The Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, in the United Kingdom and Europe, has stated that the "no pain, no gain" philosophy of President Bola Tinubu's administration has reached its limit nationwide.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Secretary, Engineer Anthony Ajayi, in London, United Kingdom, the group acknowledged that while the current economic struggles were inherited from the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari, some policies introduced by the Tinubu’s government have exacerbated the situation and require urgent review to alleviate the hardship.

Afenifere warned that if the situation worsens, many Nigerians could face even greater difficulties in their daily lives.

The group called on President Tinubu to use the remaining days of 2024 to prioritise the review of his policies and governance style in order to provide relief to the people by 2025.

It also urged both federal and state governments to introduce palliative measures to ease the suffering of Nigerians, especially during the holiday season.

“The time to get serious about good governance is now. Nigerians have suffered enough, and the situation cannot become any worse than it already is.

“This hardship is not just limited to those within Nigeria; Nigerians abroad are also feeling the impact. We urge President Tinubu to demonstrate leadership, put aside political agendas, and position himself positively in history.

“While he inherited many of these challenges from Buhari, he must show the capacity and resolve to lead,” the statement read.

On the President’s proposal to borrow an additional N1.77 trillion to cover the N9.7 trillion budget deficit for 2024, Afenifere expressed strong opposition, warning that continued borrowing would further devalue the Naira and damage the national economy.

The group stressed that borrowing is not a viable solution, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports.

“We are not against borrowing in principle, but the question remains: what has the borrowing achieved? If the money borrowed only leads to more suffering for the masses, then the purpose of borrowing is defeated.

“Borrowing would be more justifiable if it were used prudently to improve infrastructure, foster industrial growth, and strengthen the economy.

“President Tinubu should consider bringing in creative and innovative economic technocrats into his cabinet, similar to the approach taken by the UK, to curb further borrowing.

“The UK government no longer needs to borrow; it can create money at will through the Bank of England.

“This model of economic management should be studied and adapted by Nigeria to break the cycle of borrowing.”

Afenifere also highlighted Nigeria's potential, urging the government to create an enabling environment for the industrious and hardworking population to contribute more effectively to the national economy.

The group expressed optimism about the progress made with the Port-Harcourt refinery, noting that it was nearing 70% completion and could soon begin operations.

They however commended President Tinubu for achieving this milestone, which was previously unattainable by past administrations.

“If all nine of Nigeria’s refineries were fully operational, there would be a significant improvement in the Naira’s value and the overall economy.

“The federal government must continue to foster the right conditions for such progress,” the statement added.

Afenifere called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to hold their state governors accountable for how they are utilizing the funds allocated to them.

“State governments are closer to the people, and it is important that we not only pressure the federal government but also hold our state governors to the same standard. We must ensure that the resources sent to the states are used effectively for the welfare of the citizens,” the group concluded.

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, has threatened to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the four tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

Ndume spoke on Thursday night when he appeared on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme – hours after the senate passed the bills for second reading.

In October, Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service, the Nigeria Tax Administration bill, and the Nigeria tax bill.

The Borno senator has been vocal against the bills. The governors in the northern part of the country are also against the legislations.

While appearing on the television programme, the lawmaker said he is “close” to Tinubu and does not want to see him fail.

“If not, look, I can leave the party,” Ndume said.

“When you say those earning N800,000 below do not pay VAT – on what? Do you exclude him from paying VAT from the goods that he will buy in the market? And then the corporate tax goes up.

“Now they transfer the cost or the taxes over to the consumer. So, are you helping him?

“Even today, the price of cement goes up and that means consumers will have to pay more. If you tax Dangote for his refined products, it means he will add that cost to the cost per litre.

“So, if you are saying if you’re earning below N800,000 you will not pay tax, what of those people that are below that level.”

The senate is expected to hold a public hearing on the bills in the coming weeks.

…96 suspects apprehended in operation targeting drug hub

The Lagos Task Force has announced the dismissal of two of its personnel who were found stealing during a raid at Gowon Estate, Egbeda in the Alimosho Local Government Area.

“Upon confirmation of their guilt, they were summarily dismissed from service and will face immediate prosecution for theft.” Read a press release by Abdularaheem Gbadeyan, the Agency’s Director of Press and Public Affairs.

According to the statement, the raid, which was conducted at a hotel in Gowon Estate known for harbouring drug users and traffickers, yielded a total of 96 drug peddlers and addicts and the demolition of shanties serving as hideouts for miscreants. Those arrested have been remanded in Badagry correctional facilities after their arrangement in court.

The statement read: “However, the integrity of the raid was compromised by the actions of two officials whose misconduct was captured on CCTV.

“The culprits, Fatai Yusuf (42) and Hammed Garuba (38) were found guilty of stealing mobile phones from the scene. Both individuals, serving as paramilitary officers within the agency, were subjected to a meticulous investigation by the agency’s Disciplinary Committee.

“Upon confirmation of their guilt, they were summarily dismissed from service and will face immediate prosecution for theft”. It read.

In his remarks, CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force strongly denounced the unethical behaviour of the dismissed officers, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability.

He then read the riot act to all personnel, emphasizing that any breach of ethical conduct would attract severe consequences.

“The Lagos State Task Force is guided by principles of discipline, equity, and justice. Any act that compromises the agency’s credibility or erodes public trust will be addressed decisively and without hesitation,” he declared.

The statement also revealed that the 96 suspects were arrested during separate raids in the area.

“The first group of 53 drug peddlers and users apprehended were remanded in Badagry Correctional Centre after being charged in court.

“This week, in a subsequent raid targeting drug hotspots and illicit structures within Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, the Taskforce arrested 43 additional suspects.

“The operation led to the demolition of identified drug hideouts and shanties to deter recurring criminal activities in the area. All apprehended individuals have been promptly arraigned, underscoring the agency’s relentless commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes and ensuring public safety.

“These actions highlight the Task Force’s uncompromising stance on unethical conduct and its dedication to maintaining law and order in alignment with the Lagos State THEMES PLUS agenda.” It ended.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has said it has not reviewed its prices.

It explained this in a statement issued by Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, on Friday.

In a statement titled: “Announcement on Pricing of PHRC Products,” Soneye said: “The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has not yet commenced bulk sales or opened its purchase portal, as essential processes are still being finalized.

“Currently, the products we are selling originate from the Dangote Refinery and include applicable NMDPRA fees. Products from PHRC are exclusively for our retail stores at this stage. Our pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to reflect operational realities.

“We advise the public to disregard any misleading information regarding pricing. Official announcements will be made if and when price reviews occur. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

The federal high court in Abuja has granted N1 billion bail to 109 foreign nationals arrested over alleged cybercrime and money laundering.

On Friday, trial judge Ekerete Akpan granted bail to the defendants with five sureties.

Akpan said the sureties must have landed property worth N200,000 million each.

The judge also ordered the sureties to deposit the original and verified documents of the landed property with the court’s deputy registrar.

The sureties are also expected to submit their international passports to the court.

He ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Keffi correctional centre, Nasarawa state, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to February 27, 2025.

On November 22, the judge remanded the suspects at the Kuje and Suleja correctional centres.

The inspector-general of police had filed a six-count charge against the suspects for also “unlawfully residing in Nigeria”.

The arraignment of the suspects was repeatedly stalled due to the absence of interpreters and legal representation.

On November 3, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said its operatives arrested 130 suspects for “high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities threatening national security”.

Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the suspects comprise 113 foreign nationals — 87 males and 26 females — and their 17 Nigerian collaborators — four males and 13 females.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has threatened to impose fines on erring banks over the ongoing cash scarcity at automated teller machines.

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, spoke on Friday at the annual Bankers’ Dinner organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

On November 13, some Nigerians took to X to complain about the lack of cash in bank ATMs and having to depend on point of sale (POS) operators.

Reacting to the development two days later, the CBN directed banks to prioritise cash disbursement through ATMs.

The regulator also warned that banks disbursing naira notes to persons hawking the Nigerian currency will be penalised.

Speaking on Friday, Cardoso said non-compliance will lead to severe penalties.

“We also recognise the ongoing challenges with cash availability at ATMs, which disproportionately affect ordinary Nigerians,” the CBN governor said.

“To address this, we are conducting spot checks across deposit money banks, and we will impose penalties on underperforming institutions.

“Effective December 1, 2024, customers are encouraged to report any difficulties with withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs directly to the CBN through designated phone numbers and email addresses for their respective states.

“Guidelines will be distributed widely to raise public awareness. We will also urge full regulatory compliance by all stakeholders, including mobile money operators and POS agents, to promote digital transaction channels and improve service delivery. 

“I repeat, financial institutions found engaging in malpractices or sabotage will face severe penalties.

“The CBN will continue to maintain a robust cash offering to meet the country’s needs, particularly during high-demand periods such as the festive season and year-end.”

Speaking on foreign exchange (FX), Cardoso said Nigeria missed out on a potential N6.2 trillion due to its less flexible FX regime.

“These funds could have significantly contributed to critical investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development,” Cardoso said.

The CBN governor said the apex bank is focused on rebuilding Nigeria’s economic resilience through targeted reforms, including prioritising domestic refining capacity, promoting non-oil exports, and advancing technological innovations in the financial sector.

Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, will spend Christmas in detention as the country’s legal system does not permit bail.

A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, disclosed this to Saturday PUNCH via an email.

This was as Ekpa’s followers declared the United States of Biafra at a conference held in Finland on Friday.

The Finnish government had last week announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

The Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.

According to local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

The publication reported that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest in a statement last Thursday, noting that other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities.

Also, Ekpa is scheduled to face charges in May 2025, according to Finnish authorities.

When asked if Ekpa’s charges were bailable or if the prosecution was disposed to releasing him on bail, Laaksonen said, “Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail procedure.

“Our procedure is based on, depending on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable.”

Supporters declare Biafra 

In Finland, Ekpa’s supporters converged on Lahti in Finland on Friday to declare the United States of Biafra.

A few days before the conference, videos circulated on social media showing a significant influx of Nigerians into Finland for the event tagged, ‘Biafra Mass Exodus 2024’.

An X user, @DOlewunne, tweeted, “Huge in Finland Under His Excellency the Prime Minister of Biafra Simon Ekpa (sic). The re-declaration of the Independent State of Biafra/United States of Biafra is in full swing. This historic independent moment is championed by the People of Biafra. We are a Nation! (sic).”

The convener of the convention, who introduced herself as the Chief of Staff of the United States of Biafra and the organiser of the Biafra Declaration of the Restoration of the United States of Biafra Convention 2024 in Finland, is Dr Ngozi Orabueze.

According to several online sources, Orabueze is a family nurse practitioner in Atlanta, Georgia, with expertise in treating diabetes, bipolar disorder, and depression, among other conditions.

She was first appointed by Ekpa in March 2023 as Minister of Health, Oil and Gas, Biafra Republic Government in Exile.

Orabueze, who has over 17,500 followers on X and more than 12,000 on Facebook, wrote on November 27 that the convention was to take place in Lahti, noting that it would kick off with a live X Space event.

On 28 November, she wrote, “Biafrans are trooping into Finland in droves ahead of the re-declaration of the independent state of Biafra,” attaching a video of a large Igbo-speaking crowd awaiting clearance at the Finnish airport.

On Friday afternoon, Orabueze posted on her verified X handle, @ngoziora, that Biafrans had declared an independent state and would now use their own currency (Biafra coins) and time (Biafra time), notifying the Nigerian government and the international community.

The declaration of Biafra’s independence, initially slated by Ekpa for December 2, faced some setbacks following Ekpa’s arrest and prosecution by the Finnish government.

Orabueze wrote, “Breaking: It is done. Biafrans in Finland for the declaration of the independent United States of Biafra. Power belongs to the people.” She later added, “Biafra has been re-declared today, 29th of November 2024, by Ngozi Orabueze, the Chief of Staff, United States of Biafra. Congratulations to all Biafrans all over the world.”

Before the declaration, a video of Ekpa addressing the audience was played online.

Ekpa stated, “We were free before Lord Lugard came. If you want the oil, take it and leave us alone. We are tired of living as baboons and monkeys. We want to be given the opportunity to practise what we have studied.”

As the video ended, the audience began to chant, “USB, USB, USB,” meaning the United States of Biafra.

Afterwards, Orabueze, taking the oath of office, listed the states within the newly re-declared United States of Biafra.

These included Anambra State, Okigwe State, Nnewi State, Ogoni State, Opobo State, Ikwerre State, Etche State, Okrika State, Ngwa State, Orlu State, among others. The crowd cheered her on in both Igbo and English.

After the declaration, the crowd sang an Igbo song, “Biafra aga’m arapu gi,” translating to “Biafra, I will never let you go.”

Earlier in videos and photos shared on X, several members of the group claimed they were just landing at the Finnish airport in Helsinki.

A woman, @Charedims, who took a video while on a flight, said, “Biafrans all over the world from different continents everywhere are converging on Lahti for the convention.

“On December 2, when all votes are counted and collated, a mandate will be given to our prime minister, Simon Ekpa Njoku, who is currently answering some questions with the Finnish authorities; when the votes are counted, he will then declare the restore of the independent state of Biafra, which means he has the legal rights to get us Biafra. That is why you are seeing everybody jumping up and down.”

IPOB disowns group, MASSOB denies claim

Reacting to the development, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, rejected the notion that the group was behind the event.

He stated, “IPOB has no involvement in any conference. Those people (Ekpa’s faction) are criminals supporting illegal activities to destroy our land. There is no such thing as a declaration of Biafra from our side.

“Any claim that IPOB is hosting a conference is false. When IPOB decides to make such an important announcement, the whole world will know. Those making such statements are fake.”

The spokesperson for the Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, Sunday Edeson, stated that if IPOB succeeded in the realisation of Biafra through its declaration, MASSOB would accept and rejoice with them.

He added that the British government would never support the freedom of Biafra.

“Everyone has the right to declare. They declared their freedom in Finland, but we know that we’re still under Nigerian leadership. We support them.

“Declaring independence in Finland doesn’t mean we’re free from the Nigerian government. We still use Nigerian currency, and security agencies are still from Nigeria. So, we’re still under Nigeria’s control,” Edeson said.

Extradition

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told Saturday PUNCH that Nigeria did not have an extradition agreement with Finland.

Also, Finland through the Finnish Embassy in Nigeria said it could not comment on the matter.

The Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, had said Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, should be extradited to Nigeria to face criminal charges.

Many Nigerians online also demanded his repatriation to Nigeria to face terrorism charges.

In response to the call for Ekpa’s extradition, a lawyer during ‘The Morning Show’ on AriseTV, Chukwuma Ezeala, said that Finnish-based Nigerian was charged with terrorism and countries involved must cooperate.

He stated that he could be tried in Nigeria or Finland.

“On the issue of extradition, for him to be extradited, there must be a bilateral agreement. From all indications, Nigeria doesn’t have a bilateral agreement with Finland.

“However, since it’s an international crime, he can still be extradited to Nigeria based on international conventions.

“The question will now be, can Nigeria satisfy conditions or requirements of extraditing a person to Nigeria without a bilateral relationship,” Ezeala queried.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bobrisky had sought ₦200 million in damages, alleging a breach of his fundamental rights by the anti-graft agency.

Justice Owoeye stated that the applicant failed to provide credible evidence to support his allegations against the EFCC.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled that Bobrisky’s claims of rights violation were unsubstantiated and lacked merit.

One of the reliefs sought was an “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents” from harassing, declaring him wanted, arresting or detaining him “whether by themselves, their officers, servants, agents…”.

In another relief, Bobrisky prayed the court to award the sum of N200million against the EFCC as damages he allegedly suffered from the activities of the Commission regarding his arrest and trial.

After evaluating all the reliefs he sought, Justice Owoeye ruled that “having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him.”

The judge further stated that, “in the final analysis, I hold the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court. The claim of the Applicant against the 1st to the 2nd Respondents hereby lacks merit and is liable to be dismissed. It is accordingly dismissed.”

The judge also refused to award any damage against the EFCC.

Bobrisky had dragged both the EFCC and the National Assembly before the court and all the reliefs he sought were thrown out.

He was originally arrested by the EFCC on April 4, 2024 by the Commission for Naira abuse. His arrest eventually led to his six months conviction by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on April 12, 2024.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) confirmed on Friday that it has yet to begin the bulk sales of products to fuel marketers in the country.

The NNPC noted that for the time being, products from the refinery are only for its filling stations.

It also urged members of the public to disregard pricing information on products from the refinery, which is making rounds on social media, noting that such information is misleading.

The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, who made the revelation in a statement, added that currently, the products being sold originate from the Dangote Refinery, and the prices include applicable fees from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

On the pricing of fuel from Port Harcourt Refiner, Soneye pointed out that it has not been fixed as pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically based on operational relaities.

The statement titled ‘Announcement on Pricing of PHRC Products’ Soneye, said: “The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has not yet commenced bulk sales or opened its purchase portal, as essential processes are still being finalized.

“Currently, the products we are selling originate from the Dangote Refinery and include applicable NMDPRA fees. Products from PHRC are exclusively for our retail stores at this stage. Our pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to reflect operational realities.

“We advise the public to disregard any misleading pricing information. Official announcements will be made if and when price reviews occur. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

The NNPC statement comes shortly after the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) announced that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for marketers from ₦1,045 to ₦1,030 per litre.

This development was revealed by PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Harry, during a strategic meeting and award presentation held in Abuja.