SOUTH Africa goalkeeper Ronwen William has shared the credit for his heroic performance last night with his teammates and the technical crew.

The Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper was the hero in the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cape Verde in Yamoussoukro last night, becoming the first goalkeeper to save four penalties during a shootout in the history of the tournament.

Williams’ saves helped Bafana Bafana defeat Cape Verde 2-1 in the shootout after full-time and extra-time ended 0-0.

The 32-year-old former SuperSport United goalkeeper was named Man of the Match for his heroics but he insisted the award belonged to the entire team.

“It was tough. They played their part and it was my time to play my part,” Williams said while receiving his prize.

“I am just glad that we are in the next round. This is not mine but it is for the collective.

“The staff, technical team and each player. This journey has been tough but we soldiered on as a team so I will accept this on behalf of each and every player in Bafana Bafana.”

Bafana Bafana take on the Super Eagles in the semi-finals on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

The last time South Africa reached the AFCON semi-finals was in 2000 and they also faced Nigeria, who won 2-0 in Lagos as co-hosts.

The Super Eagles also beat Bafana Bafana at the AFCON in 2019.

[EagleOnline]

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly probe the allegations that $3.4 billion loan obtained from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is missing, diverted or unaccounted for.

Naija News reports that the 2020 annual audited report published last week by the Auditor-General of the Federation documents damning revelations including that there was no document to show the movement and spending of the IMF loan.

SERAP also urged Tinubu to ensure that anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence.

The group stated that any missing IMF loan should be fully recovered and returned to the public treasury.

In the letter dated 3 February 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said there is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these serious allegations.

According to SERAP, servicing IMF loan that is allegedly missing, diverted or unaccounted for is double jeopardy for Nigerians.

It pointed out that Nigerians can neither see nor benefit from the projects for which the loan was approved; “yet, they are made to pay both the loan and accrued interests.”

SERAP noted that any failure to investigate these grave allegations, bring suspected perpetrators to justice and recover any missing IMF loan would have serious resource allocation and exacerbate the country’s debt burden.

The letter read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“The Auditor-General recommends that the money be fully recovered and remitted to the public treasury and those suspected to be involved ‘sanctioned and handed over to anticorruption agencies’.

“The allegations of corruption in the spending of IMF loan documented by the Auditor-General undermine economic development of the country, trap the majority of Nigerians in poverty and deprive them of opportunities.

“The allegations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption.

“According to the 2020 annual audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation published last week, the US$3.4 billion emergency financial assistance obtained from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to finance the budget and manage the health crisis stemming from the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic may have been missing, diverted or unaccounted for.

“According to the Auditor-General, no information or document was provided to justify the movement and spending of Fund.

“The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted to the public treasury and for the evidence of remittance to be forwarded to the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly.

“The Auditor-General also recommends that anyone suspected to be involved should be ‘sanctioned and handed over to the EFCC and ICPC for investigation and prosecution, as provided for in paragraph 3112 of the Financial Regulations’.

“According to reports, Nigeria is expected to spread the payment of the IMF loan from 2023 to 2027. The first instalment, due in 2023, is worth $497.17 million. The second instalment, due in 2024, will be worth $1.76 billion. The third instalment, due in 2025, will be worth $865.27 million.

“The final two instalments, due in 2026 and 2027, will each be worth $33.99 million. These instalments will only be interest payments.

“Investigating the allegations and naming and shaming and prosecuting those suspected to be responsible for the missing IMF would serve the public interest and end the impunity of perpetrators.

“Impunity for corruption in the management of loans obtained by Nigeria will continue as long as high-ranking public officials go largely unpunished for their alleged crimes. It is by pursuing these allegations and taking the evidence before the court that the truth will be revealed and justice best served.

“SERAP notes that the consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs to pay for health, education and administrative services.

“SERAP notes that your government has a sacred duty to ensure that the country’s loans including those obtained from the IMF are transparently and accountably used solely for the purposes for which the loans are obtained, and for the effective development of public goods and services as well as the general public interests.

“This implies providing strong leadership in the efforts to curb public sector corruption, and to refer to appropriate anticorruption agencies any allegations of corruption in which any officials and agencies of government may be involved or complicit.

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’ in the country.

“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’

“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’

“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds including loans obtained by the country, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.

“The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds including loans obtained by the country.

“Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure ‘effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions’ including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.

“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.”

[NaijaNews]

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has restricted the operations of international money transfer operators (IMTOs) to only inbound transfers, stopping outbound transfers.

This implies that IMTOs can no longer facilitate money transfers from Nigeria to other countries, according to the revised guidelines for the operations of IMTOs, which were officially released on January 31, 2024.

It is a notable departure from the 2014 guidelines, which permitted the operators to engage in “allowable inbound and outbound international money transfer transactions.”

Stating the permissible activities of the operators, the new document read:

• “The permissible activities of International Money Transfer Operators shall include inbound international money transfer transactions only. The transactions shall be limited to the following activities:
• “The acceptance of monies for the purpose of transmitting them to persons resident in Nigeria.
• “Cross-border personal money transfer services, such as money transfer services towards family maintenance; money transfer services in favour of foreign tourists visiting Nigeria, etc.
• “The money transfer services shall target individual customers and the transactions shall be on “person to person”, “business to person” and “business to business” transfer basis which may be reviewed by the CBN from time to time.”

The CBN’s recent decision to restrict IMTOs to inbound transfers only marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for foreign exchange and remittance services in Nigeria.

This move could have multiple implications, including potential impacts on Nigeria’s foreign exchange market dynamics and remittance landscape.

Also, IMTOs are barred from purchasing foreign exchange from the domestic market to fulfil their obligations.

This decision could be seen as an attempt by the CBN to manage foreign exchange reserves and stabilise the local currency by limiting the outflow of foreign currency.

It might also enhance the monitoring of international financial transactions and prevent illicit financial flows.

However, this could also lead to specific challenges for individuals and businesses accustomed to IMTOs for outbound transfers, compelling them to seek alternative channels.

CBN limits FX inflow payments to Naira

It appears that the CBN might have placed a ban on dollar and other foreign currency payouts for international transactions, according to the latest guidelines.

This is unlike the previous guidelines, where there was no clear statement on the currency in which the inflow payments should be made.

The new document read:

• “All inbound money transfers to Nigeria shall be paid to beneficiaries in Naira through a bank account, or cash. Proceeds of IMTO more than the equivalent of $200 shall be paid through an account. Cash payments shall be made upon the provision of a satisfactory/acceptable means of identification.
• “Where the beneficiary does not have an account with the IMTO agent bank, the agent bank shall credit the beneficiary account in another bank.”

This comes about seven months after the central bank introduced the naira payout option for diaspora remittances.

Before that period, the CBN had released a circular in 2021, stressing that it is a breach of its regulations for diaspora remittance payments to be made in naira.

In the new guidelines, the apex bank noted that the exchange rate for the naira payment shall be at the prevailing rate in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. This comes barely a week after the naira crashed to a record low of N1,482.57/$ following strong demand on the official market, also known as NAFEM, exceeding the parallel market rates.

This policy might pose challenges for recipients who prefer or require US dollar payouts for international transactions. They may face difficulties due to the potential disparity between the official exchange rate and the parallel market rates. Moreover, for Nigerians living abroad and sending money home, the impact of this policy on remittance flows could be significant, possibly influencing their choice of remittance channels.

Also, Nairametrics observed that the apex bank removed the option for foreign inflow to be received in mobile money wallets, limiting it to bank accounts, which may lead to an increase in the number of domiciliary accounts in the country.

This comes almost five months after the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed the government’s interest in funds in domiciliary accounts.

More Insights

• There were early reports that the Federal Government and the apex bank were considering converting domiciliary accounts to naira as part of measures to solve the forex crisis and stop the crash of the naira.
• However, the Federal Government and the CBN denied that there are plans to convert $30 billion domiciliary deposits to naira.
• Despite CBN and the Federal Government countering the allegations in the media reports, it appears that Nigerians may not be able to withdraw foreign currency from their domiciliary accounts in line with this new set of guidelines.
• Also, Nairametrics recently reported that the CBN banned banks and financial technology companies (fintechs) from international money transfer services.
• This development coincides with an earlier circular from the CBN aimed at curbing what it perceives as rampant foreign currency speculation and hoarding among Nigerian banks. The nation’s financial watchdog has been growing concerned about these activities, which can significantly distort market dynamics.
• The CBN’s revised guidelines for IMTOs represent a significant policy shift with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s foreign exchange and remittance sectors. It reflects the bank’s ongoing efforts to regulate the financial landscape, particularly in international money transfers, while balancing economic stability and compliance with international financial standards.
• However, this latest policy may influence how diaspora remittances are received, and cross-border financial commitments are met. On the global stage, this decision could also affect Nigeria’s position in the international remittance market, potentially altering the flow of remittances into the country.

[Nairametrics]

President Geingob, who died of cancer at the age of 82, was reported dead on Sunday by the Namibian government.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu noted that President Geingob, whom he described as a veteran of the struggle for democracy, died at a time the African continent needs more visionary leaders, who believe in its common destiny.

The statement read: “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu extends deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia over the passing of His Excellency, President Hage Geingob.

“President Tinubu mourns the painful loss of this veteran in the struggle for democracy; proponent of good governance, and advocate of economic, social, and political solidarity among African peoples.

“The President notes that this tragedy comes at a time when Africa needs more visionary leaders who believe in the common destiny of the continent, and who can strengthen bonds across borders and spread the tendrils of cooperation across all fields of human endeavour.

“As Namibia mourns, President Tinubu assures the Republic that his thoughts and prayers, and indeed those of Nigerians, are with them.”

[TheNation]

Former President Muhammadu Buhari cannot stay in Daura without those big guns—Professor Usman Yusuf.

One of the comments to this was; this is what happens when a leader stubbornly keeps the cubs of lions as pets. When the cubs grow, it will become a danger to both the owner and the villager…

The original topic of this admonition was actually Arewa, chills, vibes, In Shaa Allah, and Masha Allah, but because we attach so much to religion and lack spirituality and equally do not have faith, I decided that I was not going to stir the hornet’s nest more than I intend to do here.

In a recent Interview one time CEO of the National Health Insurance Scheme Professor Usman Yusuf clearly stated that the North was experiencing an ongoing civil strife, and in my words, (civil war). Ethnic groups like the Hausas, Fulanis, Tivs, Beroms, etc are at war. Elders, religious, and traditional leaders have failed, and political leaders are concerned with the movement of the Central Bank, and the Federal; Airport Authority to Lagos.

The armed banditry in the north-west and other parts of Northern Nigeria transcends pastoralist insurgency, as evident in the dominant narratives, considering the multiplicity of complexly connected causal factors, actors, manifestations, and dimensions that are present in the threats posed by this development. 

We are losing Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger and I can go on, in these places there are almost daily attacks. Arewa is not ready for a honest conversation, in this Hausa vs Fulani, Fulani vs natives, the dudes that sold the Muslim-Muslim ticket, where are those clerics, as both Muslim and Christians continue to die in Nigeria, but particularly in the North of Nigeria.

Weeks back, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in Gubio town, Borno, resulting in the tragic deaths of six Quranic school pupils popularly known as Almajirai. The incident happened when a metal scavenger unknowingly collected and stored various metallic items in a building in close proximity to a tsangaya school, little did he know that among the collected metal was an abandoned undetonated IED.

In 2022 alone the Borno police reported that about 55 scrap collectors were killed by insurgents within a period of three weeks.

On August 14 2023, some 36 military personnel were reported dead in a series of attacks in Kundu and Chukuba communities in Niger State. This generated public outrage; however, the reactions barely covered the plight of the residents of these communities. In these communities between then and now according to reports, there have been no less than 18 raids and attacks by armed bandits, leaving these communities on their own.

Some of these communities like many in Plateau, in Zamfara, battle extinction, leaving their ancestral homes, after days on end sleeping and scavenging in the bush when they escape such raids and they finally move elsewhere.

We are the same people that were hosts to gory story of Deborah in Sokoto, in Kano, I hear that the Chinese man is asking for forgiveness after killing our daughter, the same Kano with Hisbah drama every now and then the same Kano that engaged in some debate of clerics and engaged in sentencing themselves for blasphemy.

Have we even tackled our degenerating wayward kids and wives and husbands, the drug epidemic and the declining morals. All the numerous sects battle and blasphemy war. Boko Haram continues to attack power installation, we have simply forgotten Leah and many of our daughters.

Our farmers are suffering, farmlands are ravished, lie wasted, while the deserts are deserted. Our women and daughters are raped, and killed alongside their daughters, we just move on and forget, it is just a case of chills, vibes and In Shaa Allah as the plunder is palpable.

However, I will not end without offering my ten penny thoughts on how to address the issue of killings and arson in Northern Nigeria, and let me state that I am not saying anything new, but I am only hoping that someone is reading and willing to do something on this matter that requires a multifaceted approach that involves various stakeholders and focuses on both short-term and long-term solutions. Here are some key strategies:

• Enhanced Security Measures:
  • Increase the presence of law enforcement agencies in affected areas to prevent and respond to incidents promptly.
  • Improve intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies.
  • Utilize technology, such as surveillance cameras and drones, to monitor and secure vulnerable areas.
• Community Engagement:
  • Foster community-oriented policing to build trust and collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.
  • Establish community watch groups to enhance vigilance and report suspicious activities.
  • Encourage community leaders to promote peace and discourage violence.
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation:
  • Facilitate dialogue and mediation between conflicting parties to address underlying grievances.
  • Engage religious and community leaders to play a role in promoting tolerance and resolving disputes peacefully.
  • Establish conflict resolution mechanisms at the local level.
• Youth Empowerment and Education:
  • Implement programs that provide education and skills training for youth to address unemployment and reduce vulnerability to recruitment by extremist groups.
  • Promote civic education to instill values of tolerance, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence.
• Economic Development:
  • Invest in economic development projects to create job opportunities and alleviate poverty, addressing one of the root causes of conflicts.
  • Support agricultural initiatives to improve livelihoods and reduce competition over scarce resources.
• Legal Reforms and Justice:
  • Strengthen the judicial system to ensure swift and fair trials for perpetrators of violence.
  • Advocate for legal reforms that address gaps in the justice system and provide compensation for victims.
• International Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with neighboring countries and international organizations to address cross-border security challenges.
  • Seek assistance and support from international partners in terms of training, intelligence sharing, and capacity building.
• Media and Information Management:
  • Promote responsible journalism to avoid sensationalizing violence.
  • Counter misinformation and propaganda that may contribute to the escalation of conflicts.
• Psychosocial Support:
  • Provide psychosocial support for individuals affected by violence to address trauma and promote healing.
  • Implement community-based mental health programs.
• Policy Advocacy:
  • Advocate for policies that address the root causes of conflicts, including social, economic, and political factors.
  • Ensure that government policies are inclusive and address the needs of all communities.

It’s essential to recognize that each community may have unique challenges, and tailored solutions considering local contexts are crucial. Sustainable peace requires the collaborative efforts of governments, communities, civil society, and the international community

Finally, I will end with this story, (readers discretion advised) only three weeks ago, in a local community they were having a naming ceremony, the guests had arrived, food was on fire and everyone was exchanging banters, it was supposed to be a joyous moment, and with smiles, until the bandits arrived in their motorcycles (bikes that are bought by ransom paid by communities).

They surrounded the community, and as we say in local parlance, to cut a long story short, they picked the newborn baby, cut into the pieces and threw into one of the pots cooking on fire, and when it was ready, fed the mother and several of the guests. I won’t end the story, but let me tell us that this is not a fabricated story but one that happened in one of our communities in the North, we are losing it and cannot continue to chills, vibe and In Shaa Allah think that things will get better if we do not act and act quick—May Nigeria win!

Amidst the numerous security and economic challenges facing Nigeria, including terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and most recently, a shortage of foreign currency, it is imperative that the Tinubu administration takes immediate action to counter these trends. In a previous article, on security, I proposed the use of CCTV cameras, artificial intelligence, a proactive Police Force and drones to monitor areas with high criminal activities, a suggestion that I will not delve into further here. Instead, I believe it is also crucial at this point to address the front-burner economic situation that our nation is currently grappling with.

This task of proffering solutions to the myriad of economic challenges of Nigeria, especially the unprecedented devaluation of the Naira cannot be shouldered solely by government officials; it requires the expertise and knowledge of experienced technocrats and economic experts, working in consonance with government. Therefore, I propose the establishment of a Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), Co-Chaired by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (who will still maintain his autonomy), that will analyze and align the government's Fiscal and Monetary Policies, similar to the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) of a well-managed bank. The PEAC should comprise members from both the government and private sector, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Minister of Finance & the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Minister of Budget and Planning, Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Minister of Interior, CEOs of about three of the Tier 1 banks in the country, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association, reputable economists, and a few respected ex-bankers.

Furthermore, it is important to diversify the country’s sources of national revenue beyond crude oil. While we work towards this long-term goal, we must also prioritize immediate structural reforms to our economy. It is evident that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has consistently fallen short of its OPEC quota, severely impacting the amount of dollars accruing to the Federation Account and causing the Naira's unprecedented decline. The now privatized NNPCL, must now wean itself and shake off its old ways of running what ought to be a profitable going concern business.

Consequently, I recommend the formation of a Presidential Advisory Council on Energy (PACE), chaired by the Minister of Petroleum Resources and comprising the Special Adviser of the president on Energy, Group Managing Director of the NNPCL, the CEOs of the top three indigenous energy companies, three former reputable top executives of the NNPC and top Nigerian executives of the International Oil Companies (IOC).

In order to address the seeming free fall of the Naira against all foreign currencies, it is essential for Nigeria to increase its crude oil production, while also conducting a thorough analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of our continued membership in OPEC. We must explore alternative options, such as bilateral cooperation and agreements, to determine if they offer greater advantages, than continued membership of OPEC.

To reverse the worsening economic situation, we must think creatively and step outside the confines of conventional approaches. Additionally, the government must seriously consider reducing the size of the bureaucracy and combat the widespread corruption that plagues our country. Existing stringent punishments for corruption must be enforced, and the government must lead by example in implementing a belt-tightening strategy for the nation's economic recovery.

We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand like ostriches, ignoring the suffering of the Nigerian people. The time to act is now, before the dire consequences of an increasingly disgruntled citizenry become a reality. While we acknowledge that the current government inherited a financially depleted nation, the grace period will soon come to an end. As human memory is short, many Nigerians seem to have forgotten the origins of their hardships; all they desire now, is economic restoration. Even the wealthy are now feeling the pain.

Mike Ejiofor, a former Director of the Department of State Services has recounted how he discouraged payment of ransom until he got kidnapped. 

During an interview with Vanguard, Ejiofor shared his thoughts on the escalation of kidnapping in the country, and also outlined the interim and long-term measures the government can embrace. He also explained why payment of ransom is the only available option to victims and their loved ones.

On insecurity spiralling out of control, he said; 

"It is not out of control but people are worried. I am worried. The issue is that we have not deployed sufficient resources to tackle the problem. No one should be blaming the government now because this issue has been festering for a long time. The largest we have in the budget is for the security sub-sector. There should be proper oversight to ensure the funds are properly deployed. We have to ensure the monies are not diverted by the leadership of security agencies. They shouldn’t live luxurious lifestyles.

You can see what is going on in the country, with people having parties and displaying affluence when the masses are suffering. People in leadership positions should change their lifestyles because of the masses. They can’t be in leadership positions forever. One day, they will leave office and become ordinary people like the masses.

They now see it as an industry. Everybody is getting involved because of economic hardship. The economy is partly responsible for the escalation of criminality. People are suffering. You can’t attack people’s houses and see cash. You can’t break into a shop to collect things because you will be arrested. The quickest way to make money now is through payment of ransom.

The targeting of traditional rulers calls for concern because they are targeting the fabric of our traditional institution. It is to make the government very unpopular and possibly destabilise the government. That is why government needs to act very fast."

On payment of ransom and kidnappers killing their victims after a ransom has been paid, Ejiofor said; 

"It has been happening before and it becoming rampant for them to kill even after collecting ransom. All these are aimed at bringing government to disrepute. There are so many issues that are not meant for public consumption. That is why I said government must intervene to ensure that these people are stopped. If they continue to make advance into Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and they get into the metropolis, of course, they would be seen to have embarrassed government. And everyone would say since Abuja is no longer safe, nowhere in Nigeria. From the way the attacks are taking place now, it seems nowhere is safe anymore. They were restricted to the North-West and North- Central before, but it is happening everywhere now. We saw what happened in Ekiti, Oyo, Ondo and other places. It has become an industry and must be rooted out.

Before I became a victim, I had often said people shouldn’t pay ransom. But that notion changed after I became a victim. He who feels it knows it. Unless you are not involved, you will do everything possible including payment of ransom to release your relative. Of course, government will always discourage people from paying ransom. For me, I believe in the saying that he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day. If you secure yourself, if government cannot secure you, that’s fine.

Another option could have been for government to supervise the payment of ransom to get information. But victims do not cooperate with police. For example, when the wife of former Central Bank Governor, Emefiele, was kidnapped, money used for ransom was marked and the suspects were later arrested. But victims’ families are always impatient. You don’t blame them because they want their loved ones safe. If police or government is telling you not to pay ransom, it is expected. But until you are affected, you will know whether to pay ransom or not."

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled elections in 16 polling units in Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau because of missing ballot papers.

Dr Oliver Agundu, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau, said in a statement on Saturday night that the election has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 4.

Agundu said that voting would commence at 9:30 am and end at 3:30 pm.

The REC stated that the commission discovered on the eve of the re-run on Saturday that the ballot papers for 16 polling units had gone missing.

He said that the matter had been referred to the security agencies for investigation.

“Determined that voters in the affected polling units were not disenfranchised, the commission convened a stakeholders’ meeting to explain the situation and discuss the way forward.

“It was resolved that the commission should remobilize and conduct the election in the affected polling units on Sunday, February 4, 2024, to conclude the process in the Federal Constituency.

“Consequently, the election will be held in three polling units (out of 216) in Naraguta “B” Ward and 13 polling units (out of 187) in Tudun Wada-Kabong Ward of Jos North LGA, making a total of 16 polling units (out of 403) with 15,904 registered voters.

“To allow for the reconfiguration of the BVAS devices and other logistics arrangements, stakeholders agreed that voting would commence at 9:30 am and end at 3:30 pm.

“As usual, all voters in the queue before 3:30 pm will be allowed to vote,” he said.

Agundu appealed to all eligible voters in the constituency to come out and cast their votes peacefully for the candidates of their choice.

He emphasised that the arrangement only affected registered voters in the 16 polling units in the federal constituency, saying that it does not affect registered voters in the Jos North Senatorial District.