster, Hushpuppi in a case of about $1.1m.

Hushpuppi is already in jail in the US, found guilty, and awaiting sentencing.

Until Kyari’s suspension, he was the Commander of the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team, IRT.

Imo By-election: Police Invite PDP Candidate Over Threat To Peace

By
The Source
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0
Emeka Jeff Nwachukwu

By Charles Igbo

The Imo State Police Commissioner has invited the candidate of the Peoples  Democratic Party, PDP,  in the House of Assembly Bye-election, Emeka Jeff Nwachukwu, to a meeting with him.

Also invited is the State Chairman of the Party, Chief Charles Ugwu.

The meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 2022, according to the Police invitation is,  “in respect of an alleged threat to breach of peace towards the forthcoming Ngor-Okpala State Constituency Bye-election.”

The election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 26, 2022. It is to fill the seat declared vacant by the State House of Assembly over the continous absence of its occupant, Toochi Okereke. He has not attended any plenary since 2021, and has made no contact with the Leadership of the Assembly. For two years and counting, his Constituency has been without any representation.

It is not known if the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and his Chairman were also invited by the Police, but the tension in the State over the bye-election is so thick that a sharp knife would be needed to cut through it. The lies and blackmail from, especially, the two main political parties in the State, APC and PDP, are unprecedented.

In the main, the Election is seen as a contest between Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, his predecessor in office, who was sacked by the Supreme Court.

The former occupant of the Ngor-Okpala State Constituency, Okereke, is not only PDP, but is said to be a cousin to Ihedioha whose maternal home is Ngor-Okpala.

This will be the second time, since Ihedioha was removed from office, that he and Uzodimma would clash in an election. The first was at the Okigwe Senatorial seat. Uzodinma won. Ihedioha would, this time, be seeking to make it a draw, while Uzodinma would want to prove that he is the Governor, and in charge.

The invitation from the Police, addressed to the Imo PDP Chairman, with attention to candidate Nwachukwu, reads as follows:

“The Command is in receipt of threat to breach of peace towards the forthcoming Ngor-Okpala State Constituency bye-election scheduled to hold on Saturday 26/02/2022 in the State.

“The Commissioner of Police Imo State requests to have a meeting with you and Party’s candidate tomorrow, (Today) Thursday, by 12.00hrs through the officer in-charge, State Intelligence Bureau (SIB, State Headquarters Owerri.

“Accept the warmest regards from the Bureau, please.”

It was signed by the Officer-in-charge of SIB, CSP Ekemere Michael.

At the time of writing this, the meeting was still was on-going.

Fidelity Bank GAIM 5 Promo: 10 More Millionaires Emerge

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to enriching the lives of its customers as it announced the third set of 10 millionaires in its Get Alert in Millions season 5 (GAIM 5) promo.

The third monthly draw of the campaign which held in Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday, 22 February 2022 had representatives of regulatory organisations in attendance include:  Oyinkan Kusamotu, Senior Legal Officer, Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority. Genevieve Nwaoche, representative of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and Onifade Abiodun, representative of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

In his welcome remarks at the draw, Dr Ken Opara, Promo Chairman and Executive Director in charge of Fidelity Bank’s Lagos and South-West Directorate who was represented by Lanre Showunmi, the bank’s Chief Digital Officer, said, “We launched the GAIM 5 promo to reward our esteemed customers for imbibing a healthy savings habit and in demonstration of our commitment to improving their well-being.

“We have earmarked a total of N125million as cash prizes in weekly, monthly, and grand draws which would hold till July this year when the campaign would end.

“Till date, we have rewarded 670 customers with various sums of money including 650 customers that have won N10,000 each in the weekly consolation draws and 20 customers who have won N1million each in monthly draws respectively.”

Launched in November 2021, the GAIM 5 promo rewards Fidelity Bank customers for maintaining a savings account with the bank. According to the bank, every N2,000 in a customer’s account stands for a ticket in the draws with higher number of tickets increasing the customer’s opportunity to win a share of the N125million earmarked as prize money for the season.

Speaking on the Bank’s commitment to enriching and rewarding customers, Ukpai Ibe, Head, Savings and Sales, Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “At Fidelity Bank, we continue to find different ways to reward our customers. Since we commenced the FPSS and SWEETA loyalty reward campaigns 7 years ago, we have given out over N4.1b as loyalty cash reward to 10,280 customers.”

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria, with about 6million customers who are serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels. The bank is known for exceptional customer service and digital innovation.

Cross River By-elections: Police Read Riot Act To Troublemakers

By
The Source
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0

By Stanley Ekpenyong, Calabar

Ahead of Saturday’s By-election in the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Akpabuyo State Constituency of Cross River State, Commissioner of  Police, Alhassan Aminu, has warned that anyone, or group of persons, planning to disrupt the exercise will be decisively dealt with.

Addressing newsmen Thursday, shortly after the state security meeting,  Aminu said security agents are on the ground and fully prepared for the election.

According to him, “this is an election that involves two areas, in two different places in the state, one in the southern senatorial district and the other in the Northern Senatorial District. We cannot say we don’t expect any challenge. These challenges are what we have sat down to douse, so that the public and the electorate, and the people involved in the exercises will have time to make them perfect. We have put adequate arrangements in place.” 

Urging people in the areas the exercise will be taking place not to allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous elements to foment trouble, the Commissioner of Police said: “As fellow Nigerians and Cross Riverians, nobody should involve you or pay you to go and cause trouble because once security agents catch you, the outcome will not be palatable.

“I advise that you should keep away. Any person who wants to foment trouble or commit any atrocities will regret it. We will not take any nonsense from any person. “

He assured that “all polling stations, all junctions and important places in all the towns that are involved in Yala, Ogoja and Akpabuyo are all manned.”

Aminu urged the people to feel free to come out en masse and vote without any fear of intimidation.

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