Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen enjoyed rave reviews in the Italian sporting press after his remarkable display in the Partenopei’s 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo on Wednesday night.

Osimhen netted a hat-trick and registered an assist in the game.

The popular La Gazzetta dello Sport, labelled the forward ‘solution’ to Napoli’s problems.

‘He is the solution to Napoli’s problems, but not only,’ wrote journalist Pierfrancesco Archetti.

‘He made errors sometimes but continued to create chances. He even played a long ball for Kvara, who then scored the 5-1.’

Corriere dello Sport stated that Osimhen was unstoppable in the game.

The Nigeria international was rated 8/10 by Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport and 9 by Tuttosport.

The 25-year-old has now scored five goals in three games since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/serie-a-the-solution-italian-media-hails-napolis-hat-trick-hero-osimhen/

The Federal Capital Territory FCT Police Command has apprehended two suspects for allegedly selling fake dollar notes to Abuja residents.

The suspects, one Abdullahi Yahaya of Nasarawa State and Gold Ebere of Jabi were arrested at Tin Can Resort Garden in the Jabi area of the territory.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh made the disclosure on Thursday while parading about five suspects at the command’s headquarters.

The CP revealed that the suspects were in “possession of thirty-six (36) bundles of fake hundred (100) US dollar($) notes”.

“They confessed to being members of an eight (8) man gang who specializes in the interstate sale of fake dollar notes and have sold several of the fake notes to unsuspecting residents of FCT before they ran out of luck and were apprehended.

“The suspects are currently assisting the Police to apprehend other gang members on the run”, Igweh said.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=188979

France World Cup winner, Paul Pogba, has been banned from football for four years because of doping.

The punishment effectively ends Pogba’s career as the Juventus midfielder turns 31 years old in March.

Pogba, who has been suspended since last September, was tested in August and the results showed elevated levels of testosterone, a hormone that increases athletes’ endurance.

The tribunal said Pogba had violated anti-doping rules when they found the prohibited substance “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites”, a hormone that increases athletes’ endurance.ver

Meanwhile, a second test sample has now been checked and the former Manchester United star has been handed a four-year ban, considered among the strongest possible punishments for the offence.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/paul-pogba-banned-for-four-years-over-doping/

Lobi Stars head coach Eugene Agagbe has refused to blame his players following their disappointing 2-0 loss to Sunshine Stars in Akure on Wednesday.

Vincent Temitope and Chidozie Iwundu scored in the first half of the Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 22 encounter.

It was the Owena Waves’ first win under new manager Kennedy Boboye.

Lobi Stars maintained top position on the NPFL table despite the defeat.

Agagbe praised his players for their spirited fight in the game.

The gaffer further said that he has shifted focus to his team’s next game against Katsina United in Lafia on Sunday.

“Normally, when you come into a game, you have your plans, but situations changed at the end of the day. We were two goals down and got the red card early, which frustrated us. We lost focus at that time and conceded two quick goals. However, later in the second half, the team remained focused with ten men and showed a very good fighting spirit till the end,” Agagbe told a post-match press conference.

“We will continue to work harder. This match is behind us now, and I am looking ahead to the game against Katsina United in Lafia, planning on how to secure three points.”
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=188980

The Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, BASPHCDA, has confirmed a meningitis outbreak in the State.

An official of the Agency who spoke under the condition of anonymity in an interview with DAILY POST on Thursday said 6 cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, CSM, have been recorded so far.

The official said that proactive measures have been taken to curtail the disease in the state.

He said the measures were taken to avert further outbreaks, particularly in local government areas, LGAs, bordering Yobe State, such as Gamawa, Dambam, Zaki, Katagum, and other areas in Itas/Gadau.

He added that part of the proactive approach is contact tracing within the communities so that any victim can be treated and isolated for proper monitoring and evaluation.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/meningitis-outbreak-hits-bauchi/

No fewer than 30 worshipers have been reportedly abducted from a mosque in Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

DAILY POST gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday morning when the terrorists invaded the facility while worshippers were observing their morning prayers.

Our correspondent reliably gathered that the assailants, who have been terrorising the area, invaded the mosque, shooting sporadically with sophisticated weapons before whisking the victims into the forest.

Efforts by DAILY POST to reach the state police command proved abortive at the time of writing this report as the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yazid Abubakar, did not pick his calls.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=188970

The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc, AEDC, on Thursday, said the power outage experienced in parts of the capital city was due to the repairs on the 33kv NIPP feeder.

AEDC made this known in a statement via its official Twitter handle on Thursday.

It listed the affected locations as: Dantata Estate, FO1, Chikakore, Byazhin, Byazhin Across, Gbazango and Military Pension Board.

“Similarly, customers located at FCDA, Owner Occupier, Army Estate. Phase 3, Phase 4, 2.1, 22, Extension 2, Aso Garden Estate, Zenith Bank area, Dutse, Papas Ground, Karsana, Mona Apartment and its environs that the power the power outage is due to a fault on the 33kV Kubwa circuit breaker.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by these power outages, please be assured that all the relevant stakeholders are working relentlessly to ensure power supply is restored soonest.

“Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time,” it said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/power-outage-in-abuja-due-to-33kv-feeder-repairs-aedc/

A 13-year-old boy, Kelvin Onyengba, has drowned during a hangout at the Alatise beach in the Ajah area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred at about 12:00pm on Tuesday.

It was also gathered that the deceased went swimming with five of his friends.

A police source told our correspondent that the tragedy occurred on February 27 adding that the boy Kelvin died as a result of the sea’s waves.

The source, “The incident happened yesterday. The mother of the boy said that the wave of the water swept her son. According to her, he went out with five of his friends to swim and hang out, but unfortunately, the boy did not come back to his parents.”

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

Hundeyin said that the scene of the incident had been visited by detectives from the area, adding that the family of the deceased still awaited the missing body.

“The scene of the incident was visited by detectives from the division while the family was waiting for the body to emerge from the sea.

PUNCH Metro had reported that a fun-seeking Lagos-based prophet, Oriyomi Remilekun, was said to have drowned during a beach hangout in the Ajah area of the state to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day.

It was learnt learnt that the deceased led some youths from his white garment church to the Avista beach situated in the area on Saturday, February 17, to commemorate the day. A source privy to the incident said that the picnic, which lasted through the evening, ended when the whereabouts of the late Oriyomi became unknown.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/13-year-old-boy-drowns-swimming-in-lagos-beach/

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has suspended the nationwide planned protest slated for Wednesday. The NLC and other related unions commenced nationwide protests on Tuesday over the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and hardship in the country.

2. The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has increased the benchmark interest rate by 400 basis points to a record 22.75%. The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this while reading the communiqué of the first MPC meeting of the year on Tuesday in Abuja.

3. The Senate has asked the Federal Government to introduce a food stamps programme as a measure to cushion the effect of hunger and food crisis in the country. It also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to liaise with development partners and other relevant stakeholders, especially the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, which introduced Temporary Food Assistance Programme,a few years ago.

4. A pastor in charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Grace of Comfort Parish, Omitoto, in Osun State, Moris Fadehan, has been reported to have been murdered inside his church by one of his assistants, Lekan Ogundipe. According to sources, the suspect drew the attention of the people to the presence of the partly burnt remains of the pastor inside the church on Monday.

5. A 29-year-old man, Joseph Yakubu, has been arrested by the Plateau State Police Command for allegedly killing his father, Yakubu Dalyop, with a pestle. Yakubu was said to have picked a pestle and hit his father during a disagreement. This led to the victim’s unconsciousness and eventual death.

6. At least 20 students of some boarding public schools in Potiskum, Fika, and Fune local government areas of Yobe State have died from a suspected Meningitis outbreak. It was learnt that the deaths were recorded in Government Science Technical College, Government Girls Science Technical College, and Federal Government Girls College.

7. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, has distanced himself from the economic hardship Nigerians are currently experiencing. Speaking on Tuesday at the first Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting under his leadership, Cardoso said he and his team were not responsible for the prevailing economic challenges Nigerians were facing.

8. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has commenced sale of dollars to Bureau De Change operators. Announcing the development in a statement on Tuesday, the apex bank said $20,000 will be available to each eligible BDC operator across the country.

9. Barrister Chris Agidy, the Senior Legislative Aide, SLA, to the lawmaker representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko, who was kidnapped by bandits in 2023, has been killed. The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed this on Tuesday, said the body of the deceased has been recovered.

10. Kaduna State Government has confirmed five deaths following lassa fever outbreak in the state. This was confirmed by the state’s commissioner for health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, on Tuesday.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/nigerian-newspapers-10-things-you-need-to-know-wednesday-morning/

A multiple accident around Prism Steel Mill, Osogbo-Ikotim road has claimed three lives.

The accident, according to a statement by the Osun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, occured on Tuesday evening.

According to the First Information Report, FIR, made available by Agnes Ogungbemi, the spokesperson of the Osun FRSC in Wednesday, one other person, an adult male sustained varying degrees of injuries during the head on collision.

The accident the report also revealed was caused by road traffic and speeding violations.

Two vehicles were involved in the crash, “a private car, black coloured Lexus model ES350 with registration number: SMK17JK belonging to one Mr Abdullah and a green coloured commercial DAF truck model 85.340 with registration number: ZUR36XB.

“The injured victim was taken to Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo before the arrival of the team while the dead victims were conveyed to the same hospital by the team.

“The two vehicles involved were towed by personnel of the Nigeria Police, Ikirun Division.”

Meanwhile, the Sector Commander, Henry Benamaisia cautioned motorists to desist from excessive speed and route violation.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/three-die-in-osun-multiple-car-crash/

The Nigerian Communications Commission has ruled out an extension of the February 28, 2024 deadline for the linkage of Subscriber Identity Module cards to National Identification Numbers.

As a result, telecommunication companies have been directed to bar 12 million lines which have not been linked to the owners’ NINs after the expiration of the deadline.

The Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Reuben Mouka, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Wednesday.

Reaffirming the NCC’s stance, Mouka stated, “We already issued a public notice in this regard and all the information. If there was an extension, NCC would have communicated that. But as far as I know, there is no extension.”

In a December 2023 notice, the NCC had asked telcos to bar SIMs that had not been linked to their owners’ NINs by February 28, 2024.

It further asked the Global Satellite Mobile Communications firms to bar those whose NINs have been submitted but not verified by March 29, 2024; and interdict those who have less than five lines linked to an unverified NIN by April 15, 2024.

The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, confirmed to The PUNCH that telecom operators would comply with the NCC’s directive.

He said out of the 224 million active lines, about 12m lines risked deactivation.

Adebayo said, “About 12 million SIM cards may not have been linked to NIN. Some of these SIM cards work on modems and mifi devices. According to the regulatory directives, those numbers that are not properly linked to NIN will have services withdrawn to them by midnight today. We stand by that regulatory directive and we are going to comply,”

The ALTON chairman also dismissed speculations about a possible extension, stating that the deadline ought to have happened last year.

He declared, “No, the regulator has made it clear that there won’t be any further extension. Let us remember that this ought to have happened last year, but it was extended by the regulator till the 28th of February, 2024.”

Since the NCC first ordered the suspension of SIM cards without NIN on December 15, 2020, there had been a rapid increase in the number of people obtaining their NINs.

Between the period the order was given and the second deadline date, January 19, 2021, Nigerian mobile operators received 47.8m new submissions from active subscribers.

In 2021, about 21 million subscribers were yet to obtain their NIN, even as the deadline for registration approached

A high-ranking official at MTN Nigeria, who was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, informed The PUNCH that the company planned to disconnect the defaulting subscribers in compliance with the directive.

According to the official, there has not been any counter-directives from the NCC.

Emphasising that it is a federal issue, the official pointed out that some lines had been disconnected earlier.

“Remember, this is not an issue with the telcos. It’s a Federal Government issue, and before now, some lines were being disconnected. If they wanted to extend the deadline, they would have issued another notice, but they aren’t as I speak to you,” the official stated.

In response to the situation, a Public Relations official at Airtel Nigeria, Sam Adeoye, mentioned that Airtel would release an official statement on the development.

However, Chineze Amanfo, Lead, Public Relations at 9Mobile, did not respond to calls when contacted by our correspondent.

Court order

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained telecom operators from deactivating or barring any line or SIM not linked to their NINs.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa restrained the telcos while ruling on an application filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje.

Lewis-Allagoa made the order on February 22, 2024, while ruling on a motion for the restraining orders filed by Ogungbeje.

Ogungbeje, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/667/23, sued the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, and Airtel Network Nigeria Limited before the court.

He asked the court for an injunction pending appeal, ‘’restraining all the respondents jointly or severally, whether, by themselves, their agents, outlets, agencies, privies, officials, servants, men, parastatals, units, organs, or anybody or person however so called, from taking any step or action capable of enforcing the judgment in anyway and from further outright barring, deactivating and or restricting any SIM cards or his phone Lines, or of any Nigerian Citizen, slated for February 28, 2024, or any other scheduled date, pending the hearing and determination of his appeal at the Court of Appeal, against the court’s judgment delivered on May 8, 2023, by Justice Lewis-Allagoa.’’

When quizzed about the NCC’s reaction to the court injunction, Mouka responded, “We are not aware of any court injunction stopping the NCC from barring lines that have not been linked with NIN.”

Earlier today, at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade, the Executive Vice Chairman, National Communication Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, insisted that, as a matter of critical national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to their SIM.

Maida reaffirmed that the February 28th deadline was given to telecom operators to bar subscribers who failed to link their NIN to their SIM stands.

“To this end, the National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar the phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024,” he added.

In his reaction to Mouka’s statement that the NCC was not aware of his suit, Ogungbeje said the position of the commission is ‘’most ridiculous and shameful.’’

Ogungbeje stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the AGF were part of the suit, stressing that the NCC as an agency of the Federal Government must obey the court order restraining it from barring SIMs not linked to NINs.

He said, “The order specifically stated that both the Federal Government and its agencies are hereby restrained. A very good instance is the order of the Supreme Court in respect of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Godwin Emefiele’s policy on the new naira notes.

“That position by the NCC is most ridiculous and shameful. The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation are part of the suit.’’

“So in this instant case, the NCC is bound by the order of the court as the court restrained both the Federal Government and it agencies, including the telecom firms.”

Network glitches

On Wednesday, major operators across the country, including MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile, grappled with a widespread network connection crisis.

Subscribers were unable to make calls due to glitches attributed to a fibre optic cable cut.

The chairman of ALTON, Adebayo, clarified that the telecom connection failure experienced by subscribers was unconnected to the NIN/SIM link deadline.

He attributed the connectivity issue to the significant fibre cuts made by road contractors employed by the Federal Government.

The ALTON chairman noted, “What you have seen today as difficulty in connection has nothing to do with the NIN/SIM link deadline.

“There have been significant fibre cuts across the country, and this has impacted connectivity today, but efforts are being made by affected telecom operators to rectify this situation.”

He assured the public that efforts were being made to salvage the situation as soon as practicable while emphasising the need to protect telecom infrastructure.

“Appropriate reports would be made to the right quarters. The cuts can be traced to the activities of the Federal Government by contractors doing road work. This is why it is imperative to safeguard telecom infrastructure, going by what we have seen today.

“If we have critical national infrastructure protection, maybe what happened today wouldn’t have happened. We put it on the doorstep of the government to ensure that road contractors do not continue to cause this type of damage.”

The incident left countless residents in communication limbo, sparking a digital uproar across social media platforms.

Users have taken to expressing their frustration, detailing their struggles with the sudden loss of connection on social media.

A WhatsApp user, Emekuku said, “It’s frustrating when network providers in Nigeria cite server or application issues as reasons for service problems, leaving customers unable to resolve their issues.

“It highlights the need for improved infrastructure and communication from the providers to address such issues promptly and transparently.”

Another user, Babatee, noted, ‘’MTN is trying so hard to compete with Glo for the award of the most useless network in Nigeria. Dear MTN, no matter how hard you try, Glo will always be miles ahead of you when it comes to uselessness. So stop playing, fam.’’

MTN network

Another subscriber said, “The poor MTN network knocked me out of an important meeting and kept me incommunicado for several hours.

“Even now, they have only restored data services, but still no call or SMS. Not that they can ever say, ‘Oh, sorry for the network failure, oya take free airtime and data.’ Lai-lai.”

An Airtel user wrote, “It appears that the frustration with network services in Nigeria is widespread. The lack of a reliable network service provider affects many users, and the absence of explanations from the providers regarding disruptions in data and call services raises concerns.

“The situation may not be trending because such issues might be common and not getting enough attention.

In a statement released by MTN, the telecom company acknowledged the existence of a connectivity problem and committed to resolving the issue promptly.

According to the telco, the problem started at about 1.39 on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

In its reaction via X, MTN Nigeria blamed the network issue on multiple fibre cuts, even as it assured customers that its engineers were working assiduously to restore normal services.

The statement read, “Dear Customer, you have been experiencing challenges connecting to the network due to a major service outage caused by multiple fibre cuts, affecting voice and data services.

“Our engineers are working hard to resolve this, with services gradually being restored in some areas.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and ask for your patience & understanding as the team works to restore full service as soon as possible.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/sim-nin-linkage-ncc-rules-out-extension-telcos-bar-12-million-lines/

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has ruled out an extension of the February 28, 2024, deadline for the linkage of Subscriber Identity Module cards to National Identification Numbers. As a result, telecommunication companies have been directed to bar 12 million lines which have not been linked to the owners’ NINs after the expiration of the deadline.

2. President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, appealed for patience from Nigerians over the current economic hardship in the country, giving the assurance that there was light at the end of the tunnel. The President said he was fully aware and took responsibility for the difficulties Nigerians had been subjected to on account of government policies.

3. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, said the importation of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, into Nigeria has reduced by 50 per cent since the withdrawal of subsidy on the commodity.

4. The military Joint Task Force, North-West Operation Hadarin Daji, said on Wednesday that it neutralised scores of bandits and rescued eight kidnapped victims in Zamfara State. The Information Officer of Operation Hadarin Daji, Lt. Col. Suleiman Omale, stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Gusau.

5. The war against illegal oil bunkering and oil theft received a huge boost on Wednesday as troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, uncovered over 40 dugout crude oil wells in Rumuekpe community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. The troops uncovered the site during a sweep-and-clear operation on the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline.

6. Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested five suspected cultists, Emeka Eke, Chizoba Okolie, Samson Ochonobor, Friday Agbebayo and Julius Eguasa, for engaging in a street fight in Edo State. It was gathered that the suspects, alleged to be members of the Eiye Confraternity, engaged in street fighting at the Ramat Park area over failure to pay monthly dues and attend meetings of Eiye confraternity.

7. Two Binance executives — an American and a British- Pakistani — have been detained on the orders of National Security Adviser, NSA Nuhu Ribadu over alleged involvement in foreign exchange manipulations. It was learnt last night that the Federal Government obtained a Court Warrant to detain the men for 12 days, pending further investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

8. An Executive Order to “significantly reduce the cost of drugs and pharmaceutical products” in the country will soon be signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Health and Social Welfare Minister, Muhammed Pate stated these on Wednesday during the second edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja.

9. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) apologised yesterday to their subscribers for the service hitches they have experienced for some days. The MNOs, under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, blamed the service disruptions on “severe fibre cuts” by contractors.

10. The Federal Government has allayed the fear of job loss with the implementation of the Oronsaye Report. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the implementation of the report would not lead to retrenchment.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/nigerian-newspapers-10-things-you-need-to-know-thursday-morning-3/

Nigerian comedian, Seyi Law has vowed never to forgive his colleague, Noble Igwe until he apologises to his wife.

He said his grudge against Noble was because he mentioned his wife in a post during the 2023 electioneering campaign and someone commented under it, calling his wife an “outcast.”

Seyi Law threatened to go physical on Noble whenever they met.

Speaking in the latest episode of The Honest Bunch, the comedian said: “There is somebody in the entertainment industry that I will never forgive; Noble Igwe. I am saying it publicly, I will never forgive him until he apologises to my wife, because during the elections, he made a post and he put my wife’s name and somebody under the comment called my wife an ‘osu.’ It means an outcast.

“So if Noble Igwe is listening or watching this podcast, our path has not crossed since then. The day our path crosses, I will beat Noble Igwe to the extent that the world would ask what he did wrong.

“That’s where I draw the line. You can offend me, however, you want but the moment you involve my family; my wife and children, you cross the line into hell. And I will leave heaven for that to sit with you in hell. So, Noble Igwe, know that I am sitting and waiting patiently for you in hell.”
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=188847

Former World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Champion, Bashiru Lawrence Ali, aka Bash Ali, took to social media on Tuesday to reflect on his commitment to fighting corruption as he celebrates his 68th birthday.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ali recounted the sacrifices he endured over 17 years in his quest to host his Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight in Nigeria, emphasizing his refusal to succumb to corrupt practices.

The former World Boxing Federation Champion revealed that his principled stand had cost him dearly, resulting in a decline in his financial fortunes from being a millionaire in dollars to having virtually nothing in Naira.

He wrote: “Today Tuesday, February 27 is my birthday.

“For 17 years I struggled in vain to host in my country, Nigeria my Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight because I was bold to say no to corruption in sport in particular and in Nigeria in general.

“In 17 years, I went from being a millionaire in dollars to a zeronaire in naira.

“In 17 years, I was beaten and injured that I had to be admitted twice and treated at the National Hospital in Abuja.

“In 17 years, I was detained eight times at various police stations in Abuja. In 17 years, I was once detained at Kuje Prison for 43 days.

“I went through hell in my country not because I am a criminal but because I say no to corruption. Despite juicy offers to fight outside of Nigeria, I never gave up on my dream to fight in Nigeria and I never gave up on Nigeria.

“Today, our dream is finally becoming a reality and because I am an extraordinary human being, I am going to fight until I am 70 years old, retire young and healthy with a lot of money and then go on to be the President of Nigeria. This is my ultimate goal so mark my words.

“Thank u very much for always being by my side. I appreciate you, always. Happy birthday The Great Bash Ali.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/i-went-from-millionaire-to-zeronaire-bash-ali-laments-at-68/

Justice Peter Kekemeke of an FCT High Court on Tuesday convicted a false investigator, Mohammed Momoh for defrauding Mrs Mario Al-Makura, wife of former governor of Nasarawa State.

Kekemeke convicted Momoh based on the charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, bordering on false pretences.

The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt to win the case after calling three witnesses.

He said, “The prosecution has proved their case beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently, the defendant is hereby convicted,” he said.

Meanwhile, the defendant’s counsel applied to the court for a date for the sentencing.

The prosecution did not oppose the application.

Justice Kekemeke then adjourned until March 12 for sentencing.

He, however, directed that since the defendant has been convicted, he should be remanded in the Correctional Service pending sentencing.

The anti-graft agency arrested Momoh in December 2017 for attempting to defraud Mairo Al Makura.

The EFCC alleged that the suspect while posing as a private investigator from the “Villa” approached the wife of the governor with a proposal to help stop a purported investigation of two accounts belonging to the governor.

The anti-graft agency said Momoh claimed that he came across information regarding the two accounts in 2011.

The EFCC said the defendant requested N8 million but was offered N6 million. Not clear about the proposal, the governor’s family contacted the EFCC and were asked to play along with the defendant.

The defendant was arrested during a sting operation after he collected a marked N2 million from Al Makura.

According to the EFCC, the offence is contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

The one-count charge read as follows, “Muhammed Momoh, on or about the 22nd day of December 2017 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did with intent to defraud, obtain the sum of N2m from one Hajia Mairo Tanko Al-Makura through Idris Ahmed Almakura under the pretext that you are a private investigator with capacity to help the said Hajia Mairo Tanko Al-Makura resolve her case with the EFCC which you knew to be false.”

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/man-convicted-for-attempting-to-defraud-ex-nasarawa-state-governors-wife/

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Moses Bliss who got engaged recently has shared his pre-wedding photos.

DAILY POST recalls that the gospel singer proposed to his lover, Marie Wiseborn on January 19, 2024, which generated several reactions on social media.

Following the engagement announcement, the couple visited several notable men of God and also carried their fans along on their romantic journey.

Ahead of their wedding, the couple decided to release pictures from a pre-wedding shoot.

The ‘miracle no dey tire Jesus’ crooner took to his Instagram page on Tuesday to share the pictures.

The singer released a series of heartwarming photos rocking the same dark brown outfit.

He captioned the post, “My safe place & peace @ mariewiseborn”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/gospel-singer-moses-bliss-releases-pre-wedding-pictures-photos/

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced its decision to sell foreign exchange worth $20,000 to each eligible Bureau De Change operator across the country.

This is coming more than two years after the suspended former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, stopped the sales of foreign exchange to BDC operators in that segment of the forex market.

The apex bank disclosed this in a new circular issued and signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Hassan Mahmud, on Tuesday.

The circular titled, “Sale of Foreign Exchange to Bureau de Change Operators to meet retail demand for eligible invisible transactions” said the move aimed at rectifying the persisting distortions in the retail segment of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and bridging the widening gap in the exchange rate.

It said the allocation will be sold at a rate of N1,301/$, reflecting the lower band rate of executed spot transactions at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market as of the previous trading day, dated February 27, 2024.

The circular read, “Following the ongoing reforms in the foreign exchange market, aimed at achieving an appropriate market-determined exchange rate for the Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria has observed the continued price distortions at the retail end of the market, which is feeding into the parallel market and further widening the exchange rate premium.

“To this end, the CBN has approved the sale of foreign exchange to eligible Bureau De Change to meet the demand for invisible transactions. The sum of $20,000 is to be sold to each BDC at the rate of N1,301/$- (representing the lower band rate of executed spot transactions at NAFEM for the previous trading day, as of today, 27th February 2024).

“All BDCs are allowed to sell to end-users at a margin NOT MORE THAN one per cent (1 per cent) above the purchase rate from CBN.”

It further directed eligible BDCs to make Naira payments to the designated CBN Foreign Currency Deposit Naira Accounts and submit confirmation of payment, with other necessary documentation.

“All eligible BDCs are directed to make the Naira payment to the designated CBN Foreign Currency Deposit Naira Accounts and submit confirmation of payment, with other necessary documentation, for disbursement at the appropriate CBN Branches ABUJA, AWKA, LAGOS and KANO,” it added.

The CBN in frantic efforts to save the free fall of the naira has made a number of significant reforms towards addressing Naira depreciation, such as probing and clearing FX backlog, limiting forex for foreign education and medical tourism, increasing BDCs’ minimum share capital, and curbing FX speculators, among others.

Details later…
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/just-in-cbn-begins-sales-of-dollars-to-bdcs/

Controversial comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile, also known as Seyi Law, has denied campaigning for President Bola Tinubu in the last election.

The comedian claimed he only declared publicly that Tinubu was his choice, and didn’t ask people to vote for his candidate.

DAILY POST reports that Seyi Law, who lives abroad, has, however, come under fire on social media following the worsening economic hardship, with many youths calling him out for supporting the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

However, speaking in the latest episode of The Honest Bunch, the comic star said it was unjust for people to keep calling him out over the economic crunch, maintaining that he never urged Nigerians to vote for President Tinubu.

He said, “I never said ‘vote for Tinubu’. Go and check. I write the things that I know he did in Lagos, and I will put ‘Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my candidate or is who I am voting for.’ I didn’t tell you to vote for him. And again, Seyi Law did not make the 8.9 million that voted for him. I am just a number among those numbers.

“Yes, do I have influence over some people? Maybe. I used my influence for what I believed in. And I believe that this person is the person that would take us to that Nigeria that I want us to be.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/seyi-law-denies-campaigning-for-tinubu/

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has suspended the nationwide planned protest slated for Wednesday. The NLC and other related unions commenced nationwide protests on Tuesday over the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and hardship in the country.

2. The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has increased the benchmark interest rate by 400 basis points to a record 22.75%. The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this while reading the communiqué of the first MPC meeting of the year on Tuesday in Abuja.

3. The Senate has asked the Federal Government to introduce a food stamps programme as a measure to cushion the effect of hunger and food crisis in the country. It also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to liaise with development partners and other relevant stakeholders, especially the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, which introduced Temporary Food Assistance Programme,a few years ago.

4. A pastor in charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Grace of Comfort Parish, Omitoto, in Osun State, Moris Fadehan, has been reported to have been murdered inside his church by one of his assistants, Lekan Ogundipe. According to sources, the suspect drew the attention of the people to the presence of the partly burnt remains of the pastor inside the church on Monday.

5. A 29-year-old man, Joseph Yakubu, has been arrested by the Plateau State Police Command for allegedly killing his father, Yakubu Dalyop, with a pestle. Yakubu was said to have picked a pestle and hit his father during a disagreement. This led to the victim’s unconsciousness and eventual death.

6. At least 20 students of some boarding public schools in Potiskum, Fika, and Fune local government areas of Yobe State have died from a suspected Meningitis outbreak. It was learnt that the deaths were recorded in Government Science Technical College, Government Girls Science Technical College, and Federal Government Girls College.

7. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, has distanced himself from the economic hardship Nigerians are currently experiencing. Speaking on Tuesday at the first Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting under his leadership, Cardoso said he and his team were not responsible for the prevailing economic challenges Nigerians were facing.

8. The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has commenced sale of dollars to Bureau De Change operators. Announcing the development in a statement on Tuesday, the apex bank said $20,000 will be available to each eligible BDC operator across the country.

9. Barrister Chris Agidy, the Senior Legislative Aide, SLA, to the lawmaker representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko, who was kidnapped by bandits in 2023, has been killed. The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed this on Tuesday, said the body of the deceased has been recovered.

10. Kaduna State Government has confirmed five deaths following lassa fever outbreak in the state. This was confirmed by the state’s commissioner for health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, on Tuesday.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/nigerian-newspapers-10-things-you-need-to-know-wednesday-morning/

Controversial comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile, also known as Seyi Law, has denied campaigning for President Bola Tinubu in the last election.

The comedian claimed he only declared publicly that Tinubu was his choice, and didn’t ask people to vote for his candidate.

DAILY POST reports that Seyi Law, who lives abroad, has, however, come under fire on social media following the worsening economic hardship, with many youths calling him out for supporting the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

However, speaking in the latest episode of The Honest Bunch, the comic star said it was unjust for people to keep calling him out over the economic crunch, maintaining that he never urged Nigerians to vote for President Tinubu.

He said, “I never said ‘vote for Tinubu’. Go and check. I write the things that I know he did in Lagos, and I will put ‘Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my candidate or is who I am voting for.’ I didn’t tell you to vote for him. And again, Seyi Law did not make the 8.9 million that voted for him. I am just a number among those numbers.

“Yes, do I have influence over some people? Maybe. I used my influence for what I believed in. And I believe that this person is the person that would take us to that Nigeria that I want us to be.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/seyi-law-denies-campaigning-for-tinubu/

A midnight fire has destroyed over 50 shops and property worth N150 million at Yan Katako Market Rijiyar Lemu area of Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

Speaking to newsmen, the chairman of the market, Alhaji Mamuda Abdullahi, explained that the blaze started at about 1am on Monday.

He pointed out that the conflagration destroyed over 50 shops containing plywood, foam, spray machine, chairs, and other carpentry tools.

The chairman said the cause of the incident had yet to be ascertained.

He, however, commended the Kano State Fire Service personnel for their prompt response.

Kebbi donates N20m to fire victimsHe called on the state government and philanthropists to support them, as many traders have lost their means of livelihood.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.

He, however, explained that about 25 shops were completely razed down by the inferno, while several other shops were also touched or partially affected by the fire.

“We received distress calls around 1am and our men were able to put out the fire around 2am,” Abdullahi said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/fire-destroys-50-shops-at-kano-market/

President Bola Tinubu has created an economic advisory committee comprising the federal government, sub-nationals and the private sector.

This resulted from talks between the President and key stakeholders at the State House, Abuja, on Sunday evening.

The development came as the falling naira exchange rate, rising inflation and other economic headwinds have continued to worsen the cost of living crisis.

Some of the prominent members of the private sector that made the list include the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of the federal government, Tinubu said the goal “is to provide additional efforts” in stabilising the economy and ensuring the “best economic future” for Nigerians.

He said, “Let’s look at what we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong to bring life back to the economy. As I have said many times, the people of this country are only the people we have to please.

“And we are very much concerned from students to mothers and fathers, farmers, the traders and realising that everyone of us will have to fetch water from the same well. We’re looking for additional efforts that’s might help the downtrodden Nigerians and we will provide hope and reassurance that economic recovery is on its way.

“We are not saying that we have all the answers. But we will not be blamed for not trying. We assure Nigerians that we will do our best to get our marshall plan in place and fashion out the best economic future for this country.”

At the meeting, Tinubu discussed food security, job creation and the exchange rate.

Dangote, who was part of the private sector delegation on the committee, said Sunday’s gathering stakeholders the opportunity to clarify the specifics of their roles in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained, “I think we had a very good meeting. What we discussed is generally about the economy, food security and security of the nation. We discussed everything in detail.

“The economic presidential advisory committee which has been set up…will look at all the issues and address them, coming from job creation and food security.

“So, all these things have been discussed in detail. I can’t give you all the details right now, but we are hopeful and we’re a great nation. We have what it takes to turn around the economy and we’re going to do that.”

Meanwhile, Elumelu noted implementing the decisions made that the gathering “will have propel our economy and help alleviate the poverty in the land, help create employment and help put food on the table of Nigerians.”

The Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, revealed that the committee held frank and exhaustive discussions with the President on the foreign exchange rate.

Citing the recent volatility of the naira against the dollar, Rabiu said, “We discussed on how to bring the foreign exchange rate down because we all know that what is happening as regards the foreign exchange is artificial. It is manipulative and thank God the CBN is doing quite a lot.”

Meanwhile, states have expressed readiness to partner with the federal government’s welfare interventions to alleviate the hardship on Nigerians. They said the advisory committee’s decision would only yield results when execution is prioritised.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said, “As a governor, I can assure you that all hands on deck. All governors have resolved to join hands with Mr president to ensure that he provides the necessary intervention to cushion the effect of what we’re going through while we are waiting for the implementation and the evidence of the fiscal and monetary policies already in place.

“In my state and other states, we are bringing in rice, we’re bringing food items and selling at rates that can be obtained before the downslide of the naira. So we are going to be doing all these to bring succour to the common man until we begin to see the evidence of the fiscal and monetary policies.”

On his part, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State said the tripartite committee “will be meeting from time to time to evaluate how things are going and make recommendations to Mr. President and the nation as well.”

The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, affirmed that the private sector “will play a very significant role” in promulgating workable recommendations to the President on economic matters.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/govs-elumelu-dangote-make-tinubus-economic-advisory-panel/

One of the hunters who engaged a gang of suspected kidnappers in a gun battle at Gaa Sulu community, Omupo District olin Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State, has been found dead.

He lost his live in the aborted kidnap attempt on Friday night.

DAILY POST recalls that a gun battle ensued between local hunters and suspected kidnappers last Friday in which one of the kidnappers was gunned down and the three abducted victims, a man and two women, were rescued.

Five of the suspected kidnappers were also arrested by a joint team of police operatives and local hunters.

DAILY POST learnt on Monday that one of the hunters unfortunately lost his live in the battle against the kidnappers.

“It was not known to us till this morning when his decomposed corpse was discovered at a nearby bush close to the area where there was an exchange of gunfire between the hunters and the kidnappers,” a source in the community said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/kwara-hunter-found-dead-after-gun-battle-with-kidnappers/

Judicial workers in Ogun state on Monday commenced a five-day warning strike over non-payment of their 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The workers, under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Ogun state chapter, shut down the state high court and magistrate court in Isabo, Abeokuta, the state capital.

When our correspondent visited the court on Monday, lawyers were stranded as judges were prevented from carrying out their duties.

Speaking over the industrial action, the state chairman of JUSUN, Olarenwaju Ajiboye said the workers were forced to embark on the strike, following the refusal of the state government to accede to their demands.

According to Ajiboye, the union embarked on the strike following the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

“Today, Ogun state judicial workers commenced a five-day warning strike to protest the non-payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance of judicial workers by the state government.

“After the warning strike, if the Ogun state government fails to do the needful, the union will proceed on indefinite strike come 18 March 2024.

“In August 2023, the state government commenced the payment of non-peculiar allowance to the core civil servants, immediately we became aware of this, we informed our national body who wrote three letters – one to the Head of Service and two to the governor directly on the matter.

“The Head of Service called a meeting with the union and other stakeholders to discuss the way forward. The reasons given to the union for the government not to pay the money were not tenable and not acceptable to the union, which is why we proceeded on a day warning strike.

“The union held its congress where a 21-day ultimatum was issued to the state government to do the needful failure of which will lead to five days warning strike after which we will proceed on indefinite strike,” Ajiboye said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/ogun-judicial-workers-begin-five-day-warning-strike/

Groups of activists under the aegis of Joint Action Force, Coalition for Revolution, Osun Civil Society Coalition, members of the Federation of Informal Workers in Osun State, and youths on Monday staged a peaceful protest against the rising cost of living in the country.

They also fault the decision of the Federal Government to give proceeds of oil subsidy removal to the governors.

Speaking during a protest held by the groups in Osogbo, the state capital, one of the conveners, Mr Waheed Saka, said the protest was organised to prepare the ground for a bigger demonstration against the economic crisis ravaging the country.

Osun protestersThe protesters had converged at Freedom Park, Osogbo from where they moved around the streets before they assembled under Olaiya Bridge, where they spoke to journalists.

THE LOUNGE: WOULD YOU SLEEP WITH YOUR FATHER-IN-LAW AS A FAMILY TRADITION BEFORE MARRIAGE0:00 / 0:00

A large number of armed policemen, as well as operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were at the venue of the protest observing happenings, as the protesters sang various songs depicting the hardship Nigerians were going through.

Speaking further, Saka, who warned that current economic hardship may lead to bigger crises if not checked, declared that governors have not been good managers of resources entrusted in their care in the past.

Osun protestersHe said, “The essence of this protest is to mobilise the people for a bigger and larger protest that will be done nationwide, that will force the arms of government to do the right thing. We are not requesting too much, we are saying to fulfil your promise, that is not too much to ask from the government and the promise is not to make life difficult for the people or increase hardship on average Nigerians.

“That is not what President Bola Tinubu promised us. We understand that there are a lot of issues but we said don’t remove subsidy and give the money to governors. Governors over the years have not been able to manage their resources effectively, why are you taking off the relief of an average Nigerian and giving the money to governors to spend?

Policemen at the venue of Osun protest“That is not sustainable and now the devaluation of naira has led to an increase in the price of fuel because it is having a snowball effect on food and livelihood. President Tinubu should act now because he is already pushing our people to the precipice.

“We are saying act right, we are saying enough is enough because we can’t continue, year in and year out to talk about doing the right thing. We are saying enough of IMF and World Bank policies.

“We know over the years we have an average leader here working for all these international multilateral agencies, but we don’t expect somebody that promised that he has been planning to be president for many years to toll the same line of being a puppet of IMF and World Bank.

“People are enjoying subsidy in different countries, why can’t Nigerians enjoy subsidy too? That is the only thing you give us, why are you taking the only thing that the people are enjoying away? That is why we are protesting, that is why we are on the street to mobilise ordinary people. This is not a labour movement issue, it is a concern for every Nigerian and that is why we are here.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/economic-hardship-osun-activists-youths-protest-high-cost-of-living/

Rivers United captain, Nyima Nwagua remains optimistic that the team can go all the way in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The Port Harcourt club boosted their chances of securing a place in the knockout phase of the competition with a 3-2 away victory against Academica do Lobito of Angola on Sunday night.

The former Nigerian champions occupy third position in the Group C table with nine points from five games.

Stanley Eguma’s side will need to beat Ghana’s Dream FC in their final group game in Uyo on Sunday to seal a place in the quarter-finals.

Nwagua believes Rivers United can go all the way in the competition.

“In football anything can happen. However, my teammates and I will do everything within our powers and abilities to go all the way to the finals of the competition,” he said after the game in Luanda.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=188750

A midnight fire has destroyed over 50 shops and property worth N150 million at Yan Katako Market Rijiyar Lemu area of Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

Speaking to newsmen, the chairman of the market, Alhaji Mamuda Abdullahi, explained that the blaze started at about 1am on Monday.

He pointed out that the conflagration destroyed over 50 shops containing plywood, foam, spray machine, chairs, and other carpentry tools.

The chairman said the cause of the incident had yet to be ascertained.

He, however, commended the Kano State Fire Service personnel for their prompt response.

Kebbi donates N20m to fire victimsHe called on the state government and philanthropists to support them, as many traders have lost their means of livelihood.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.

He, however, explained that about 25 shops were completely razed down by the inferno, while several other shops were also touched or partially affected by the fire.

“We received distress calls around 1am and our men were able to put out the fire around 2am,” Abdullahi said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/fire-destroys-50-shops-at-kano-market/

President Bola Tinubu has created an economic advisory committee comprising the federal government, sub-nationals and the private sector.

This resulted from talks between the President and key stakeholders at the State House, Abuja, on Sunday evening.

The development came as the falling naira exchange rate, rising inflation and other economic headwinds have continued to worsen the cost of living crisis.

Some of the prominent members of the private sector that made the list include the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of the federal government, Tinubu said the goal “is to provide additional efforts” in stabilising the economy and ensuring the “best economic future” for Nigerians.

He said, “Let’s look at what we’re doing right and what we’re doing wrong to bring life back to the economy. As I have said many times, the people of this country are only the people we have to please.

“And we are very much concerned from students to mothers and fathers, farmers, the traders and realising that everyone of us will have to fetch water from the same well. We’re looking for additional efforts that’s might help the downtrodden Nigerians and we will provide hope and reassurance that economic recovery is on its way.

“We are not saying that we have all the answers. But we will not be blamed for not trying. We assure Nigerians that we will do our best to get our marshall plan in place and fashion out the best economic future for this country.”

At the meeting, Tinubu discussed food security, job creation and the exchange rate.

Dangote, who was part of the private sector delegation on the committee, said Sunday’s gathering stakeholders the opportunity to clarify the specifics of their roles in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained, “I think we had a very good meeting. What we discussed is generally about the economy, food security and security of the nation. We discussed everything in detail.

“The economic presidential advisory committee which has been set up…will look at all the issues and address them, coming from job creation and food security.

“So, all these things have been discussed in detail. I can’t give you all the details right now, but we are hopeful and we’re a great nation. We have what it takes to turn around the economy and we’re going to do that.”

Meanwhile, Elumelu noted implementing the decisions made that the gathering “will have propel our economy and help alleviate the poverty in the land, help create employment and help put food on the table of Nigerians.”

The Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, revealed that the committee held frank and exhaustive discussions with the President on the foreign exchange rate.

Citing the recent volatility of the naira against the dollar, Rabiu said, “We discussed on how to bring the foreign exchange rate down because we all know that what is happening as regards the foreign exchange is artificial. It is manipulative and thank God the CBN is doing quite a lot.”

Meanwhile, states have expressed readiness to partner with the federal government’s welfare interventions to alleviate the hardship on Nigerians. They said the advisory committee’s decision would only yield results when execution is prioritised.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said, “As a governor, I can assure you that all hands on deck. All governors have resolved to join hands with Mr president to ensure that he provides the necessary intervention to cushion the effect of what we’re going through while we are waiting for the implementation and the evidence of the fiscal and monetary policies already in place.

“In my state and other states, we are bringing in rice, we’re bringing food items and selling at rates that can be obtained before the downslide of the naira. So we are going to be doing all these to bring succour to the common man until we begin to see the evidence of the fiscal and monetary policies.”

On his part, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State said the tripartite committee “will be meeting from time to time to evaluate how things are going and make recommendations to Mr. President and the nation as well.”

The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, affirmed that the private sector “will play a very significant role” in promulgating workable recommendations to the President on economic matters.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/govs-elumelu-dangote-make-tinubus-economic-advisory-panel/

One of the hunters who engaged a gang of suspected kidnappers in a gun battle at Gaa Sulu community, Omupo District olin Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State, has been found dead.

He lost his live in the aborted kidnap attempt on Friday night.

DAILY POST recalls that a gun battle ensued between local hunters and suspected kidnappers last Friday in which one of the kidnappers was gunned down and the three abducted victims, a man and two women, were rescued.

Five of the suspected kidnappers were also arrested by a joint team of police operatives and local hunters.

DAILY POST learnt on Monday that one of the hunters unfortunately lost his live in the battle against the kidnappers.

“It was not known to us till this morning when his decomposed corpse was discovered at a nearby bush close to the area where there was an exchange of gunfire between the hunters and the kidnappers,” a source in the community said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/kwara-hunter-found-dead-after-gun-battle-with-kidnappers/

Judicial workers in Ogun state on Monday commenced a five-day warning strike over non-payment of their 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The workers, under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Ogun state chapter, shut down the state high court and magistrate court in Isabo, Abeokuta, the state capital.

When our correspondent visited the court on Monday, lawyers were stranded as judges were prevented from carrying out their duties.

Speaking over the industrial action, the state chairman of JUSUN, Olarenwaju Ajiboye said the workers were forced to embark on the strike, following the refusal of the state government to accede to their demands.

According to Ajiboye, the union embarked on the strike following the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

“Today, Ogun state judicial workers commenced a five-day warning strike to protest the non-payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance of judicial workers by the state government.

“After the warning strike, if the Ogun state government fails to do the needful, the union will proceed on indefinite strike come 18 March 2024.

“In August 2023, the state government commenced the payment of non-peculiar allowance to the core civil servants, immediately we became aware of this, we informed our national body who wrote three letters – one to the Head of Service and two to the governor directly on the matter.

“The Head of Service called a meeting with the union and other stakeholders to discuss the way forward. The reasons given to the union for the government not to pay the money were not tenable and not acceptable to the union, which is why we proceeded on a day warning strike.

“The union held its congress where a 21-day ultimatum was issued to the state government to do the needful failure of which will lead to five days warning strike after which we will proceed on indefinite strike,” Ajiboye said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/ogun-judicial-workers-begin-five-day-warning-strike/

Groups of activists under the aegis of Joint Action Force, Coalition for Revolution, Osun Civil Society Coalition, members of the Federation of Informal Workers in Osun State, and youths on Monday staged a peaceful protest against the rising cost of living in the country.

They also fault the decision of the Federal Government to give proceeds of oil subsidy removal to the governors.

Speaking during a protest held by the groups in Osogbo, the state capital, one of the conveners, Mr Waheed Saka, said the protest was organised to prepare the ground for a bigger demonstration against the economic crisis ravaging the country.

Osun protestersThe protesters had converged at Freedom Park, Osogbo from where they moved around the streets before they assembled under Olaiya Bridge, where they spoke to journalists.

THE LOUNGE: WOULD YOU SLEEP WITH YOUR FATHER-IN-LAW AS A FAMILY TRADITION BEFORE MARRIAGE0:00 / 0:00

A large number of armed policemen, as well as operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were at the venue of the protest observing happenings, as the protesters sang various songs depicting the hardship Nigerians were going through.

Speaking further, Saka, who warned that current economic hardship may lead to bigger crises if not checked, declared that governors have not been good managers of resources entrusted in their care in the past.

Osun protestersHe said, “The essence of this protest is to mobilise the people for a bigger and larger protest that will be done nationwide, that will force the arms of government to do the right thing. We are not requesting too much, we are saying to fulfil your promise, that is not too much to ask from the government and the promise is not to make life difficult for the people or increase hardship on average Nigerians.

“That is not what President Bola Tinubu promised us. We understand that there are a lot of issues but we said don’t remove subsidy and give the money to governors. Governors over the years have not been able to manage their resources effectively, why are you taking off the relief of an average Nigerian and giving the money to governors to spend?

Policemen at the venue of Osun protest“That is not sustainable and now the devaluation of naira has led to an increase in the price of fuel because it is having a snowball effect on food and livelihood. President Tinubu should act now because he is already pushing our people to the precipice.

“We are saying act right, we are saying enough is enough because we can’t continue, year in and year out to talk about doing the right thing. We are saying enough of IMF and World Bank policies.

“We know over the years we have an average leader here working for all these international multilateral agencies, but we don’t expect somebody that promised that he has been planning to be president for many years to toll the same line of being a puppet of IMF and World Bank.

“People are enjoying subsidy in different countries, why can’t Nigerians enjoy subsidy too? That is the only thing you give us, why are you taking the only thing that the people are enjoying away? That is why we are protesting, that is why we are on the street to mobilise ordinary people. This is not a labour movement issue, it is a concern for every Nigerian and that is why we are here.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/economic-hardship-osun-activists-youths-protest-high-cost-of-living/

Three journalists representing print and broadcast media outfits have been allowed into the Federal High Court, Fate Ilorin to cover the trial of the immediate past governor of Kwara State, AbdulFatah Ahmed, who is being tried over alleged N10 billion financial misconduct.

The admittance of the select journalists was after several interventions, while others who had hitherto stayed on the main road were allowed into the court premises, awaiting the outcome of the trial.

Ahmed was brought into the court with the white bus of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, around 8:50 am for the trial.

The trial commenced at about 9:30 am following the arrival of the judge.

The police and court registrar had earlier barred journalists from entering the court, saying they were acting on orders from above.
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=188624

Peace has been restored in Malete community, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State after Thursday’s unrest by students of the Kwara State University over raids on black spots by drug law enforcement agents.

The management of the state university appealed to all to remain calm and lawful.

A statement by the registrar, Dr Kikelomo Sallee, disclosed that “contrary to reports on social media, no one was shot, and no life was lost in the unrest in which the divisional police station was attacked and items destroyed.

“Management has been liaising with, and will meet the EFCC and NDLEA on the arbitrary sting operations on our student body.

“Management does not condone rough handling of bona fide students of our great University, and we urge our dear students to uphold peaceful and orderly conduct for which our Great KWASU is known,” the statement said.

The statement asserted the commitment of the management to providing a safe and enabling environment for students and will ensure that they learn, develop, and graduate within the stipulated time frame.

“As such, the Harmattan semester examinations that is currently ongoing will continue as scheduled,” the management declared.

It urged all KWASUSITES to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/kwasu-reacts-as-peace-returns-to-malete-community/

Indigenous rapper Slow Dog has credited his colleague, Mr. Raw, formerly known as Nigga Raw, as the pioneer of Igbo rap.

He said the ‘Obodo’ crooner paved the way for Igbo rap which new-generation rappers are benefiting from today.

Slow Dog stated this in a video message shared via his Instagram page recently.

He said, “I go by the name Slow Dog. I want to give flowers to my boss, the pioneer of Igbo rap which we are benefiting from today, his name is Mr. Raw or you call him Nigga Raw.

“Mr. Raw, thanks for everything.”

His claims are coming days after Odumodublvck, who raps partly in Igbo, said no veteran or legend paved the way for any artist in the Nigerian music industry.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/mr-raw-pioneered-igbo-rap-slow-dog/

The Bayelsa State Police Command has arraigned two persons in court over alleged conspiracy and attempt to kidnap one Mr Ebi Ayama, popularly know as Americana.

DAILY POST gathered that Ayama is a brother to the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The two suspects, identified as Lucky Oghenebrume, 53, and Omobowho Okpowodo, 52, were arrested by men of the Operation Puff Adder in November 2023 at Mbiama community in Rivers State.

The arrest of the two suspects, according to the Police, followed intelligence gathering and detailed investigations.

The two suspects, who pleaded not guilty, were arraigned at the Kaima High Court sitting in Yenagoa, on a suit numbered BYH/KHC/CR/2/2024.

The police prosecutor told the court that Lucky Oghenebrume was the mastermind and on the wanted list of the State Police Command over the alleged involvement in the abduction of one Fyneman in Sagbama Local Government area of the state, over which a ransom of N50 million was paid.

Oghenebrume was also described as a resident of Mbiama community. He is said to reside alone in a massive compound, where he allegedly carries out his dastardly acts.

He was also reported to have relocated his family to Delta State to avoid being exposed.

The second suspect, Omobowho Okpowodo, was identified as the owner of the motor mechanic workshop where the targeted victim carried out repairs on his vehicles.

Okpowodo, according to the police prosecutor, was allegedly overheard planning to abduct Ayama on his way from Ekeremor local Government area.

The Presiding Judge, Justice T.Songi, adjourned the case till 27th February, 2024.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/bayelsa-two-arraigned-over-alleged-conspiracy-to-kidnap-gov-diris-brother/

A video currently circulating on the Internet has shown how former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, was ambushed and asked to speak in Hausa when he wanted to talk about the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.

“Wait a minute, who told you I am going to do it in Hausa? Oh my goodness, look, for almost 80 years, I have been always speaking mostly in English… This is an ambush. This is a coup. No, No…. My Hausa is not good enough to say it in Hausa,” Gowon objected.

Gowon was addressing newsmen after he visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

The former military ruler told Tinubu not to be worried about the criticisms of Nigerians on his performance since he assumed office in May 2023.

“At least, if I remember, I was told that I was too slow, fighting the war and that probably Nigeria would not make it and that we should seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably did not know the problem on the ground there,” he said.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1760929759234543967
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/nigeria-biafra-war-moment-gowon-was-ambushed-to-speak-in-hausa-video/

Kwara State Fire Service, on Thursday, recovered the body of a 49-year-old man and also rescued a 17-year-old boy from a domestic well in Offa town, DAILY POST reports.

The man identified as Fasasi Afeez, and his son Kaleed Afeez of Gaa Jangbo, Igbonna Road Offa, in Offa local government area Kwara State, fell into a well.

However, while the man was recovered dead, the son was rescued alive.

According to the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, the incident occurred at about 04:11 pm and the brigade was summoned through an exchange telephone call by One Alhaji Taiye Gbadamosi living in the neighbourhood.

According to a report, “the rescued boy went to fetch water from the domestic well and in the process of fetching water, one of his legs suddenly slipped off the ground and he eventually tumbled down into the well.

“However, before the arrival of fire servicemen, his father while trying to rescue the victim, his legs suddenly slipped off the ground and he eventually tumbled down into the well too.”

Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, expressed sadness over the incident and urged the general public to be more careful in their day-to-day activities and desist from sending underage children to fetch water in domestic wells.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/man-dies-while-rescuing-son-from-well-in-kwara/

A video currently circulating on the Internet has shown how former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, was ambushed and asked to speak in Hausa when he wanted to talk about the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.

“Wait a minute, who told you I am going to do it in Hausa? Oh my goodness, look, for almost 80 years, I have been always speaking mostly in English… This is an ambush. This is a coup. No, No…. My Hausa is not good enough to say it in Hausa,” Gowon objected.

Gowon was addressing newsmen after he visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

The former military ruler told Tinubu not to be worried about the criticisms of Nigerians on his performance since he assumed office in May 2023.

“At least, if I remember, I was told that I was too slow, fighting the war and that probably Nigeria would not make it and that we should seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably did not know the problem on the ground there,” he said.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1760929759234543967
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/nigeria-biafra-war-moment-gowon-was-ambushed-to-speak-in-hausa-video/

A fun-seeking Lagos-based prophet, Oriyomi Remilekun, was said to have drowned during a beach hangout in the Ajah area of the state to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the deceased led some youths of his white garment church to the Avista Beach situated in the area on Saturday, February 17, to commemorate the Day.

A source privy to the incident told our correspondent that the picnic which lasted through the evening had ended when the whereabouts of the late Oriyomi became unknown.

The colleagues were said to have immediately launched a search for him but efforts to locate him proved abortive.

The source said, “The youths of the church parish at Gbagada were on a planned Valentine’s Day love feast at the Avista Beach Resort and they were 16 in number. They first lodged at a shortlet apartment very close to the resort where they had a party before later moving into the beach resort.

“Around 9pm, they prepared to leave and when they got to the car park, they discovered that Oriyomi was missing. When they asked his girlfriend, she said he gave her his phone, went in and promised to come back. They later went to the beach, searched for him and could not find him before they left.”

The colleagues were said to have returned to the beach on Sunday morning to continue the search but still could not find him. They later lodged a report at the nearest police station.

 When contacted, the management of Avista Beach confirmed the incident but told our correspondent that the remains of Oriyomi were washed ashore on a separate beach located in the community on Monday.

Speaking on Tuesday, a member of the management team who craved not to be mentioned due to the sensitive nature of the incident said, “On Sunday afternoon, we saw a group of people with police officers from Ogombo Police Station who told us they came to report that someone was missing at the beach. They invited us to the station and we wrote our statement. After that, the police invited the remaining colleagues. About three hours after they were invited, we got a call that a body had been found at Baracuda Beach Resort. The guys did not lodge at the resort and the body was not found there. They started the search around 9pm and that time in Lagos is just like early morning. Why didn’t they raise the alarm but instead went home that night? This is a beach resort where everybody comes and goes home.”

People familiar with the late prophet have mourned him while reacting to social media posts announcing his demise.

A Facebook user, Erinle Abel, who expressed sadness over his death wrote, “Honestly, I have never met a prophet that is gifted without blemish, humble in spirit and character, very active in the vineyard and respectful to both the young and old. Our meeting was during our harvest week and since then he had been a blessing to me. It is so unfortunate that you have to leave untimely. May God rest your soul and bless your church with more truthful prophets like you.”

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said he was not aware of the incident. “I am not aware,” he said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/lagos-prophet-drowns-during-valentines-day-beach-hangout/

Kwara State Fire Service, on Thursday, recovered the body of a 49-year-old man and also rescued a 17-year-old boy from a domestic well in Offa town, DAILY POST reports.

The man identified as Fasasi Afeez, and his son Kaleed Afeez of Gaa Jangbo, Igbonna Road Offa, in Offa local government area Kwara State, fell into a well.

However, while the man was recovered dead, the son was rescued alive.

According to the spokesman of the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, the incident occurred at about 04:11 pm and the brigade was summoned through an exchange telephone call by One Alhaji Taiye Gbadamosi living in the neighbourhood.

According to a report, “the rescued boy went to fetch water from the domestic well and in the process of fetching water, one of his legs suddenly slipped off the ground and he eventually tumbled down into the well.

“However, before the arrival of fire servicemen, his father while trying to rescue the victim, his legs suddenly slipped off the ground and he eventually tumbled down into the well too.”

Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, expressed sadness over the incident and urged the general public to be more careful in their day-to-day activities and desist from sending underage children to fetch water in domestic wells.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/man-dies-while-rescuing-son-from-well-in-kwara/

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Thursday cautioned President Bola Tinubu against listening to Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s statement describing the recent protests against hardship as sponsored.

He informed Tinubu that Shettima and Akapbio are deceiving him because Nigerians are suffering and this informed their decision to storm the streets to express their grievances.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele berated the duo for being insensitive with the feelings of Nigerians and reducing their grievances to mere political talks when the government is supposed to be catering for the needs of its citizens.

He said: ‘’The country needs urgent action otherwise Nigeria will continue to experience difficulty. Tinubu should not mind those who are deceiving him, people are in pain and no one is sponsoring any protest.

“People are angry and feeling the heat of the economy. Tinubu should ignore any side talks that are not relevant to what is happening at this moment, everything is upside down.

‘’Tinubu should act before it’s too late. Akpabio’s statement about the protest isn’t a wise talk; it’s simply insensitive. Shetimma and Akpabio saying protests are sponsored is out of character.

“Nobody is sponsoring anything, the people are just hungry and these are what God said will happen in your government. Nigeria doesn’t deserve such irrelevant statements now. Instead of blaming people, your government should get to work.”
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/hardship-shettima-akpabio-deceiving-you-nigerians-are-suffering-primate-ayodele-to-tinubu/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and associates in the banking industry have agreed to work together to deepen capacity and build strong collaboration against financial crimes.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, and chief executive officers of the body of banks met with the EFCC to examine various areas of collaboration in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

In a statement during the meeting in Abuja, President of CIBN, Dr. Ken Opara, said the collaboration of CIBN and the Body of Banks’ CEOs with EFCC emphasizes the commitment towards promoting ethics, professionalism, and transparency within the banking sector.

He added that all staff of banks now go through a mandatory Annual Ethics Certification Programme which is conducted by the institute to ensure ethics and professionalism is established in the banking sector.

According to him, the institute is working with the Body of Banks’ CEOs to institutionalize a collaborative capacity building program for the staff of EFCC to deepen their knowledge and competence in the area of banking and financial operations.

Opara noted that the program will also allow EFCC to share with bankers, insights on how to curb financial crimes, adding that it will help the anti-graft agency in achieving its objectives while promoting the growth of the economy.

Executive Chairman, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede said the fight against corruption is a patriotic duty that must not be left only to the commission, but a collective duty of all.

He also welcomed the proposed collaboration between the commission and banks which is aimed at improving skills and competencies of the staff of the Commission as well as bankers.

Similarly, the chairman, Body of Banks’ CEOs, Mr. Lamin Manjang, applauded Olukoyede’s leadership for the efforts of the institution in embracing professionalism whilst prioritizing humaneness in the conduct of its operations.

He noted the significant progress made in combating corruption, as evident in EFCC’s adherence to international conventions and protocols aimed at proactively deterring corrupt practices through effective policies and inclusive stakeholders’ participation.

“This remarkable accomplishment reflects the commission’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law in our society,” Manjang said.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/efcc-to-partner-with-banks-in-fight-against-financial-crimes/

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. The Trade Union Congress, TUC, has backed out of the planned two-day nationwide protest declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and hardship in the country. The Vice-President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, said on Wednesday that the decision to protest on February 27 and 28 as announced by the NLC was not taken collectively by both unions.

2. A fun-seeking Lagos-based prophet, Oriyomi Remilekun, was said to have drowned during a beach hangout in the Ajah area of the state to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day. It was learnt that the deceased led some youths of his white garment church to the Avista Beach situated in the area on Saturday, February 17, to commemorate the day.

3. The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has welcomed the decision of the national leadership of the party to conduct a rerun of the governorship election in the state which ended in a crisis. The APC Publicity Secretary in Edo State, Peter Uwadiae, said the party was ready for the rerun holding today (Thursday), adding that the state exco would speak further after the exercise.

4. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will arraign the immediate-past governor of Kwara State, Abdulfattah Ahmed, for alleged N10bn fraud on Friday. Credible sources in the anti-graft agency said the ex-governor would be dragged before the Federal High Court in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

5. The naira gained marginally against the United States dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market on Tuesday, closing at N1,542.58/$ from N1,551/$ recorded on Tuesday. The rate represents a 2.9 per cent appreciation from the N1,598.54 traded on Monday and a meagre 0.58 per cent against Tuesday’s rate.

6. The Federal Government is expanding the scope of its direct cash transfer scheme which it plans to restart any moment from now, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, hinted yesterday. He said that 12 million more households would benefit from the direct payments of cash to further cushion the effects of the rising cost of living.

7. The Federal Government is trying its best to deal with the various problems and it should be given time for its efforts to manifest, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon said on Wednesday. Gowon, Nigeria’s war-time leader, who was head of state between 1966 and 1975, spoke at Aso Villa, Abuja, after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

8. Federal Government workers have been paid N35,000 wage award for four months, the presidency said on Wednesday. The wage award is one of the measures introduced to soften the pain from removal of petrol subsidy.

9. The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Dr. Kelechi Ohiri for appointment as the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA. The Upper Chamber also confirmed Jalal Arabi as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, and three other commissioners for the agency.

10. President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DCG Kemi Nanna Nandap as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS. Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesman, who announced this in a statement on Wednesday, said the appointment is effective from March 1, 2024.
https://www.otowngist.com/2024/02/nigerian-newspapers-10-things-you-need-to-know-thursday-morning-2/

The national chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, who was arrested on Wednesday in Benin, Edo State capital by operatives of Zone 5 Police headquarters, has been released on bail.

It was gathered that his arrest was a result of a petition forwarded to the zone from the office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

After his release around 2am on Thursday, Abure, while addressing his supporters, said the struggle to liberate the people does not come easy.

He said his persecution, meant to destabilize the party, started after the general election in 2023.

Abure said the state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, and the state youth leader were still being held and would likely be released later today.

He said, “Let me appreciate all of you for the solidarity, for the support and your commitment. No struggle to liberate the country comes easy. In many countries of the world where freedom fighters have fought for the emancipation of the people, freedom fighters suffer injustice, suffer prosecution and it is what is happening to me and my other colleagues since after the general election.

“After the general election, they have been trying to instigate crises in the party. They try to bring false accusations against us. They talked about forgery against us at a time when it didn’t work. They came with embezzlement.

“Any person that is aggrieved in the party, they go and instigate them to write a petition against us. The irony is that the police even act on those, and at the end of the day, they discover that those things are false.

“Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the Edo State primaries and of course, the police swooped on us and arrested us over what I will not want to discuss now because the investigation is still going on and therefore we would not want to preempt them.

“But I must state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail except for the Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi and the youth leader. They (police) have also promised that by the early hours of Thursday, they will release them. We are hoping that they will fulfil their promise and release them.

“Whatever is happening to me will not discourage me from the struggle. We must continue to pursue the cause of the people. We must continue to fight for our people until we liberate them. I have said it, and I will say it again, it is not capturing power that matters. It is what you do with power.

“Today, APC is in power. Life has become more unbearable for the people. Today, the dollar is exchanging for almost N2,000. Fuel today is sold for N700 per litre. There is even scarcity now, and the price is likely going to increase.

“Inflation, even though it is double digit, it is now above 31 per cent, unemployment has increased, and a bag of rice today is sold for N120, 000, and the minimum wage is N30, 000. You can see the paradox. You can see the irony and Nigerians are in for a difficult time.”
https://www.otowngist.com/?p=188548