Daniel Bwala, a presidential campaign spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 elections, on Monday, met with President Bola Tinubu in France.

President Tinubu, last Wednesday departed the country for Paris, France, on a private visit.

“It was a pleasure to meet with the father of the nation @officialABAT President Bola Tinubu in Paris today. He continues to share his thoughts and demonstrate his passion to lead Nigeria out of the woods,” Bwala disclosed in a post via X.

This is coming two weeks after the legal practitioner met with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

In a chat with State House correspondents after closed-door talks, he declared his availability to work with the President Tinubu-led administration.

According to him, if supporting Tinubu means joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), he was ready to join the party and dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Asked if he would defect to the APC, he said: “I told him today, I am committing to play my part to support your administration, and I have no apologies to anybody.

“APC is a party. President Bola Tinubu is my motivation; if supporting him will take me to APC, so be it.”

Speaking on the visit, Bwala had expressed delight in a post on X.

He shared a picture of him in a handshake with the president.

He also posted a 13-second clip of the event.

“Today I was delighted to meet @officialABAT, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (GCFR) in the Villa to show appreciation and support for the bold decisions he is taking to deal with the crisis confronting our dear country,” he captioned the post.

A 72-year-old retired soldier has allegedly committed suicide in his compound opposite St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nyiniongun, a suburb of Makurdi, Benue State.

The deceased, whose name was given as, Francis Dooga, allegedly hanged himself to death on a tree at his residence.

A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Dooga popularly known as ‘old soldier’, ended committed the act while members of his family were away from home.

The neigbour, who said the body of the retiree was found dangling on the tree at about 6:00pm on Sunday, wondered why he took the decision.

Some residents of the area alleged that the late retiree had earlier complained of hardship.

It was gathered that the deceased was complaining about being defrauded of his pension by some persons around him and was worried about not getting his pension in bulk from the pension board.

The spokeswoman of the Police in Benue, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident in a text message to our correspondent.

Former Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State, Wale Akinterinwa, has revealed that the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, selected him as his successor.

Najia News reported that Akeredolu passed away in December last year following a battle with prostate cancer.

Akinterinwa, who has not officially declared for the Ondo governorship race, stated that Akeredolu had discussed with him the prospect of becoming the next governor of the state.

During an interview on TVC News, the former commissioner mentioned that Akeredolu informed him to prepare to succeed him upon his return to the country following his trip to Germany.

According to him, “The late Governor Akeredolu had a discussion with me in his office, and he told me he would want me to take over from him. I didn’t take particular notice of the date he discussed with me, but it happened immediately after he came back from his trip to Germany.

“He prayed for me, and I am aware he told some certain people about his desire.”

The financial expert expressed confidence in his prospects of securing the APC ticket for the November 16, 2024, governorship election. He emphasized that the people of the state trust him.

“Well, at the appropriate time, I will officially announce my intention because it is not in doubt that I am still making further consultations, but I can assure you that I will get the ticket.

“The people of Ondo State are with me, and I am very confident that I will win the APC primary election,” he said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for failing to express empathy to the Oyo State government over the explosion that rocked Bodija area of Ibadan.

Makinde criticised Atiku while appreciating the former Governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, who was on a condolence visit to his office.

Makinde revealed that only the former vice president had not reached out to him out of the three major candidates who contested the 2023 general election.

“I want to thank you especially for the visit. Out of the 3 major candidates who contested the 2023 election, only Atiku Abubakar, my own leader and our candidate hasn’t called to commiserate with the state. I am saying this openly so that our leaders will know that we have time for politics and others. I want to thank you once again for coming,” Makinde told Obi, who had Aisha Yesufu in his entourage.

The January 16 blast on Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, resulted in loss of lives and property.

Daily Trust learnt that Obi, who had a closed door meeting with Governor Makinde, had earlier visited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) headquarters in Ibadan to learn about the research activities & food security impact ongoing across Africa.

Speaking on the economic situation of the country and its effect on the masses, Makinde called for a cut in the cost of governance at the federal level as a necessary sacrifice to move the country forward.

“All of us are now involved and all of us should work hard and make the necessary sacrifice to see that we turn around the situation.

“It is a matter of sacrifice. Elections are over, governance is the key thing and what is required for me is to cut down on the cost of governance especially at the federal level. It is unacceptable the way it is going, we need to prioritize critical areas such as education, health and pulling people out of poverty,” the governor said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has committed $500 million into the forex market.

Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Sidi-Ali reiterated the bank’s commitment to “settling all legitimate foreign exchange backlogs within a short time frame.”

She also assured Nigerians that the CBN was implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in the Nigerian foreign exchange markets in the short, medium, and long term.

According to her, this strategy is focused on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of the Nigerian forex markets over the years.

“As the governor said, the CBN’s focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of the Nigerian FX markets over the years,” she said.

The forex market reforms, she explained, are designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, foster transparency, and reduce arbitrage opportunities.

She expressed confidence that a stable exchange rate would boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment.

She urged all participants in the forex market to play by the rules, emphasizing that transparency in the market would enable the fair determination of exchange rates and, by extension, guarantee stability for businesses and individuals alike.

“We believe that a stable exchange rate will boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment.

“We urge all participants in the market to play by the rules. Transparency in the market will enable the fair determination of exchange rates and, by extension, guarantee stability for businesses and individuals alike,” she said.

Earlier, the apex bank had infused nearly $2 billion to satisfy outstanding commitments in the manufacturing, aviation, and petroleum sectors.

Nigeria’s naira dropped to an all-time low against the dollar in the official market on Friday, according to data from FMDQ Exchange on Monday.

The currency plummeted to as low as ₦1,421 per dollar during trading on Friday, surpassing the rate quoted in the parallel market, around ₦1,400.

The naira later closed at ₦891.90 on the official market.

This steep decline followed Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s announcement last Wednesday that the bank was working to improve liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

Kyle Chapman, FX markets analyst at London-based Ballinger & Co., noted that the naira has now surpassed its previous record low on the parallel market, which could hinder the influx of capital needed to stabilise the exchange rate.

“The downward spiral is becoming self-perpetuating. The further it falls, the less investors want to enter Nigeria, deepening the risk premium embedded into the naira rate,” Chapman explained.

This development follows a recent suspension by Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu for failing to properly conduct vehicle safety tests for decades.

[Leadership]

The Federal Government has assembled a 37-person committee tasked with proposing a new national minimum wage on Tuesday, January 30, at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja.

The spokesperson for the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, disclosed this in a statement.

The existing minimum wage, set at N30,000 per month, was approved in 2019 following the passage of the Minimum Wage Bill by the National Assembly.

The labour unions demanded an increase on the N30,000 minimum wage, citing rising inflation and the naira’s depreciation.

President Bola Tinubu after his swearing into office promised that his administration would provide a living wage for Nigerian workers because the existing national minimum wage was “not enough.”.

“In Nigeria, I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29. Workers will have more than a minimum wage. You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families,” Tinubu said.

The committee, to be inaugurated on Tuesday, January 30, boasts a diverse list of members, including representatives from the federal and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour.

The former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Aji, will chair the group, tasked with navigating the complex and often contentious issue of the minimum wage.

From the Federal Government, the members include Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment (representing Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment); Wale Edun, Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO, OSGF; and Ekpo Nta, Esq, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC, Member/Secretary.

Also from the State Government: Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor, Niger State, a representative from North Central; Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, a representative from the North East; Umar Dikko Radda, Governor of Katsina State, a representative from the North West; Charles Soludo, Governor, of Anambra State, a representative from the South East; Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Governor, Osun State, a representative from the South West; and Otu Bassey Edet, Governor, Cross River State, a representative from the South West.

From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA): Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Chuma Nwankwo; Thompson Akpabio; and also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) include Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President; and Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.

The members of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) are Abdulrashid Yerima, President and Chairman of the Council; Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector Representative; Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West; and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General, MAN; and Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC): Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni; Adeyanju Adewale; Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Comrade Benjamin Anthony; and Theophilius Ndukuba.

Also, members of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) include Festus Osifo, President, TUC; Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President I, TUC; Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, Deputy President II; Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President. III; Nuhu A. Toro, Secretary-General; and Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairperson, Women Comm.

Members are urged to arrive early to process their clearance at the security gate and be seated in the council chamber by 11.30 a.m. In addition, a shuttle bus will be available at the Pilot Gate to transport attendees to the venue.

Also, members of the Committee should contact the Head of the Secretariat, Chiadi Adighiogu, Director (Compensation) in the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, for information.

[DailyTrust]

Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, has said “cabals and deities” were benefitting from the disparities in foreign exchange and subsidy payments before President Bola Tinubu halted it.

Uzodimma, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said the cabals were responsible for the socio-economic woes bedevilling the nation.

He said what Tinubu had done so far by removing subsidy on petrol and unifying the foreign exchange windows were the “passwords to entering the system” of prosperity.

“I tell you, in my findings and understanding of the country, there exist cabals and deities, who before dollar business can be conducted, must be worshipped.

“They are the people sponsoring artificial media, they are the people sponsoring oppositions to come with blackmail and negative propaganda against a president who is very versatile, who is from the private sector, who meant well, who wants to correct the ills of the past.

“The fuel subsidy that has just been removed was benefiting a group of cabals who became very rich overnight to the detriment of Nigerians… We have billionaires who bought private jets, built castles all over the world in the name of subsidy,” Uzodimma said.

He said the companies leaving Nigeria were not investors, “they are those who are benefiting from the cabal system.”

“When they tell you they are leaving, they are leaving because they can no longer benefit from foreign exchange disparities, they can no longer benefit from crude oil theft, they can no longer benefit from petroleum subsidy pretending to be importing fuel when they were not importing anything.

“And again it is a blessing in disguise because the more they leave, the more opportunities for indigenous companies to participate,” the chairman of progressive governors added.

While debunking the argument that Tinubu’s economic policies were not working, he said the president was trying to consolidate the economy to make the Naira stronger.

“In the process of economic recovery, there is what we call the infancy stage. He has just drafted policies that will make the Naira very strong again and there will be initial challenges,” he said.

[DailyTrust]

The impeached Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, was on Monday docked in a Federal High Court sitting in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

The former Speaker was docked alongside two other officers of the state Assembly, Dayo Samuel and Adeyemo Adedeji.

Oluomo and the duo were dragged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged misappropriation of N2.5 billion.

Oluomo allegedly committed the fraud while serving as the Speaker of the Assembly in 2022.

Aside from the N2.5 billion fraud case, 18 out of 26 lawmakers signed for his impeachment over allegations bordering on high-handedness, gross misconduct, arrogance, poor leadership style, lack of focus and transparency, and pitching members against themselves.

This former Speaker has, however, vowed to fight back as he told journalists that he had instituted a legal battle against the members of the Assembly.

On Monday, shortly after the trio entered the dock, the court discovered that the counsel to the EFCC was absent.

The Judge, Justice O.O Okeke, however, adjourned the case to 29th February and 1st of March.

Journalists barred

Earlier, DAILY POST reporter arrived at the court at exactly 9:15 am and sat down some chairs away from the ex-Speaker.

Drama however ensued at 10:04 am when the presiding judge, Justice Okeke, stepped out of her chamber and as the Speaker’s case was mentioned, two officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, approached the DAILY POST reporter, insisting that he should leave the courtroom on the orders of the Court Registrar.

When the DAILY POST reporter met the Acting Court Registrar in his office and asked why he was prevented from witnessing the proceedings, he denied ever giving such orders.

The registrar also summoned the NSCDC officer to his office for questioning.

But the NSCDC officer, who removed his name tag, denied ordering the journalist out of court saying, “I only asked him to meet the Registrar before covering the proceeding.”

[DailyPost]