FG pledges to stabilise Forex.

FG pledges to stabilise Forex.

Following recurrent freefall of Naira in the Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it will implement macroeconomic reforms to stabilise the market.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Saturday in Minna, at the 2024 Press Week of the Niger State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Idris said government will implement reforms that will boost economic growth, curb inflation, ease the cost of living and stabilise the foreign exchange.

Represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister said, the year 2024 holds a lot of prospects for Nigerians as some of the promising initiatives of the administration begin to bear fruits.

He said 2024 would be a great year for Nigeria as the policies of President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda take firmer roots for the growth of the nation’s economy.

“The Tinubu administration will continue to implement macroeconomic reforms to achieve broad economic objectives of sustained economic growth.

“The reforms will bring down inflation, ease the cost of living, stabilise foreign exchange and create jobs, among others,” he said.

Idris said, against the backdrop of the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, liberalising the foreign exchange regime, and the fight against corruption, the Tinubu’ government is showing fidelity to the rule of law.

According to him, the independence of institutions l, including the judiciary were demonstrated in the recent judgements of the courts.

The Minister explained that the recent decision to relocate certain departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) and the headquarters of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency.

He said the decision would also ensure a responsive financial system and cut operations cost.

Idris emphasized that the government’s directive aligns with global best practices and has no political motivation what so ever as wrongly propagated.

The Minister assured that no policy of the present administration would put any part of the country in a disadvantage position.

(NAN)

Nigerians to reap benefits of subsidy removal soon – Gbajabiamila.

Nigerians to reap benefits of subsidy removal soon – Gbajabiamila.

Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that benefits of fuel subsidy removal would be reaped soon.

Gbajabiamila gave the assurance after casting his vote at Poling Unit 014, Ward 08 at Elizabeth Fowler Memorial School, Surulere, Lagos state, in the House of Representatives by-election in the constituency on Saturday.

The Chief of Staff in his reaction to the current economic situation being faced by Nigerians, said the President and his administration remained concerned about the plight of the people.

He, however, noted that it was a universal issue and must be handled with all caution.

According to him, the challenges we are facing are because some fundamentals were missing in the first place.

“It is those economic fundamentals that this administration is trying to put in place, including fuel subsidy removal which was a national concession that it must be removed.

“I assure you that the benefits of subsidy removal will be reaped soon. It’s not immediate but the President knows what he is doing, and at the end of the day, everything will work out fine.”

On Insecurity, the chief of staff urged Nigerians to support the President and his administration rather than pointing fingers and making negative criticisms.

Gbajabiamila stated that security remained everyone’s concern but assured that the President is deeply concerned and at the fore front of it all.

“This administration needs full cooperation of the people and in so doing, we will all defeat these kidnappers and terrorists.

“Therefore, we need to come together for the better and by so doing, make Nigeria a great nation that we will all be proud of.”

Speaking on the by-election, Gbajabiamila said the process had been peaceful and smooth from the point of accreditation and voting.

He advised the winner to be focused, dedicated and committed to the people of Surulere.

According to him, legislative work comes with a lot of experience and having the people’s interest at heart.

“It may seem difficult at first but once you put your head down, and focus on the people especially on national issues, success is assured.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 12 candidates of different political parties are scrambling for 121,111 votes of registered voters with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the election.

The seat became vacant due to the resignation of the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, who after winning, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff. 

(NAN)

La Liga investigates Bellingham’s alleged comment towards Greenwood.

La Liga investigates Bellingham’s alleged comment towards Greenwood.

La Liga is using a lip-reading expert to investigate a comment Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is alleged to have made towards Getafe’s Mason Greenwood during Thursday’s game.

La Liga says Getafe “filed a formal complaint” and will “act based on hard evidence”.

The incident came after England international Bellingham tackled Greenwood during Real’s 2-0 win.

A clip of the incident then went viral on social media. It is not clear to whom Bellingham made the alleged comment.

In a statement on Friday, La Liga said: “Yesterday, Getafe filed a formal complaint with the La Liga match director who, as per standard procedure in such cases, has requested an expert lip-reading report to investigate the matter and act based on hard evidence.”

Read Also: Bellingham breaks scoring record as Real Madrid return top

Greenwood, 22, joined Getafe on a season-long loan from Manchester United on 1 September.

In August, United said the one-cap England international would leave the club by mutual agreement after a six-month internal investigation into his conduct.

It came after charges against the player, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped in February.

Greenwood, whose contract at Old Trafford runs until 2025, has scored six goals in 21 appearances this season.

Bellingham, 20, joined Real in the summer for 103m euros (£88.5m) and has 18 goals in 27 appearances for Los Blancos.

We’re committed to fixing poverty, unemployment – FG.

We’re committed to fixing poverty, unemployment – FG.

The Federal Government has said it was committed to taking immediate action to tackle poverty and unemployment.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said this during a meeting with top officials of the ministry in Abuja.

She urged the ministry’s leadership to adopt a private sector-driven approach, emphasising efficiency and productivity in fulfilling the ministry’s objectives.

In a statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister, Emameh Gabriel, she said there was a need for a result-oriented approach within the ministry akin to that found in the private sector.

Onyejeocha said the shift was essential to fulfilling the proposed achievements outlined in President Bola Tinubu’s eight points agenda. 

She said: “We need concrete results that demonstrate the effectiveness of our programmes. Business as usual won’t cut it. We must work as people in the private sector; focused, accountable, and results-oriented. We are currently engaging development partners.”

The minister emphasised the ministry’s crucial role in achieving the President’s agenda, aligning with six of its eight points. 

She said: “At the end of every week, I will like to have the report of every department. I have never been in the last position and I don’t want to find myself there. Everybody will fail when the Ministry of Labour cannot account for the people we took out of the street and employed.

“The ministry is committed to taking immediate action to tackle poverty and unemployment. We will hold the Head of every department accountable for the achievements outlined in the president’s agenda. 

“Out of the eight Renewed Hope Agenda, Labour is concerned with six. We have a serious task to accomplish. So, we need to work hard on our template. I am passionate about reducing poverty in Nigeria, because our position is one that is directed to humanity.

“Nigerians are tired of conferences, words alone are not enough. What we need now is result, and Nigerians need to see employment and empowerment.

“I am no longer interested in teaching how to fish. I want to see the fish that have been harvested. Nigerians should see the fishes of those who were taught how to fish. Reduction of poverty in Nigeria is waiting for no date. So, all work against poverty and unemployment starts now."

Ekiti Traditional Women Chiefs Organize Spiritual Vigil Amid Insecurity.

Ekiti Traditional Women Chiefs Organize Spiritual Vigil Amid Insecurity.

...Commends Oyebanji's Swift Intervention and Development Initiatives in the state. 

Responding to the escalating insecurity, particularly the surge in kidnappings, the Association of Heads of Traditional Women Chiefs in Ekiti State has commenced a seven-day fastings and prayers programmes for divine intervention.

The exercises which had commenced on Friday, 2nd February, and will be rounded up in each of the towns in Ekiti on Wednesday, 7th February, the spiritual endeavor unfolds at Dave Hotel, Ado-Ekiti which throughout this period, fervent prayers were said for the protection of leaders at state and federal levels, and commended them for safe rescued of kidnapped victims at Emure - Ekiti 

Expressing deep concern over the brutal murders of three Monarchs, HRM Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, HRM Oba Samuel Olatunde Olusola, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti and Onikoro of Ikoro town in Ekiti Local Government area of Kwara State HRM Oba Segun Aremu - Cole ,the Association vehemently called for justice.

Addressing the Heads of Traditional Women Chiefs at the prayer section held at Dave Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, President of Heads of Traditional Women Chiefs, High Chief (Mrs) Bolanle Owolabi, and the Secretary, Chief (Mrs) Bosede Fatomiluyi, the Eyesemowe of Iropora - Ekiti, urged Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji's administration to intensify efforts in ensuring the security of lives and properties.

Emphasizing the crucial role of security agencies, the Association called for increased vigilance to foster a peaceful environment. President Owolabi commended Governor Oyebanji's commitment to good governance in the state acknowledging developmental projects executed by his administration such as continuation of Ado to Iworoko to Ifaki Duarialization,the on going Ikere/ Igbara Odo to Ikogosi Roads , resuscitation of many Public primary and Secondary School across the State, restored electricity back to Gbonyin and Ekiti East Local Governments as well as moribund health institutions in the State among others.

Expressing solidarity with Governor Biodun Oyebanji, sympathizing with victims' families, and Ekiti Traditional Rulers, the Association demanded security operatives swiftly apprehend the perpetrators of the killing crimes

The Association conveyed sympathies with affected communities through their State Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori - Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and Ekiti state at large. They condemned in totality the gruesome murder of the three traditional rulers and called on the people of the State to expose the evildoers more.

They enjoined law enforcement agents and the Vigilantes to intensify efforts to ensure people sleep with their two eyes closed, collaborating with authorities both in the State and federal levels to maintain peace within and outside the State borders.

Furthermore, the Association condemned the abduction of pupils of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure Ekiti, while commending the Governor's swift response. They called on God to expose evildoers attempting to undermine Governor Oyebanji's impactful contributions to education development and peaceful coexistence in the State.

In a commendable display, the Association acknowledged Governor Biodun Oyebanji's proactive approach, emphasizing his recent interactions with key figures in the military hierarchy. They expressed, "The Governor engaged in discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja as this focus of these meetings was centered on the restoration of peace in the state and efforts to enhance overall security." The Association conveyed their appreciation for the Governor's commitment to addressing security concerns and ensuring the well-being of Ekiti residents.

Charging the Nigeria Police Force, The Nigerian Army, Amotekun, and all security agencies to synergize their strategies for peace to continue to reign in the State. The Heads of Traditional Women Chiefs Association urged all authority concerned to ensure permanent restoration of peace and stability to the state.

"As Ekiti State confronts security challenges, the collective efforts of Traditional Women Leaders, Government officials, and Security operatives must not relent on the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the safety and well-being of our people," the Women Leaders said.

Assembly bombing: Fubara’s loyalists can face terrorism trial, says court.

Assembly bombing: Fubara’s loyalists can face terrorism trial, says court.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the Inspector General of Police to prosecute them on terrorism-related offences.

The defendants: Chime Eguma Ezebalike, Prince Lukman Oladele, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Osiga Donald, and Ochueja Thankgod, who are loyalists of the Rivers State Governor, Simialayi Fubara, are standing trial on terrorism-related charges and alleged murder.

The IGP had instituted the charges against them following their alleged role in the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly in October 2023.

When the charges were read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty.

In a preliminary objection filed through their counsel, the defendants urged the court to stop the trial of the terrorism-related offence preferred against them as only the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice could try them on such an offence.

Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, in a ruling on their preliminary objections on Friday, held that the defendants were wrong in their claims that only the AGF could put them on trial.

Justice Olajuwon said that the law especially sections 3, 63, and 74 of the Terrorism Prevention Act were clear to the effect that while the AGF had constitutional power to strengthen the terrorism prevention law, the same sections did not confer the exclusive rights to prosecute on the AGF.

The judge said that while section 5 of the Terrorism Prevention Act conferred the responsibility of gathering intelligence and investigation on police, the same section donated rights to police to initiate criminal charges in a competent court of jurisdiction.

Specifically, Justice Olajuwon held that while the AGF under section 174 of the 1999 Constitution could lawfully take over, continue, or terminate any initiated criminal charges, such right did not make trial an exclusive right of the AGF.

“From the cursory look at all the authorities cited by lawyers for and against the IGP rights to initiate the instant criminal proceedings, one thing is clear and clearly too, that police can rightly initiate criminal charges, including terrorism charges,” the judge said.

The Judge said that the preliminary objections to the trial by the defendants were incompetent and lacking in merit.

Olajuwon subsequently dismissed their objections.

After the ruling, the counsel for the first and second defendants, Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, urged the court to grant bail to his clients.

But the counsel for the prosecution, Simon Lough (SAN) opposed the application.

Justice Olajuwon, however, fixed Monday, February 5 for ruling on their respective bail applications.

Justice Olajuwon ordered that the five defendants be returned to Kuje Prison in Abuja pending the decision of the Court to allow them on bail or not.

Suspended monarch linked to illegal mining, says Oyo.

Suspended monarch linked to illegal mining, says Oyo.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has said that the Oyo State Government will hit hard at anyone, no matter how highly placed, who contravenes the law.

Oyelade was reacting to the suspension of the Onido of Ido land, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I), by the state government on Friday.

He revealed that the government took the tough measure of sending signals to those aiding and abetting criminals within the state’s territory, saying that “they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Specifically, the commissioner disclosed that the Onido was suspended because of an intelligence report linking him to illegal miners in the Ido Local Government Area of the state.

“In the light of our recent experience and the government’s daily efforts to rid our land of criminals, we are sending the signal to all like-minded elements to vacate our zone or be caught and brought to justice,” the Commissioner said.

Speaking on the possibility of Onido being dethroned when the investigation was concluded, Oyelade said, “All options are on the table.”

It will be recalled that the government had, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, indicated that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.