- •Seek expert legal advice from AGF, IGP
- •Calm as Sanusi, Bayero hold parallel Friday prayers
The Kano State Police Command is in dilemma over the number of court orders it has received on the emirate crisis rocking the state.
The command said the conflicting court directives have created a complex situation and consequently appealed to the media for support in navigating the emirship tussle.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Usaini Gumel, made the call during a meeting with the heads of media organisations in Kano yesterday.
The CP revealed that the command had received five different court orders from federal and state high courts regarding the emirship dispute and has forwarded them to the Minister of Justice for interpretation.
His words: “I have forwarded the five court orders related to the emirship tussle to the Inspector General of Police who has subsequently contacted the Minister of Justice for clarification and interpretation.
“We are currently awaiting guidance on which order to comply with as the conflicting court directives have created a complex situation.
“Once we receive the necessary interpretation, we will take appropriate action to resolve the emirship dispute in accordance with the law.”
Gumel lamented a radio station’s unprofessional reporting on the issue, urging the media to verify facts and balance their reports before disseminating them to the public.
He encouraged the media to seek clarifications from the police before publishing reports, to ensure accuracy and avoid aggravating the situation.
Meanwhile, the ancient city of Kano has returned to its bustling but peaceful nature as the 16th Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi and his predecessor Aminu Bayero did not clash during Juma’at prayer.
Governor Abba Yusuf had through a repealed chieftaincy law dethroned Bayero and four other first class emirs and reinstated Sanusi. But Bayero returned to the state to reclaim his position.
While Sanusi is consolidating on the throne, having occupied the main palace, Bayero is waiting anxiously for the decision of the court as he now stays at the Nasarawa palace.
Tension rose yesterday morning following reports that the two contending emirs had made announcements to lead the Juma’at service at the Central Mosque located at the main palace. The people of Kano, divided, were bracing up for the clash that never was.
The Nation gathered it was all rumours as Bayero later denied making announcement that he would lead prayers at the central mosque close to the palace where Sanusi is staying.
Before the prayer time, police advised residents to “disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Aminu Ado Bayero would lead Juma’t prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.”
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, assured that all necessary security arrangements were made for Bayero to observe his Friday prayers in the mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa palace.
Gumel also assured that the police and all other state security agencies would provide adequate security at the palace where Lamido Sanusi, also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II, was expected to observe his Juma’at prayers.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation.
“The police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property,” the police commissioner said.
Thus, Sanusi prayed at the Central Mosque, while Bayero observed his prayers at the Nasarawa Palace Mosque.
While Sanusi led the two units Friday service, Bayero only observed his prayers as the service was led by another Islamic leader.
Police Commissioner, Gumel, hailed the two monarchs for their cool headedness, saying the Friday prayers were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere across the state.
“I am very pleased with the orderly manner faithful residents conducted themselves before, during and after the prayers without rancour in all parts of the state.
“This is a testament to the effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community.
“The police command looks forward to continued partnership in maintaining peace and order in the state”, he said, praising residents for their cooperation with police personnel deployed in and outside the metropolis, which paved the way for peace.”
As the emirship tussle rages on, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, has warned against questioning divine will.
He urged his followers to accept divine decisions without question.
Emir Sanusi gave the counsel in a sermon at the Kofar Arewa Central Mosque during Jumma’t prayer yesterday.
Addressing congregants, Emir Sanusi highlighted the significance of belief in God’s omnipotence, especially as the Islamic calendar approaches Zhul Hijja, a month known for its spiritual benefits.
He said: “Whoever believes that Allah alone gives everything must take the decision of Allah wholeheartedly. No one asks Allah’s reasons for anything,” the monarch said.
He further elaborated on the concept of destiny in Islam, stating, “We were told that whoever did not accept destiny is from Allah, his belief is not complete.
“One should be thankful in times of good and bad situations.
“We must believe that whatever happens to us is predestined from God and what we couldn’t have is from Him.”
After the sermon, Emir Sanusi led the congregation in prayers.
The Lagos State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party has applauded the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, for his efforts at preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Richard Benson, stated this in a statement in Lagos on Friday.
Benson said that the reinstatement of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano was noteworthy in keeping the tradition sacred.
Benson also applauded the former governor of the state and the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for his efforts at ensuring the preservation of tradition.
“We, the New Nigeria People’s Party, Lagos State chapter, hereby commend the effort of the amiable Governor of Kano Abba Yusuf, and our indefatigable National Leader Sen.Rabiu Kwankwaso and the entire House of Assembly of Kano in ensuring that the cultural heritage of the people is preserved based on truth.
“This is what was just exhibited in Kano to prove that the cultural heritage of the ancient city of Kano is preserved and the generality of the people are happy to see that their tradition and core values are intact,” he said.
He added that the state is now experiencing a drastic change in governance due to the unwavering commitment of the state governor.
He noted that the development being witnessed clearly shows the pro-activeness of the governor and the National Leader, Kwankwaso.
“We are delighted with the efforts to restore and preserve the values, traditions and heritage of the people as well as the commitment to put everything back in place and restore the lost glory of the ancient city of Kano,” he added.
Benson said that some politicians were playing politics with the core traditions and cultural heritage of the people to score cheap political points.
He said that the chapter was still looking forward to seeing more progress entering Kano, the only state being controlled by NNPP.
He, therefore, urged all the NNPP gladiators in the state including, Yusuf, Kwankwaso and the state House of Assembly to collectively work to make the state an example to other states.
On May 23, the state governor signed the amended Kano State Emirates Council bill into law.
The bill, which was passed by the Kano State House of Assembly a few hours earlier, dissolved the Emirate Council and sacked the five Emirs appointed by his predecessor, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje.
He also approved the return of Sanusi, former Kano Emir, who was deposed in 2020, to the seat.
The abrogated Kano State Emirates Council Law 2019 signed by the then-governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje created five Emirates – Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye.
Sanusi was deposed by the state government on March 9, 2020, citing insubordination and was replaced by Aminu Ado Bayero.
NAN
How village head collected N700,000 bribe from bandits, allowed invasion, killing of 30 villagers
Admin
We arrested him, 364 others, killed 35, and rescued 565 kidnap victims – Katsina Gov. Diko Radda
When the Katsina State Governor, Dr Umaru Dikko Radda recently described banditry as a business venture for some highly placed individuals in the country, some felt the governor of the Northwestern State was merely exaggerating issues out of context.
But he didn’t stop there as he also said poverty and injustice are major factors fuelling insecurity in the country.
At an interface with Saturday Vanguard sometime in October last year, Dr Radda had said with his newly launched Katsina Community Watch Corps, he was determined to rid the state of banditry.
Recalling how bandits had killed his biological brother, the governor said he wouldn’t spare anyone, including state appointees who connive with Fifth Columnists to destabilize the state.
He said: “In our efforts, we have come up with the intelligence unit within the Katsina Community Watch Corps. This intelligence unit, even the Corps members don’t know them. The reason for setting it up is to check the excesses of the Corps and also to gather information.
“There are some traditional rulers who are identified and those ones are already under scrutiny. So, we are not sparing anybody even commissioners in my regime, we are not going to spare anybody found to be involved in one criminal activity or the other. We are talking about the lives of over 10 million people not one single individual. No single individual is more important than 10 million people or the lives of an innocent person in the village. We are trying as much as possible to gather a lot of information together with the intelligence we are getting from the DSS so that we can build a network that we can arrest and prosecute any person found wanting”.
Seven months later when Saturday Vanguard took him up on the issue, the governor who gave an account of his stewardship in the last year, explained how a village head was paid N700,000 by bandits, to allow free access to his village, and the consequent killing of about 30 of his subjects.
He said his administration was fiercely addressing poverty having discovered how it fuels insecurity. According to him, it was disheartening that for as little as N2,000, some persons would volunteer information to bandits about their neighbours or relatives.
On the village head, the governor said; “I will say yes, that we have arrested a village head in Guga village in Bakori local government of the state because of his involvement with the bandits.
[Vanguard]
The United Kingdom (UK) is set to begin a “match-making” service called the cancer vaccine launch pad (CVLP), which can match patients with suitable trials.
In the project, which will be run by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU), based at the University of Southampton, thousands of patients will be able to access “ground-breaking” cancer vaccines as part of an NHS trial.
The programme aims to improve patient access to clinical trials to test new investigational immunotherapies by speeding up the development of personalised cancer vaccines.
The vaccines are created by analysing a patient’s tumour and using that information to create a vaccine tailored to that individual.
The vaccines aim to create an immune “memory” that can prevent cancer from returning after surgery or chemotherapy.
The first trial will be testing a vaccine under development by the biotech company BioNTech SE.
Simon Crabb, SCTU clinical director, said the new scheme would “bring together different academic and industry partners who are developing cancer vaccines and allow patients across England to access trials of treatments that may not have previously been an option for them”.
“Cancer vaccines have the potential to improve the way we treat the disease, particularly for those cancers where treatment options are currently limited or very demanding on patients’ bodies,” Gareth Griffiths, director of the Cancer Research UK SCTU, said.
[TheCable]
The Abia League of Professionals Initiative (ALPI) strongly denounces and condemns the recent brutal killing of soldiers in Abia State by unidentified gunmen. We urge the military high command to kindly restrain from retaliatory actions that may result in more innocent lives being lost. Instead, we recommend a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend all individuals directly or remotely responsible for the heinous murder of these soldiers, whose duties are to protect the nation's territorial integrity.
ALPI calls for peace and condemns the disturbing trend of targeting soldiers and other security officials. This criminal behavior must be unequivocally condemned in all its ramifications.
Sonny Iroche
Director General
Abia League of Professionals Initiative
(ALPI)
May 30, 2024
Renowned singer, Kizz Daniel, has dedicated his latest single titled, ‘Double’, to his wife, who also stars as a vixen in the accompanying music video.
A statement sent to Saturday Beats noted that the new song showcases Daniel’s signature blend of afrobeat rhythms, infectious choruses and soulful melodies, while creating a vibrant and romantic anthem that resonates with fans worldwide.
It added, “The song is a celebration of love, partnership, and the double joy that comes from sharing life’s journey with someone special. The music video, set to premiere on the same day as the audio release, features intimate and joyful moments between Kizz Daniel and his wife, offering fans a glimpse into their beautiful bond.”
Emphasising the reason for dedicating the song to his wife, Daniel said, “I wanted to create a song that not only celebrates my love for my wife, but also speaks to the beauty of partnership and family. Having her grace the screen with me makes this project even more special to me. I hope that song will resonate with everyone who listens to it, and it will remind them of the importance of love and togetherness.”
With over four billion streams under his belt, two Shazam chart-topping singles, sold-out tours across Africa, North America, and Europe, and over 25 million social media fans, Daniel is undoubtedly one of the leading afrobeats artistes in the world.
There was palpable fear in Abia State on Friday following the declaration of the Nigerian military that the killers of five soldiers in the state would not go scot-free.
The five slain soldiers were killed at an Army checkpoint in the Aba area of the state on Thursday in a manner many people have described as wicked and unacceptable.
However, in a press release issued by the Army Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the military authorities vowed that the killers of the slain soldiers would be apprehended and punished.
The military said the slain soldiers, deployed to enforce peace in the state, met their death when some terrorists, who came in three Prado Toyota SUVs, attacked them at the checkpoint.
The Army stated that while investigations have since commenced on the attack, it would retaliate the dastardly act against the troops by launching overwhelming military pressure on the terrorists to ensure their total defeat.
The NA stated, “Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorists of IPOB/ ESN.
“The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were mass-attacked by the terrorists. The terrorists, in three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from built-up areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint.
“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces killed in action. The Armed Forces mourn the death of these troops as every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing concerning the attack.
“Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorists is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired.
“Accordingly, it is imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” it added.
However, the decision of the Nigerian military has thrown the state into deep panic, just as key stakeholders therein have condemned the attack, describing it as wicked and barbaric.
Reacting, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and former Governor of the state, Dr Orji Kalu, condemned the killing of the soldiers, calling on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the ugly act because “the personnel of the armed forces don’t deserve to be maltreated given the role they play in national security”.
The former governor, while calling on residents of the state to be calm and law-abiding emphasised that peace is a panacea for development and commiserated with the Nigerian army on the sad development.
He said, “The killing of soldiers at a checkpoint in Aba is barbaric. The perpetrators must be identified for appropriate actions. For the sake of growth and progress of the South-East, all hands must be on deck to fish out criminals in the region.”
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe also described the attack as “disheartening and barbaric”.
In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe called on the security authorities to immediately apprehend the killers and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
Senator Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the Senate, said, “There is no justification whatsoever for anybody or group of persons to harm any security officer not to talk of killing any in whatever guise.”
He called on the Army authorities to “mitigate the ugly situation for the sake of other Innocent civilians, who are going about their respective businesses oblivious of the heinous conduct of demented souls that are bent on bringing society to its knees”.
“I am at a loss as to the evil motives of those responsible for the killings. It can never be the character of our people and such devilish tendencies does not reflect who we are. Nothing on earth can justify what has happened. It is sorrowful and stands condemned. However, I appeal to the authorities to look beyond and consider the oblivious innocent civilians while going after the culprits for ultimate justice,” Abaribe said.
Similarly, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa has described the attack as “very unfortunate and regrettable”.
The speaker, in a statement issued by his press secretary, Ujoh Okechukwu, condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, reprehensible and generally untoward”.
Emeruwa noted that “The administration of Dr Alex Otti would not further tolerate such uncivilised acts”, assuring that efforts would be intensified to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.
The Speaker further added that the state would not be a haven nor henceforth harbour criminals and evil-minded persons or groups.
In his reaction, a member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, also described the incident as a “regrettable and unnecessary incident”, saying “It further delays our peace process and efforts aimed at the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”.
Meanwhile, the state government has placed a N25m bounty on the perpetrators.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu.
The statement partly reads, “To underscore its resolve, the state government is offering an N25m reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie has assured that the law will take its course on the perpetrators of the killing of soldiers at Obikabia junction, Aba on Thursday.
Briefing newsmen on Friday after a marathon and expanded meeting of the State Security Council and the newly inaugurated members of the Abia Advisory Council, Onwuemelie described the killing as “unfortunate and condemnable”.
He said, “The point is that it is a very unfortunate incident and it’s highly condemnable and indeed it’s cowardly but it happened yesterday.
“All I can tell you is that the security agencies, the government of Abia State, and all well-meaning Nigerians feel very bad about what happened, and everything that needs to be done will be done to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. And even as it happened that the course of the law will take place”, he added.
The House of Representatives has distanced itself from a trending bill seeking to restore the regional system of government in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that the bill, which has gone viral on social media, is titled, “A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Bill is said to have been drafted by one Dr Akin Fapohunda as a private bill as the individual is not a lawmaker.
The draft seeks, among other things, new extant laws to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”
However, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, has denied knowledge of the bill. He added that the said bill is not before the lawmakers and is not under consideration before the House.
“The Committees on Rules and Business and Constitution Review have confirmed that there is no such bill before them,” he told Punch in a telephone conversation.
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, said the bill is not before the committee.
He said, “There are two routes to making presentations for constitutional amendments. One is by members proposing an amendment bill during the plenary. The second is by memoranda from individuals and groups to the Constitution Review Committee
“Please, note that memoranda submitted should eventually come by way of bills sponsored by a member of the committee.
“On this specific memo (draft bill) under reference, I doubt if it has come before the Rules and Business Committee for listing. I speak as chairman of the committee.”
[NaijaNews]
Aig-Imoukhuede company, Tengen Holdings purchases N1.01 billion worth of Access Holdings shares
Admin
Since May 28, 2024, the Mauritian-incorporated company, Tengen Holdings (Mauritius) Limited, has acquired approximately 59.403 million shares of Access Holdings, valued at roughly N1.012 billion.
According to corporate disclosures on the NGX website, Tengen Holdings initially purchased 45 million units of shares at N17 per share on May 28.
The company then purchased an additional 14,402,633 units at N17.20 per share on May 30.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Non-Executive Chairman of Access Holdings Plc and Herbert Wigwe jointly founded Tengen Holdings in December 2013, after Aig-Imoukhuede’s exit as the CEO of Access Bank.
About Tengen Holdings Limited
- Before his demise, Access Holdings’ Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe was the largest individual shareholder of the group with a 3.72% shareholding in the group. While the erstwhile CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede held no direct shareholding in the group.
- The second largest substantial shareholder in the group, following Stanbic Nominees, is “Coronation Trustees Tengen Mauritius”. This entity, associated with Tengen Holdings (Mauritius) Limited, holds a 7.11% stake acquired in 2023.
- Tengen (Holdings) Limited is a part of the Tengen Family Office, co-owned by both Herbert Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the partners who took over Access Bank in 2002.
- According to a directory of Nigerian companies, Tengen Family Office was incorporated in Nigeria in 2017, with Herbert Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede identified as the shareholders in the company.
Access Bank since the demise of Herbert Wigwe
- Since the demise of Herbert Wigwe, Access Holdings has undergone leadership changes, with Ms. Bolaji Agbede stepping in as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede stepping in as the group’s Chairman.
- In Q1 2024, Access Bank posted a 148% year-on-year growth in pre-tax profit to N202.7 billion, from N81.7 billion as of Q1 2023. The group’s net income within the period hit N159.3 billion, marking a 123% YoY growth from the N71.8 billion net income posted in 2023.
- Less than two months after Wigwe’s departure, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced new minimum capital requirements for banks, thereby imposing the responsibility of recapitalization on Access Bank’s new leadership.
- Access Bank needs to raise at least N248.2 billion in new capital to meet up with the N500 billion capital requirement before March 2026.
- During the institution’s Annual General Meeting in April, the shareholders approved the bank’s move to issue 30 billion new shares.
As one of his first tasks upon returning to leadership, Aig spoke nostalgically about his experience as Group CEO of Access Bank Plc during the last recapitalization exercise.
He noted during the AGM, “The amount we have mentioned today, is large and significant, and the capital raising efforts we’re pursuing is a significant step in your company’s history and future.”
“However, I’d like to remind shareholders that between August 2004 and 2007, you may recall that cumulatively, in a period of two and half years, we raised $2 billion in equity together. So, it is not new for us to come to you like this and for us together to succeed in such capital raising effort.”
[NAirametrics]
Details of the soldiers gruesomely murdered by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have emerged.
Our correspondents had earlier reported how vehicles and tricycles (popularly known as Keke Napep) were also set ablaze by the rampaging IPOB terrorists while the attack lasted on Thursday.
The military high command had earlier on Friday confirmed that no fewer than 5 of its troops deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were killed.
In a signal sighted by Daily Trust on Friday, those killed included two Sergeants, two Corporal and one Lance Corporal while 6 civilians, according to the military were killed in the cross fire.
The soldiers were identified as:
- Sergeant Charles Ugochukwu (94NA/38/1467)
- Sergeant Bala Abraham (03NA/53/1028)
- Corporal Gideon Egwe(10NA/65/7085)
- Corporal Ikpeama Ikechukwu (13NA/70/5483)
- Corporal Augustine Emmanuel (13NA/70/6663)
Then signal read, “On 30 May 24, at about 0830 hrs, troops of 144 Battalion deployed at Obikabia Junction Federal School Road, Ogbor Hill in Obingwa LGA were attacked by unknown gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN members.
“Gunmen who were enforcing Sit-At-Home order numbering about 30, stormed troops location in 3 black Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps and opened fire during which 5 x Soldiers were killed.”
It further disclosed that the assailants also carted away 5 AK47 rifles, burnt down 2 military patrol hilux vehicles and injured 2 civilians.
The signal noted that the current situation in Aba is generally tensed while monitoring continues as further details will be forwarded as situation unfolds.
[Dailytrust]
More...
In a significant move to reshape the financial landscape, the Senate has proposed a bill to strip the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of its final decision-making power in setting interest rates.
According to a copy of the bill obtained by The Nation, this authority is to be transferred to a newly proposed Coordinating Committee for Monetary and Fiscal Policies, which will be headed by the Minister of Finance.
The bill, titled “An Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act No. 7 of 2007,” is sponsored by Senator Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) with 31 co-sponsors.
Senator Abiru emphasised the necessity of the amendments, stating: “This bill is a pivotal step towards modernising our financial regulatory environment. By aligning the CBN’s operations with contemporary best practices, we aim to foster a more robust and transparent economic framework for Nigeria.”
He added that the primary objective of the amendment was to enhance the effectiveness of the CBN in line with current realities and best practices.
One of the significant amendments proposed is the recapitalisation of the CBN from its current capital of N100 billion to N1 trillion.
This change aims to strengthen the financial stability and operational capacity of the Bank.
On interim board, the bill grants the President the power to constitute an interim board from the existing directors of the CBN.
This board will operate for a period not exceeding sixty days, ensuring continuity in the Bank’s functions during transitional phases.
Under the new provisions, the CBN’s budget will be subject to the approval of the National Assembly, aligning with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. This move is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the Bank’s financial management.
Abiru said a new position, Chief Compliance Officer (COO), will be introduced.
The COO is required to prepare quarterly reports on the Bank’s compliance with the Act’s provisions. These reports will be submitted to the Board, the President, and relevant committees of the National Assembly.
Also in the bill, the CBN Governor, Deputy Governors, and Chief Compliance Officer will now be appointed for a single term of six years with no possibility of reappointment.
This change, he said is intended to ensure fresh perspectives and reduce the potential for entrenched interests.
Another significant shift proposed by the bill is the establishment of the Coordinating Committee for Monetary and Fiscal Policies.
This new body will comprise the Minister of Finance as Chairman; the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Governor of the CBN; Two external board members of the CBN; Chief Economic Adviser to the President; Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Director-General of the Debt Management Office.
Read Also: 107,646 passports ready to pick up nationwide, says Immigration boss
The committee’s goal is to set targets for monetary and fiscal policies that align with controlling inflation and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
On experience and pedigree, the bill stipulates that the Governor and Deputy Governors must have at least 15 years of recognized financial experience, while the COO must have at least 15 years of experience in auditing or legal practice in Nigeria.
Abiru explained that this requirement aims to ensure that only highly qualified individuals hold these critical positions.
The bill also calls for gender balance in the composition of the CBN Board and mandates a one-year notice before any changes to Naira notes are implemented.
Additionally, the bill mandates severe penalties for those who refuse to accept the Naira as payment or engage in the buying or selling of Naira notes at a markup.
These penalties include a minimum prison term of six months or a fine of no less than N500,000.
[TheNation]
The reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, has said God predestined his reinstatement.
Speaking during the Friday prayers at the Kofar Kudu Central Mosque in Kano, Sanusi II emphasised that everything that happens is according to God’s will and cannot be questioned by anyone.
He urged people to remain steadfast in their faith and focus on the deeds of Allah during both good and bad times.
“Whoever believes that Allah alone gives everything must take the decision of Allah wholeheartedly. No one asks Allah’s reasons for anything.
“We were told that whoever did not accept destiny is from Allah, his belief is not complete. One should be thankful in times of good and bad situations. We must believe that whatever happens to us is predestined from God and what we couldn’t have is from Him.
“We are fast approaching Zhul Hijja which is very beneficial and we must observe supplications these days,” he stated.
Sanusi II was reinstated as the 16th Emir of Kano by the state Governor, Abba Yusuf, noting that Sanusi’s reappointment was “based on his competence, credibility and popularity.”
He had initially ruled as the 14th Emir but was deposed in 2020 when he had a fallout with the former state governor and present National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje.
[Punch]
*Expresses sadness over govt refusal to take its May 1 ultimatum serious
*Regrets inconveniences strike may cause Nigerians
Organised Labour has declared an indefinite nationwide strike from Monday, June 3rd over the failure of the federal government to conclude negotiations on a new national minimum wage and reverse the hike in the electricity tariff.
Recall that Vanguard Newspaper had Friday exclusively reported that Organised Labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart, might declare a nationwide strike from Monday if the tripartite committee on the new national minimum wage failed to meet the expectations of Labour.
At briefing, leaders of NLC and TUC pleaded with Nigerians to bear with them, saying “Apologies for inconveniences but commitment to pursue the cause to its conclusion.”
[Vanguard]
The Abia government has placed a N25 million bounty on the killers of five soldiers in the state.
On May 30, five soldiers of the Nigerian Army were reportedly killed by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) while trying to enforce sit-at-home at Obikabia junction in Aba.
The IPOB earlier gave a directive for total compliance with the sit-at-home order to commemorate Biafra Day on May 30.
On Friday, the army said it would avenge the killing of the soldiers.
In a statement on Friday, Okey Kanu, the commissioner for information in Abia, condemned the attack on the soldiers by the suspected separatists.
“The Abia state government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024, a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the state,” the statement reads.
“This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses.
“To underscore its resolve, the state government is offering a N25 million (twenty-five million naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs.
“The security formations in the state have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book.
“Furthermore, the Abia state government will, in line with its commitment to the welfare of the security operatives working within its territory, take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses and the education of their children to university level.”
[TheCable]