Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Presidential Aide Onanuga Pushes For Cryptocurrency Ban

    Presidential Aide Onanuga Pushes For Cryptocurrency Ban

    Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has called for the ban of cryptocurrency and foreign exchange (Forex) platforms operating in Nigeria.

    Onanuga specifically targeted platforms like Binance, Kucoin, AbokiFX, and OctaFx, claiming that they are manipulating the national currency.

    Expressing concern over Binance’s influence, Onanuga pointed out the platform’s regulatory challenges in the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Singapore. 

    He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take action against these platforms, emphasizing the need to prevent further devaluation of the Naira.

    He wrote: “According to Data Wallet, Binance is prohibited in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority from conducting any regulated activities. In Japan, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) banned Binance for operating without the necessary regulatory approval,” the presidential aide said.

    “Ontario, Canada, has also suspended Binance services following its inability to meet the province’s securities regulation criteria. The Monetary Authority of Singapore also banned Singaporean investors from accessing Binance’s services.

    “Binance, facing regulatory showdown in many countries, and causing disruptions in the currency market, should not be allowed to dictate the value of the Naira, not on its crypto exchange platform.

    “Other crypto platforms such as Kucoin, Bybit should be banned from operating in our cyberspace. FX platform Aboki should be re-banned.”

    This call for a ban aligns with the CBN’s previous directive on February 5, 2021, instructing financial institutions to close accounts involved in crypto transactions due to concerns about money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies.

  • Why We’re Pulling Out Of NLC Nationwide Protest – TUC

    Why We’re Pulling Out Of NLC Nationwide Protest – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has announced its decision not to partake in the upcoming two-day nationwide protest declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). 

    Vice President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, clarified that the NLC failed to involve the TUC in the decision-making process before unveiling the protest scheduled for February 27 and 28.

    Etim expressed disappointment, highlighting that the NLC and TUC had jointly issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, set to expire on February 22. 

    The customary practice would have been for both unions to collectively assess the situation and agree on the way forward.

    However, according to Etim, the NLC proceeded to unilaterally announce the protest without consensus.

    “We cannot join the protest because the decision was not taken collectively. It is very clear that by virtue of the letter, there is no way we can join the protest,” stated Etim, emphasizing the need for collective decision-making in matters of such magnitude. 

    The TUC is urging a harmonized approach to address the challenges outlined in the joint statement with the NLC.

  • Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State

    Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State

    Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, who was apprehended in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, has been released on bail. 

    His arrest, triggered by a petition from the Inspector General of Police, involved charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses.

    Addressing supporters after his release, Abure linked his persecution to efforts to destabilize the party following the 2023 general election. 

    He highlighted ongoing challenges within the party, expressing hope for the release of the state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, and the state youth leader later today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • President Tinubu Appoints  Kemi Nanna As Comptroller-general Of Nigeria Immigration Service 

    President Tinubu Appoints  Kemi Nanna As Comptroller-general Of Nigeria Immigration Service 

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DCG Kemi Nanna Nandap to serve as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), effective from March 1, 2024.

    DCG Nandap takes over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose term in office expires on February 29, 2024. 

    Before her appointment as Comptroller-General, Nandap was the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate of the Service.

    The President anticipates that the new Comptroller-General will deepen the ongoing reforms in the service and create a robust mechanism for efficient and dedicated service delivery to Nigerians, as well as strengthen the nation’s security through proactive and effective border security and migration management.

  • Ondo Government Declares Public Holidays For Akeredolu’s Burial

    Ondo Government Declares Public Holidays For Akeredolu’s Burial

    In honour of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, the current governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday, 22nd, and Friday, 23rd of February 2024, as public holidays. 

    Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, will be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown, Owo.

    The public holidays aim to enable the people of the state to actively participate in the burial activities. 

    Commencing last Thursday, the events include traditional rites in Owo on Wednesday, a special court session at the Ondo high court headquarters in Akure, lying in state, and commendation service at the Akure Township Stadium.

    On Wednesday evening, a tribute ceremony will take place at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Subsequent events include a service of songs and a wake-keep on Thursday at the same church and Maranatha Villa in Owo, respectively.

    The statement indicates a Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club on Thursday night, starting from 8 pm until dawn.

    On Friday, February 23, a public holiday, the funeral service is scheduled at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am, followed by interment strictly for immediate family at the burial site in Owo. 

    A reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo, will follow at 1 pm.

    Saturday, February 24, 2024, will see the Akeredolu Memorial Friendly football match at the Akure Township Stadium, Akure, starting at 3 pm. 

    The series concludes on Sunday, February 25, with a Thanksgiving Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am.

  • Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Demands N25 Billion in Damages from Senate President Akpabio

    Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Demands N25 Billion in Damages from Senate President Akpabio

    Godwin Emefiele, the immediate-past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Emefiele is seeking N25 billion in damages over an alleged defamatory remark made by Akpabio.

    Akpabio, on Sunday, claimed that there are numerous allegations against Emefiele, making it challenging for the federal government to specify charges against him. 

    Additionally, Akpabio attributed the economic hardship in the country to the policies implemented during Emefiele’s tenure as the CBN governor.

    The demand for damages and an apology is outlined in a letter dated February 19, sent by Matthew Burkaa, counsel to Emefiele. 

    The letter warned that failure to comply with these demands will result in the former CBN governor seeking “appropriate redress” through legal means.

  • DR Congo Prime Minister Resigns Amid Escalating Conflict 

    DR Congo Prime Minister Resigns Amid Escalating Conflict 

    Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde of the Democratic Republic of  Congo has tendered his resignation on Tuesday amid escalating clashes between rebels and government forces.

    Lukonde, who assumed office in February 2021, submitted his resignation to President Felix Tshisekedi just eight days after the validation of his mandate as a national deputy.

    The resignation was swiftly accepted by President Tshisekedi, who also announced the immediate dissolution of Lukonde’s government. 

    However, the presidency revealed that the outgoing government would continue handling current affairs until a new one is formed.

    While the official statement did not specify the reasons behind Lukonde’s resignation, tensions have intensified in recent days around the strategic town of Sake, near Goma. 

    The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by neighboring Rwanda, has clashed with Congolese government forces, leading to heightened unrest in the region.

    In a separate incident, Goma airport in eastern DR Congo was struck by a bomb, as reported last Saturday by SaharaReporters. 

    The source in the North Kivu province confirmed the attack, stating that “two bombs” had hit the facility but caused no significant damage. Security experts are on-site to investigate the origin of the bombing.

  • Labour Party state chairmen speak on suspending Peter Obi 

    Labour Party state chairmen speak on suspending Peter Obi 

    The Labour Party’s 36 State Chairmen, along with the Federal Capital Territory, have denied rumors of a plot to suspend their leader and 2023 Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

    Dismissing allegations against Party Chairman Julius Abure as the work of detractors, the chairmen expressed satisfaction with the day-to-day management of party affairs. 

    They clarified during a solidarity visit that the party has not considered suspending Peter Obi, reaffirming his leadership and commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. 

    The chairmen also dispelled claims of financial impropriety, emphasizing transparency in party fund management and denouncing unrecognized individuals falsely claiming to be party officials. 

    They reiterated confidence in Abure’s leadership and passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the National Chairman and his executive.

    Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of the Council of State Chairmen of the party, Ceekay Igara said;

    “We want to use this opportunity to debunk the allegation that the Labour Party is planning to suspend our National Leader, Peter Obi.

    “Our party is under the worst siege ever, including unleashing fierce propaganda against the party.

    “The party has not at any time contemplated a suspension of our leader. He remains our leader and will continue to lead the party in our avowed determination to pull this nation out from the strangulation under this present government.”

    “We are also using this opportunity to beg our media friends to cease on going media trial against our party and its leaders. What you are witnessing now is orchestrated and will fizzle out very soon.”, he said.

  • Tinubu Orders Payment Of Aso Rock Electricity Debts

    Tinubu Orders Payment Of Aso Rock Electricity Debts

    President Bola Tinubu has instructed the immediate settlement of the electricity bills owed by the State House, Aso Rock, to The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC). 

    In a press statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Tinubu emphasized clearing the total debt of N342,352,217.46 after reconciling accounts between the State House Management and AEDC. 

    Tinubu’s directive came after reconciling accounts between the State House Management and AEDC, resolving the discrepancy between the initially claimed N923 million debt and the actual outstanding bill of N342,352,217.46, as stated in a letter from AEDC management to the State House Permanent Secretary dated February 14, 2024. 

    The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, ensured that the debt would be settled before the week’s end and urged other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to follow suit by reconciling their accounts with AEDC and paying their electricity bills. 

    Earlier, AEDC had issued a warning to disconnect electricity supply to the Presidential Villa and MDAs due to a combined debt of N47.1 billion, with the Presidential Villa alone owing N923,873,150. 

    The company set a 10-day deadline for debt payment to avoid disconnection and blackout from February 28, 2024, citing the necessity to publish debt details for long-standing services rendered.

  • Tinubu Makes New Appointment

    Tinubu Makes New Appointment

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari to serve as the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

    Her appointment is pending confirmation by the Senate.

    Ms. Bakari is a lawyer and financial intelligence expert with years of experience in anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and counter-proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF).

    Before her appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, she served as Deputy Director at the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, and was at different times the Head of the General Services Unit; Head of the Strategy and Reorientation Unit, and Head of the Board Secretariat of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The President anticipates that Ms. Bakare will bring her wealth of experience and expertise to full discharge in this critical role, especially in view of his administration’s war against illicit financial flows and other sharp practices currently prevalent in segments of the nation’s foreign exchange markets.