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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says the visa face-off between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates has been settled.
As such, he said the UAE government would soon lift the travel barrier debarring Nigerians from visiting the UAE especially Dubai.
Keyamo made the disclosure on Monday at a welcome dinner for delegates attending the International Air Transport Association 80th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit taking place in Dubai, UAE.
The UAE imposed the visa ban on Nigeria in connection with a number of diplomatic disputes.
President Bola Tinubu had in August 2023 waded into the dispute between the UAE and Nigeria over the issuance of visas as well as the face-off with Emirates Airlines that had made the carrier stop flights into Nigeria.
At the AGM where over 2000 delegates were seated, Keyamo was accompanied into the hall with the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum amid applause.
Speaking with journalists on the sideline of the event, the minister said issues relating to visa denial by the UAE had been resolved, adding that what remained was to fine-tune processes for lifting the visa ban.
He said, “The issue of visa has been resolved just the announcement remaining. They want to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. The announcement will be in a couple of weeks.”
Keyamo further stated that his visit to Dubai was necessitated by the need to ensure cordial relationships with countries of the world.
He said, “The UAE is considered as a very important partner in Nigeria. Nigerians have a lot of stakes here in the UAE with a lot of investments. What we are doing is to make sure that we make it easy for millions of Nigerians who have put a lot of pressure on us to ensure that we open up this route again and secondly to make the visa application easier. I am sure you can see the way I was received here. That is to tell you how they value Nigeria.”
“I was on the same ride with the ruler of Dubai, the Minister and the head of Emirates Group and all the top shots of Emirates. There was no other person given that privilege here; that is to tell you how much they value us and they want Nigeria to see it in that light. They have opened up again to us. They have started to trust us again and I want to say thank you to them. I will take it from here on.”
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has filed a lawsuit against one of its employees, Komolafe Oluwayomi, 45, for allegedly hacking into the bank’s system and stealing N9,989,000 from its account for personal use.
The defendant was ordered arrested by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO in charge of Bar Beach division, Victoria Island, Lagos following a complaint by the management of GTBank
After an investigation by Inspector Patience Eguabor and team, Oluwayomi, a resident of Unity Close, Ojodu, Lagos from Ondo State was charged before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.
X
Police counsel, Ben Ekundayo informed the court that the defendant committed the offence during working hours at the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc located at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ekundayo told the Court that the defendant betrayed the trust reposed in him by his employer as the officer in charge of payment of drivers’ retirement benefits by fraudulently including the name and account number of his friend in the retirement benefits payroll and used it to transfer the sum of N9,989,000 into his friend’s account as if his friend is a beneficiary of the retirement benefits and later transferred the money from his friend’s account to his personal account domiciled at GTB Bank and converted the money to his use.
He said the management of GTB uncovered the fraud when they audited the drivers’ retirement payroll accounts.
Ekundayo said the offences, the defendant committed were punishable under sections 411 and 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Magistrate, M.A. Owunmi granted him N2m bail with two sureties in like sum.
Owunmi adjourned the case till 11 June 2024 and ordered that the defendant be detained at the Ikoyi correctional facility till he perfected the bail conditions.
Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham has promised to keep her political choices private after a series of exchanges on social media platform known as X on Tuesday.
The actress during the exchange addressed questions about her support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election.
The online interaction began when an X user, Otunba (@ManLikeIcey), asked Abraham to share the plans that Tinubu had discussed with her during the campaign.
He wrote, “Maybe one day Toyin Abraham will divulge the plans Bola Tinubu shared with her to the public. I strongly believe we deserve to hear. Thank you @toyin_abraham1.”
In response, Abraham revealed that she had been assured by Tinubu’s camp of “good governance and happiness for everyone.
“You asked me in a polite way so I will definitely answer you. Of course, I was told and promised good governance and happiness for everyone, which I believe.”
Abraham further expressed concern over the potential backlash if the promises made by Tinubu did not materialize.
“If things didn’t go well, why do I have to be the one to suffer for it? I remember I voted for (ex-president) Jonathan and I was bullied, but I didn’t put blame on anyone after everyone chose (ex-president) Buhari. So please, why would they be cursing and trolling me every time,” she implored.
When further questioned by Otunba on whether she believed Tinubu had failed in governance, Abraham responded by emphasizing her decision to focus on her personal life and career.
“Thank you for your prompt response. Do you believe he has failed at the moment in governance or not?,” Otunba question.
Abraham replied, “I have faced my life and career because I am not a politician and I’m not in government, I have learnt my lesson never ever to be open with my choice again.”
In 2023, Abraham had publicly endorsed Tinubu, saying the former Lagos governor “has been a wonderful man to my people.”
“I love Asiwaju and I’m speaking about myself. I love him. And I’ll vote for him because I love him. Although I’ve not decided, I’m just telling you. And because of the things he has done for my industry,” she said.
Her choice of candidate, however, led to criticism and backlash from some Nigerians on social media.
Nigerian singer, Oladapo Oyebanjo, with the stage name “D’banj,” has revealed that his 20-year music journey would not have been complete without his business partner, Michael Ajereh, popularly known as “Don Jazzy.”
The 41-year-old took to his Instagram page on Tuesday with a display of a video to appreciate Don Jazzy and invite him to his 20th-year anniversary dinner.
He described the two decades as years characterised by brotherhood, entertainment, and of unwavering support.
D’banj wrote: “My 20 year journey cannot be complete without It’s @donjazzy again! Giving him the invite to my anniversary dinner was a moment filled with nostalgia.
“As we both celebrate 20 years in the industry, I’m reminded of the countless memories and milestones we’ve shared together.
“Here’s to two decades of brotherhood, entertainment, and unwavering support. Love you always, Brother!.”
Don Jazzy also took to the comment section, saying: “Still finding it hard to believe it’s been 20 years bro. Feels like yesterday. Thank you for everything. Love you brotherLee. More blessings.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Don Jazzy, a Nigerian record producer and Chief Executive Officer of Mavin Records, co-founded Mo’Hits Records with D’banj in 2004.
D’banj had earlier hinted at his plan to celebrate his 20 years on stage at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, with the theme “D’banj live @New Afrika Shrine.” (NAN)
Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has disclosed how the recently suspended strike affected his business.
Recall that members of the organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, on Tuesday, suspended their strike for five days.
However, Falz disclosed that his business suffered a loss during the strike.
According to the singer, the strike made him stranded in Uyo as his return flight to Lagos was cancelled due to the closure of airports.
He explained that he also lost money he spent organizing a video shoot because he couldn’t make it to Lagos for the shoot.
Falz, however, stated that he understands the reasons for the strike, adding that he is in support of the labour unions’ demands.
Speaking via his Instagram account he said, “I woke up this morning, set out for the airport only to hear that the airport is closed, all the flights are cancelled because of the strike action. I can’t make it to Lagos, now stuck in Uyo.
“It affected me because there is a video shoot I’m supposed to do in Lagos today, I ended up losing money because we have already booked stuff, so we are going to have to pay another amount. Despite the fact that it really affected me, I understand the reason for the strike and I’m with them. I am with the labour. In fact, this strike is supposed to happen earlier than now.”
President Bola Tinubu has named the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) as Professor Wole Soyinka Highway based on the recommendation of the FCT administration.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the special adviser to the President on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In naming the road after the distinguished playwright, poet and novelist who clocks 90 on 13 July, President Tinubu said Soyinka was the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has urged Nigerians experiencing hard times to call on God for help.
Adeboye stated this at RCCG headquarters in Ebute-Metta on Sunday during the June thanksgiving service with the theme, ‘Lifter Up of My Head’.
He said, “If you need provision, if things are hard and I know things are hard for quite a few of us, call on the one whose name is Jehovah El-Shaddai, the God who is more than enough.
“Call on Him – the one who is more than enough and He will meet your needs…He has many ways, depending on what is your need.
“When all ways are blocked, call on Him who is called the way when you don’t even know what’s going on.”
The organized labour had embarked on the strike to push for an improvement in the minimum wage of workers.
While the organized labour is proposing N494,000 as new minimum wage, the Nigerian government is insisting on paying N60,000.
In a last minute move to stop the strike, leaders of the National Assembly and organized labour met yesterday.
The meeting, however, ended in a deadlock as the organized labour insisted on the commencement of the strike.
Speaking after the meeting, TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo said the organized labour will never call off the strike without consulting its members.
“It is difficult and infact impossible for us as labour leaders, to call off the strike here. We need to communicate with our various organs , meaning that, the industrial action starts on Monday as planned,” he said.
N1bn transfer scam: Detectives spread dragnet to arrest perpetrators, finger top bank officials
AFOLABI
The police in Abuja have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the transfer of about N1 billion by a bureau de change operator in Abuja, Shamsudeen Ahmed through three banks to suspected criminals, who reportedly offered to sell $1 million from Dubai to him and the mysterious disappearance of the huge sum of money.
It was learned that detectives are looking into the involvement of a third-generation bank (name withheld) in the illegal transfer of the money after the suspects provided account details of four banks where the complainant paid in the money only to later discover that the suspects conspired to defraud.
In a petition written on behalf of the complainant by Anthony Odule, and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the complainant alleged that on December 8, 2023, he was contacted by the suspects, Gambo Dahiru, Ibrahim Mohammed, Shaibu Mohammed and Francis Azubuike aka Frank, who deceived him to believe that there was a genuine $1 million for sale from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which he innocently indicated interest.
The bank transfers
According to the petition, “Our client stated that the suspects provided the following account details: Account Name: Usman Global Investment Limited; Account number: 5400393231, domicile in (a new generation bank), Account name; Yadiz Oil and Gas Plc Nigeria Limited; Account Number 1014396770, domicile in (another new generation bank) and Account Name: M. Technology Red Set; Account number – 5404168804, where the complainant paid in N830 million, N330 million and N10 million, respectively.
“Our client stated that upon preliminary investigation, it was found that the suspects conspired among themselves to defraud our client of his hard-earned money as they do not have dollars anywhere to give to our client but have shared the money amongst themselves.
“What is worrisome to our client is that he borrowed part of the money he sent to the suspects and his conspirators, which non-payment will greatly affect his reputation negatively.”
It was gathered that immediately the complainant suspected foul play, he sent letters to all the banks where the money was sent, notifying them of the development and appealing that they stop the payment of the money and refund it to him.
However, according to the complainant, “One of the banks promptly refunded part of the money without delay but the third generation bank refused to send my money back to me. They claimed that the owner of the accounts said they gave me a value for the money which is not true.
“If they insist on telling that lie, why did the bank not ask for evidence? I asked the bank to return my money or freeze the account where the money was paid but they have not done anything. They have all the power to stop this fraud but they failed to do it.”
Police sources said detectives would soon invite some officials of the bank for questioning over the case while six of the suspected fraudsters have been arrested and they refunded some amount of the money.
However, the money paid through the third-generation bank is yet to be recovered.
Nigeria can meet local refining demands by unlocking idle brownfields - Company CEO
Efforts made to contact the third-generation bank failed as calls made to their Corporate Affairs Manager were not responded to.
A Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abubakar Mohammed Guri, the DC in office of COMPOL MOPOL, Force Headquarters, Abuja on Monday 3rd June, reportedly slumped and gave up the ghost.
Sources said the late DCP who was in his uniform, slumped on his seat in his office and was quickly taken to the Clinic inside Police headquarters for medical assistance, where he was confirmed dead.
No official reasons have been adduced for the death of the officer who was said to have looked hale and hearty and exchanged pleasantries with officers and staff of the Mopol department when he reported for duty
However, a source who spoke in confidence, opined that the senior officer’s sudden collapse and death may not be unconnected with heart failure noting that in recent times, many police officers out of fatigue have suffered the same fate, because they work round the clock, even at night, without rest
Nothing was heard from the office of the Force Public Relations Officer regarding the late officer.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has authorized and published the list of 10,000 applicants who have successfully been recruited into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Naija News reports that the Commission received the report of the Police Recruitment Board on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
A total of 9,000 applicants were approved for General Duty positions, while 1,000 were recruited for the Specialists cadre.
The PSC stated that to ensure fairness and justice in the recruitment process, they collaborated with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, the National Assembly, and the Federal Character Commission.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC confirmed equitable distribution of successful candidates across all 774 local government areas in the country.
He said: “This stage held in the 36 states of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory between Monday, 8th to Monday 29th January 2024.
“The Commission, after the physical and credentials screening, shortlisted 171,956 applicants who met the requirements for the Computer Based Tests (CBT) conducted by the Joint Admission and Martriculation Board, JAMB an organisation renowed for its expertise in Computer based tests.
“15,447 General duty applicants who did well in the CBT were further invited for medical screening to determine their health status. The 55,645 Specialists who were shortlisted from the Physical and credentials screening were subjected to practical tests and later medical screening. Each stage of the Recruitment process was carried out with a high level of scrutiny and care .
“A total of 10000 applicants made up of 9000 General Duty and 1000 Specialists were recommended for final selection.
“The selection of specialists were done in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force on the need assessment ensuring capability and balance of geographical representation.”
The statement said candidates are invited to check the status of their application through the Police Service Commission dedicated Web page which can be accessed on computers and mobile devices on www.policeservicecommission.cloud.
For any complaints or inquiries, applicants are advised to contact the PSC recruitment help desk through WhatsApp at 08094767777 and 09031318499.
More...
- Why CBN revoked bank’s licence
- Reps step in
Payment to depositors with liquidated Heritage Bank having N5 million and below will begin on Monday, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) said yesterday.
Depositors with more than N5 million will wait for their balance until assets of the liquidated bank are disposed off and money generated, before they are paid.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday revoked the operating licence of Heritage Bank.
According to the apex bank, Heritage failed in its obligations.
A statement by CBN spokesperson Hakama Sidi-Ali said: “The bank’s Board and Management failed to improve its financial performance, posing a risk to the financial stability of the country. Despite various supervisory measures taken by the CBN to help the bank recover, Heritage Bank continued to struggle without any reasonable prospects of recovery”.
NDIC Director of Communication and Public Affairs Bashir Nuhu, confirmed that payments to depositors will begin on Monday.
Nuhu said Heritage Bank customers with alternate accounts in other banks will be paid up to the insured amount of N5 million per depositor.
Payments will be facilitated using the depositors’ Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) to identify their alternate accounts. Those with deposits exceeding N5 million will receive additional payments, known as liquidation dividends, after the bank’s assets are sold and debts are recovered.
To facilitate this process, the NDIC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are working this week to identify depositors with alternate bank accounts, ensuring they receive their funds promptly starting on Monday.
Nuhu emphasized that depositors with verified BVNs and alternate bank accounts do not need to visit their banks or the NDIC to receive their payments.
For depositors without alternate bank accounts, Nuhu advised them to visit the nearest branch of Heritage Bank with proof of account ownership, a verifiable means of identification (such as a driver’s license, permanent voter card, or National Identity Card), and their BVN.
They can also file their claims online by visiting the NDIC website, downloading the claims form, and upload the required documents.
Creditors of Heritage Bank are also advised to visit the nearest bank branch or use the online platform to file their claims. Payments to creditors will begin immediately after all depositors have been paid.
Debtors of Heritage Bank who have not yet completed their loan repayments have been instructed to contact the NDIC’s Asset Management Department (AMD) and visit the NDIC website to fill out the required documents. Assets recovered from these debtors will be used to pay depositors and creditors of Heritage Bank.
The NDIC reassured the banking public of its commitment to protecting depositors’ funds in all licensed banks. Depositors are encouraged to continue their banking activities without fear, as banks with valid licenses remain safe and sound.
Last month, the NDIC announced an increase in deposit coverage from N500,000 to N5,000,000, now fully covering 98.98 percent of depositors.
NDIC’s Managing Director Bello Hassan stated that the corporation collects premiums annually to fund the deposit insurance system, maintaining over N2 trillion in these funds.
This increase in insured deposit coverage was as a result of factors such as inflation, exchange rates, and per capita GDP. Ensuring swift payment to depositors, often within seven days has become a global best practice.
Hassan clarified that the increase in coverage will not necessarily lead to higher premiums for banks. The NDIC has moved to a risk-based premium framework, where banks managing risks effectively will pay the base rate of 35 basis points, while those with higher risk profiles could face premiums up to 65 basis points.
The NDIC’s actions is meant to ensure the stability and confidence in Nigeria’s banking system, providing a safety net for depositors and maintaining public trust in the financial sector.
Reps to engage CBN, NDIC, stakeholders
The House of Representatives committee will look into the liquidation of Heritage Bank by the CBN to provide necessary support to mitigate any potential negative impact on the public.
Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi said in a statement that “the House of Representatives is aware of the revocation of the licence of Heritage Bank (under liquidation) by the CBN and the appointment of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as the liquidators, in accordance with the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA).
“We assure the public, particularly depositors and stakeholders of Heritage Bank, that the House is committed to carrying out its constitutional oversight functions to ensure that this development does not negatively impact Nigerians.
“The relevant House Committees on Banking Regulations; and Insurance will be up to their duty, thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding this decision and the subsequent steps taken by the NDIC.”
[TheNation]
The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum has said that the party wants the Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi and former members to return to its fold.
Damagum stated this during an appearance on AIT’s ‘Nigeria Right Now’.
Recall that Obi’s recent meeting with PDP 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and other party chieftains had sparked speculations of an alliance.
When asked to speak about Obi’s recent visits, Damagum was evasive.
The PDP chieftain said, “He (Obi) hasn’t visited me. I am not a poke-noser to be going about trying to know what the visits are all about.”
Asked if he would want Obi back in the PDP, the party chair said, “Not only him. Every other person that has been in this party, we want them back. The party like I told you, is a brand that you cannot take away. It will accommodate all of us. We are making steps in that direction.
“The true position is that the party has not been approached (for a merger). Maybe individuals are talking about that but as of today, we have not had any discussions as a party with any group. PDP has structures all over the country. Look at our performance. PDP can stand alone and win this election. PDP is a solid party and they can come in and join us. But I don’t think for now we are contemplating changing our name for any political party that would not add value to us.”
STRIKE: Tinubu’s ‘Reckless’ Approval Of N90bn Hajj Subsidy, Luxury SUVs For NASS ‘Poisoned’ Atmosphere For Negotiations – Atedo Peterside
AFOLABI
As labour unions shut down critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy to press home their demands for a N494,000 minimum wage, an investment banker and economist, Atedo Peterside, has accused the Federal Government of ‘poisoning’ the atmosphere for negotiations on a new minimum wage for workers.
THE WHISTLER reported that negotiations between the organised labour and Federal Government’s representatives broke down after they failed to reach a consensus.
The government had insisted that the demand was not in tune with the current economic realities, arguing that implementing such a high minimum wage may lead to job losses.
Currently, the minimum wage is set at N33,000 and the government is offering to double it to N60,000.
Reacting, Nigerians took to micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter) to air their thoughts on the proposed minimum wage.
Peterside wrote “The Nigerian minimum wage negotiations were going to be unnecessarily difficult because FG ‘poisoned’ the atmosphere for responsible negotiations by approving a reckless N90bn Hajj Subsidy, Luxury SUVs for Legislators etc thereby creating the false impression that FG was rich”
An X (Twitter) user, Aziz Bakare, tweeted, “A government that can subsidize Hajj with almost N100 billion can pay 200k minimum wage. If you have to scrap all the religious pilgrimage agencies to afford it, do it.”
He added, “A govt that gave 469 lawmakers N150 million each to buy luxury cars that their forefathers did not use while millions of Nigerians slip into poverty CAN pay N200k minimum wage.
“If National Assembly members have to sell those vehicles & slash their emoluments in half, do it.”
Benkingsley Nwashara, another X user, wrote, “You’re worried about the national grid more than the fact that someone is being paid 30-40k as salary in 2024. This issue of Minimum wage has been on for nearly 10yrs. Nothing tangible has been done. Meanwhile N90billion was released for Hajj. Shutting down National grid is necessary.”
Ibrahim Shuwa wrote, “Billions for VP’s residence renovation, Billions on NASS carport, 47 ministers appointed, Presidential yacht & expensive travels with hundreds of aides. But you want the public to believe the govt can’t afford the requested minimum wage.”
However, some Nigerians argued that the private sector would struggle to pay such a high wage, considering the state of the economy.
David Onyemaizu wrote, “Nigeria has an inflation problem. Even if the Nigerian government can magically approve the 494k minimum wage demand, it will only increase the inflation rate.
“I believe NLC and TUC pegged it high, so there can be room for negotiations. A more realistic minimum wage will be around 100-150k.
“And they should work heavily on lowering the inflation rate and for God’s sake, bring back the fuel subsidy. Tinubu’s failed policies have gone on long enough.”
Another user @fozadoza wrote, “NLC really thinks 494k minimum wage will fly? Lmaooo. You want a further unemployed and overworked economy? Everyone shouting it won’t affect private sector are hypocrites.”
Mark Amaza wrote, “It is unrealistic. I’m saying it with my full chest. You people think the minimum wage is only for govt to pay but even the govt itself cannot pay that. But can the private sector pay that either? Can you pay your security man, your cleaner, etc this wage? I’m guessing it’s a no”
@odogwu_cc wrote, “A 400k minimum wage is an unrealistic ask. However, we should remember that the National Assembly earns tens of millions monthly for doing absolutely nothing. Cut their earnings and use it to fund a new minimum wage pay scale.”
The Presidency on Monday accused the Nigerian Labour of playing politics with its ongoing nationwide strike.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga said the organised Labour in Nigeria is harming the people it should be fighting for.
He lamented that sick people cannot have access to medical care at government hospitals due to the nationwide strike.
Posting on X, Onanuga wrote: “It’s saddening that Labour could go to this extreme. But it is not surprising to the perceptive minds. Labour is harming the Nigerian people they claim to be fighting for. Today, many sick Nigerians cannot access medical care at government hospitals.
“Not even those with critical medical conditions. It appears labour is playing politics by other means. Many of the affiliates of the two central unions, NLC and TUC are members and supporters of the Labour Party.
“They logically bear ill will and grudges against the Tinubu administration. Otherwise, the issue they claim to be fighting for cannot be resolved by blackmail or sabotage, they cannot even be resolved by the Federal Government unilaterally, the Labour leaders will still have to return to the negotiating table.”