Niger’s coup leaders that toppled Mohamed Bazoum said late Sunday they would “prosecute” the ousted president for “high treason” and “undermining the security” of the country.

This is contained in a statement read out by a member of the junta on national television.

“The Nigerien government has so far gathered… evidence to prosecute the deposed president and his local and foreign accomplices before the competent national and international bodies for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger,” said Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane.

Bazoum, 63, and his family have been held at the president’s official residence in Niamey since the coup on July 26, with international concern mounting over their conditions in detention.

According to Al Jazeera the charges against Bazoum were likely to “increase tensions between the military in Niger and the international community.

“This statement is an indication the military isn’t about to let Bazoum go. The charges they’ve announced could result in very serious repercussions for Bazoum.

“This could be an attempt by the military to further strengthen their hand in future negotiations.”

The spokesman for Niger’s military, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, in his statement on Sunday, dismissed concerns over Bazoum’s health, saying the deposed leader had seen his doctor the previous day.

“After this visit, the doctor raised no problems regarding the state of health of the deposed president and members of his family,” he said.

Abdramane went on to slam ECOWAS sanctions on Niger, saying the “illegal, inhumane and humiliating” measures were making it difficult for people to access medicines, food and electricity.

The military regime said the people of Niger “have been hard hit by the illegal, inhumane and humiliating sanctions imposed by ECOWAS,” according to one of the members of the regime, Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, who added that people were being deprived of medicines, food and electricity.

ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger in response to the coup and has not ruled out using force against the army officers who toppled the democratically elected Bazoum on July 26.

Meanwhile, six Niger soldiers and 10 “terrorists” were killed on Sunday during fighting in the west of the country, authorities said.

Suspected jihadists on motorbikes ambushed the troops near the western town of Sanam on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the National Guard High Command.

Sanam is in the Tillaberi tri-border area where Niger meets Mali and Burkina Faso, a region where jihadist attacks are common.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is hosting members of the female football team, the Super Falcons, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Super Falcons crashed out of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, having lost through penalties to the English team last Monday.

The First Lady, who held a similar meeting with the victorious Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigresses, last Monday, has since been encouraging female sports by urging them on.

The 47-year-old footballer, Bankole Oginni, arrested for killing his ex-lover, Bosede Adejoro, in Akure, the Ondo state capital has denied being a ritualist.

Bankole, told newsmen when paraded alongside some suspected criminals that she slumped a few minutes after offering her soft drinks.

Oginni while speaking with journalists during his parade at the Police headquarters in Akure,

The deceased visited my place on Saturday after calling me the previous day that she needs my help. She was my ex-lover and I have been rendering assistance to her whenever she asked for it.

” I told her to meet me at my parent’s house and she was about to take the soft drinks I offered her when she slumped and I was so scared.

He said that the deceased barely entered his house when she slumped, some few minutes after offering her soft drinks.

According to him, he was scared when the woman slumped and he decided to pour hot water on her body to resuscitate her.

” But when it dawn on me that the she was dead, I poured the hot water on her with the hope that she will wake up. When it dawn on me that she is not going to wake again, I decided to cut her and put it in a sack and dispose it somewhere later.

“I cut her intestines and her so that I can put them inside bags. It was because I was very scared, I was perplexed and I was afraid of the police. I did not do it for any purpose. Nobody sent me to remove her private parts. I did it to cover myself

” I was afraid of the police and wanted to cover up.

” I did not know what to do and that made me take some hard decisions.

The State Police lmage maker, Funmi Odunlami, said that the suspect would soon be charged to court for murder.

The Central Bank of Nigeria is planning to rename the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) Window to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

The acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Folashodun Shonubi said the decision is because the I&E Window is the only recognised market.

Shonubi said this while delivering a lecture for members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja.

The lecture was titled, “Diaspora Remittances and Nigeria Economic Development”

In June, the CBN abolished all foreign exchange segments and collapsed them into the I&E Window.

The window has become the sole recognised FX Window for eligible transactions.

The I&E window was established by the CBN in 2017.

The CBN Governor said, “We will rename the foreign exchange market, known as the I & E market, to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, as it is the sole market we acknowledge.”

Since the naira was floated in June, the currency has depreciated to N955 per dollar at the black market while the I&E window traded at N781.34 againt the dollar.

The forex market is facing liquidity crisis the CBN admitted.

The CBN had also discontinued the Naira for dollar policy which pays N5 incentive for a single dollar remitted from the diaspora through official channels.

The incentive was aimed at attracting people to the official FX market

In a recent conference tagged London Conference 2023 at the Chatham House, London, a panel of discussants, comprising speakers from Asia, Europe, the UK and the USA, shared their perspectives on Geopolitical Competition, Multilateralism and the New World Order. It was quite an interesting session, which focused mainly on the major world economies and super power.

It was quite disheartening for me as an African watching the discussion without any sub Saharan participants or involvement at the table. This realization evokes a sense of the place of Africa in the scheme of global affairs and raises concerns about the relevance of African foreign policy advisers and governments in shaping global affairs. It is time that Africa must strive to make itself a significant player in international conferences and discussions, not by gatecrashing, but by becoming relevant and earning the respect and attention it rightly deserves.

Essentially, the clear message that is conveyed by the absence of Africa at such a crucial global conference, is either that Africa is not taken seriously, not considered relevant or both. And the issues that were discussed at this conference where the other continents were present to the exclusion of Africa have dire consequences and implications for the continent and the world at large.

Should Africa have forced its way by some form of diplomatic gate-crashing or commence a tactical assessment of how to become relevant to earn a seat at the table of such an important conference where global matters are being discussed.
While the idea of gatecrashing into conferences may seem tempting, it is not a sustainable approach for Africa to be taken seriously on the global stage. Instead, African governments and policy advisers should focus on making themselves relevant by actively engaging in international affairs. This can be achieved through diplomatic efforts, good democratic governance, economic growth, and demonstrating expertise in areas of global importance, such as sustainable development, peacekeeping, and climate change.

Diplomatic Engagement
African nations should prioritize diplomatic engagement with major global players to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are represented. This can be achieved through active participation in international organizations, such as the United Nations, African Union, and regional blocs. By actively contributing to discussions and negotiations, Africa can assert its relevance and influence in shaping the new world order.

As it is, Nigeria and South Africa, which are the two leading economies in Africa, seem to be singing discordant tunes and toeing different economic and diplomatic directions. While South Africa has joined Russia in the BRICS bloc, Nigeria remains non-aligned and appears to be more favorably disposed to the UK and the USA.

Although Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was Nigeria’s one-time Foreign Minister; Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy at various times during the Obasanjo and Jonathan’s governments, Africa should not expect her to grant it any undue advantage in such matters, but nothing precludes Nigeria from trying to take the advantage of that position to gain some visibility and traction. But Nigeria’s domestic house must first be in order.

Economic Growth and Expertise
Economic growth is a crucial factor in gaining relevance and respect on the global stage. African nations should focus on developing their economies, attracting foreign investments, and fostering innovation and technological advancements. By becoming economic powerhouses, African countries can command attention and influence in international forums. Additionally, Africa should invest in education and research to develop expertise in areas that are of global significance, such as renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture.

In conclusion, Africa's absence from discussions on the new world order is a cause for concern, but it also presents an opportunity for African nations to assert their relevance and be taken seriously on the global stage. Rather than gatecrashing into conferences, or engaging in self pity, Africa should focus on making itself relevant through diplomatic engagement, economic growth, and expertise in areas of global importance. By doing so, Africa can ensure that its voice is heard and its interests are represented in shaping the future of the world. It is time for Africa to step up and actively participate in the global discourse.

Brazilian football icon, Neymar is on the verge of becoming the latest football superstar to leave Europe for a club in Saudi Arabia.

The 31-year-old skillful Brazilian winger has approved his move to Saudi Pro League club, Al Hilal after his current club, Paris Saint Germain, had agreed to the move.

Recall that Neymar who currently has two years left on his current contract with PSG, joined the French Ligue 1 champions from FC Barcelona in 2017 for a world record transfer fee worth €222 million.

Last season was so difficult for him that the club’s fans called for his exit from the club. In line with that, ahead of this season, PSG made it clear that the Brazil international is surplus to requirement.

Reports claimed that Neymar was initially interested in returning to FC Barcelona but the financial complications of the club didn’t permit the move to happen. Aside from that, Barca coach, Xavi, reportedly did not buy the idea of having the Brazilian on his team.

Even though Chelsea reportedly showed interest in the injury-prone winger, his financial demands made it clear that the Saudi Pro League would be the most suitable for him.

Interestingly, Al Hilal who have been looking for a football mega superstar to sign were lurking around and were able to convince all parties involved to make the deal happen.

As it stands, all parties involved have agreed to the deal and Neymar’s six-year spell in Paris is about to come to an end in a matter of days.

Italian transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano tweeted, “Al Hilal are preparing formal documents to be checked on Monday to get Neymar Jr deal done.

“Player already approved the move, two-year contract — lawyers will be on it.

“Al Hilal already booked medical tests; waiting for Ney’s camp’s final green light.”

Naija News gathered that Neymar is expected to earn a whopping €160 million per season once the deal is sealed which will make him the third highest-paid player in the world behind Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr, and Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad.

The much anticipated release of the names of the Ministerial nominees and the attendant screening has been completed, and the names of those who were successful are already with the President.

Initially 28 names were sent to the upper chamber of the National Assembly. A second batch of 19 names was sent a week later. On the day of the screening of the 2nd batch, Maryam Shetty of Kano State had her name yanked off to be replaced with Dr Marius Mahmoud. Festus Keyamo, a senior advocate of Nigeria was added to the list to make it a total of 48 Ministerial nominees.

Chapter 6, Part 1, Section 147 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended stipulates the appointment of at least one Minister from each State who shall be an indigene of such State. This implies the 36 States of the Federal republic of Nigeria is entitled to at least a Minister.

Ogun State is turning out to be a Super State. It is the only State with 3 nominees. Kano, Lagos, Kebbi, Katsina, Bauchi, Cross River and Niger States have 2 nominees each. The others have a nominee each.

The screening session was full of drama and theatrics .More than half of the nominees were asked to take a ‘bow and go’ after reading out their resumes. Even the one with 2 WAEC credits was given a soft landing. An Ajantala( Presumed Genius) that started primary School at the age of 3 was let off, even though he couldn’t convince the hallow chamber. Dr Bosun Tijani with his numerous unpatriotic Tweets was let off. Some one that described his country as a ‘ bloody expensive tag’ and a time called the hallow Chamber a ‘bunch of Morons’ was only asked to apologize and go. Some Senators attributed his outbursts to youthful exuberance.

One could notice double standards at play with the screening exercise. A video was trending on the internet just before the screening exercise of the ex Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike vehemently lambasting the APC as a cancer that has destroyed the fabric of the Nation. He told the interviewer why should he substitute Malaria for cancer. In short, PDP is malaria and APC is cancer. Wonders never end . The man in question now prefers the cancer to malaria. In fact he is hugging the cancer.

One would have expected the APC Senators to have interrogated and queried the nominee, but the timid Senators were either intimidated by the ex Governor’s profile or fell for the intense lobbying prior to the screening. He was simply asked to take a bow and leave.

Consistency in character is a highly regarded virtue that reflects a person’s commitment to principled virtues. Consistency involves acting in a steady, predictable, honest and upright manner. This invariably leads to respect and trust. Does this nominee have such attributes?

Hear the Senate President’s explanation. He told those that cared to listen the Nominee has been screened once by the Senate when he was nominated by President Jonathan in 2011. He served as the Minister of State for Education under the PDP administration.

Were Nasir El Rufai and Festus Keyamo not ex Ministers? El Rufai was one of the 3 Nominees not given the green light by the Senate and Keyamo was thoroughly grilled by the Red Chamber. It took an emergency dash by the Senate President to the Villa and numerous apologies by the nominee before he scaled through. In short, what was good for the Goose was not applicable to the Gander.

There was also a rewind, which turned out to be an emotional development where a Nominee, Professor Tahir Manman was defended by one of his students Senator Kaka Lawan. He told his colleagues the Nominee treated him well during his University days. Lesson to be learnt is that you will rip whatever you sow and no condition is permanent. Just be good in what ever position you find yourself. The Teacher had to bow before his Student.

The screening exercise also exposed Governor Demola Adeleke’s act of statesmanship and his overall commitment to the development of Osun State irrespective of political affiliation or party. Despite dragging each other up to the Supreme Court, he was magnanimous enough to support his predecessor Gboyega Oyetola through the 3 PDP Osun State Senators during the screening exercise. The PDP Senators spoke gloriously and highly about the Ex Governor during the screening session.That was politics without bitterness. How l wish it will be embraced in all our political dealings.

How that the screening exercise is over , and the names of the successful Nominees now on the President’s table. It is time to allocate portfolios to them. Square pegs should be put in square holes. At lot of work needs to be done on our decaying infrastructure, rampart insecurity, the health sector is in comatose with the daily capital flight of it’s personnel (Japa). The economy is wobbling as it seems that inflation is on steroids. Our currency is losing value per second. Our exchange rate to the Dollar has beaten the PMS price to the #1000 mark. The country needs to hastily move from a consuming Nation to a producing one. Being a mono economy is a big setback. The masses are hungry and angry.

Mr President, ise ya.

THERE are optimists. Vice President Kashim Shettima is one. While many lament the negative effects of astronomical fuel price increases which have resulted in drastic traffic reduction on our roads, he sees the reduction as positive. In applauding this phenomenon, he posits that with the removal of fuel subsidy, the country may save over 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in one year.

Then, there are the pessimists, which many of us are, who lament that Nigerians are still punch-drunk and disoriented from the heavy blows administered by the fuel price increases since May. This tribe of Nigerians see the reduced traffic and dwindling street hustle in terms of job losses and crumbled businesses.

But His Excellency Kashim Shettima is busy spreading the positive effects. He told Nigerians: “Preliminary analysis conducted by the National Council on Climate Change on the co-benefits of fuel subsidy removal indicates that there has been about a 30 per cent reduction in daily fuel consumption, amounting to about 20 million litres, equivalent to an estimated daily saving of 42,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.”

Our Vice President adds that: “When projected over one year, it amounts to over 15 million tonnes of CO2 saved, representing about 40 per cent greenhouse gas reduction from the baseline projection of 45 million metric tonnes of total GHG carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. This places Nigeria on course to achieve our NDC targets ahead of time.”

I was tempted to run to the United Nations and shout from its New York podium this good news from Nigeria. But I had second thoughts; won’t the diplomats take Nigeria for a joker? Going by World Bank statistics, China emits 27 per cent of global carbon dioxide and the United States 14 per cent, while the Giant of Africa emits a tiny1.01 per cent.

One of those pessimists, Professor Anthony Kila says the Vice President’s logic “is like saying to a person who has just lost, or is about to lose, a dear one to death, that the total cost of buying gifts will certainly reduce since there will be fewer dear ones to cater for.” He adds: “I have an indecent suggestion for you, Mr Vice President: why wait till 2030? Imagine how much carbon dioxide emission we can reduce by 2024 if we put a total ban on cars, buses, lorries and planes.”

Those in favour of Kila’s motion, say ‘ayes’ those against, say ‘nay’. The ayes have it; so we ban all vehicular and aircraft movement, and return to the state of nature.

Given the near comatose state of the economy, growing hunger, despair, contending and conflicting ideas, clearly the pessimists and optimists have different prayer points. The former’s prayer would be like: ‘Oh Lord, I go out today seeking what to eat, may I not encounter what will eat me.’ On the other hand, the prayer point of the political elite would be: ‘Oh Lord! As I wake up today, may it be to the sound of a heavy alert in my bank account.’

To answer such a prayer, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio last Monday told our hard-working Senators who had just finished the onerous task of clearing 45 Ministers, and therefore had to go on well-deserved holidays, that they will receive extra bank alerts. He announced to his fellow Distinguished Senators: “In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly.”

My friend, the Senate President, had not “off the mic” when he announced this good news and so he had been heard by the hungry masses. When he realised his error, he withdrew the statement and rephrased it: “I withdraw that statement. In order to allow you to enjoy your holiday, the Senate President has sent prayers to your mailboxes to assist you to go on a safe journey and return.” So, the prayer point was answered.

Some Distinguished were not happy about the openness of the Senate President on this unbudgeted largesse being shared in the hallowed chambers. One of them, Senator Abdul Ningi, of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, publicly criticised Akpabio: “Some of these things, if they happen, you don’t broadcast it the way he did.” Ningi admitted that some Distinguished have now been paid the extra pocket money but said: “Nothing has come to my account yet.” He did not say whether he would reject the unbudgeted payment by returning it, or that he would always reject such payments.

One of the personalities cleared to be a Minister is His Excellency Bello Muhammad Matawale, Governor of Zamfara State, for four years from 2019. I am not concerned here about the N70 billion corruption charges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, levelled against him or his counter-allegation that then EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, allegedly demanded a $2 million bribe from him. Rather, I am concerned why Senior Secondly School final year students in Zamfara State have for some years not taken the basic West African School Certificate because as Governor, Matawalle, a professional teacher, refused to pay the examination body. Supposing such a person is handed the Education portfolio, what will be the fate of Nigerian students?

In response to the July 26, 2023 coup in Niger Republic, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, four days later, directed the closure of land and air borders between member states and that country.

In compliance, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Mr Adewale Bashir Adeniyi hopped to Katsina State to enforce the closure of all Nigeria land borders with neighbouring Niger Republic.

The dutiful Adeniyi directed the full blockage of all the land borders and also suspended cargo movement between both countries until further notice.

As the Spokesperson of the NCS for about two decades, head of its Command and Staff College, and now its chief, I know that Adeniyi is conversant with the duties of the Customs Service. So why is he spending the resources of the service like a busybody leaving his own primary duties to usurp the functions of other agencies?

The duties of the NCS are accounting revenue, collection of revenue (duties), anti-smuggling and related security activities. In contrast, the Immigration Act, 2015 states that, the Immigration Service is responsible for: The control of persons entering or leaving Nigeria; the issuance of travel documents to bona fide Nigerians in and outside Nigeria; the issuance of residence permits to foreigners and border surveillance and patrol.

So, why does the Customs boss want to carry out the duties of a different service; duties the NCS is neither trained nor equipped to carry out?

All these appear to me to be beautiful nonsense.