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FEATURES

FEATURES

Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Igboho, has attributed his return to Nigeria to divine intervention.

The prominent freedom fighter made his way back to the country on Thursday, just in time for his mother’s funeral, which is set to take place in Saki, Oyo State.

His return has sparked significant attention, given his high-profile status as an advocate for Yoruba autonomy and his previous encounters with Nigerian security agencies.

Igboho, on Friday, revealed that he had faced threats to his life, alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) and military personnel to assassinate him at his residence.

Igboho, addressing his supporters in Oyo State in the Yoruba language, explained that his activism, specifically his vocal opposition to the killing of farmers by Fulani herders in the Southwest, was the reason behind the alleged assassination attempt.

He said: “Buhari sent his soldiers and DSS to arrest me in my house because I said Yorubas are not slaves to Fulanis, they can’t suppress us in our father’s land.

“Fulanis can’t stop our fathers and mothers from going to their farms. But, I’m back with the power of God and authority not that of man.”

The Forward Operating Base, FOB, of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry, Lagos State, has intercepted 15,540 litres of petrol stored in a building along the creeks.

The Commanding Officer of the FOB, Navy Capt. B A Amakiri, said naval operatives intercepted 518 ×30 Jerry cans on Thursday, at about 11:00 am, at Agbojetho-Akorin Beach along Badagry-Seme Road.

According to him, the navy acted after receiving an intelligence tip-off about the activities of some suspected smugglers within the area.


“The intelligence indicated that several jerry cans suspected to contain petrol were stored in a building within Agbojetho-Akorin Beach along Badagry-Seme Road.

“Consequently, the Base Quick Response Team proceeded to the beach general area for investigation and possible arrest and seizure.

“The team conducted a cordon and search operation in the area and discovered 518 x 30 litres jerry cans of the suspected products,” he said.

Amakiri explained that the quantity of the petrol product translates to about 15,540litres, valued at N9,479,400 at the current rate of about N610 per litre.

“The perpetrators absconded on getting information about the approach of the team.

“It is suspected that the perpetrators had the intention of smuggling the products out of Nigeria to the Benin Republic.

“The adjoining communities were also searched, but no other products or suspects were found,” he said.

Amakiri restated the commitment of his officers to continue making smuggling unattractive, adding that the economic saboteurs would be frustrated until smuggling was suppressed to the barest minimum.

Youths affiliated with the Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF) gathered in Abuja to participate in a solidarity rally expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

Naija News reports that the youths gathered at the Unity Fountain in the Business District Centre of the Federal Capital City as early as 9 am, carrying placards and dressed in white T-shirts and face caps emblazoned with the bold inscription “Jagaban is working.”

Placards bearing the inscription “NLC Stop Faking To Be Fighting For Nigerians” were observed, reflecting sentiments regarding the planned two-day nationwide strike organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress.

According to the organizers of the solidarity rally, their decision to mobilize was prompted by the proliferation of inaccurate narratives regarding the state of affairs in the country.

They emphasized that Tinubu remains steadfast in implementing his programs and policies.

Speaking to journalists during the solidarity walk from Unity Fountain to the National Assembly gate in Abuja on Friday, the Convener of the group, Terrence Kuanum, said the planned nationwide protest by the NLC was an act of sabotage.

“What is happening is sabotage and we already anticipated this sabotage because few Nigerians were benefiting immensely from this subsidy regime and insecurity that was in this country.

“I am hungry, you are hungry but it is not by sabotaging the system or antagonising the system that we can resolve this issue. We can only resolve this issue as patriotic Nigerians who are concerned that we need to resolve this problem and the generation next to us doesn’t face it.”

While the Co-convener of the group, Sunday Attah, deemed it unnecessary to call for protests against a government in power for only eight months.

Attah further pointed out that despite the recession in the United Kingdom, there are no protests against the government.

His words, “We must understand the trajectory of how the NLC has operated over time. Remember in this same country, when fuel subsidy was removed they got up and claimed to be standing for Nigerians.

“They fought and said fuel subsidy should not be removed but after a series of meetings, which of course today they are saying didn’t yield any fruit, we know how these ‘colour’ paper exchanged hands and matters died on the ground.

“We are not going to allow the NLC to plunge Nigeria into anarchy. Calling for protest against an eight months old government is uncalled for. The president is doing all his best, he is not a magician, all that Nigerians need at the moment is to be patient with the president. When a woman gets pregnant it takes nine months for her to deliver and when the child is born it takes another one to two years for the child to walk.”

For those of who grew up watching a young and teen-aged Lindsay Lohan in the 1990s and 2000s, it is nostalgic and heartwarming to see the American actress comeback ten years after her struggle with alcoholism, DUI, personal relationship crisis with her family and love life.

 

Hence to see her return to rom coms last year with the Netflix movie Falling For Christmas, is a testament to the man’s resilience and capacity when given a second chance.The married actress it seems has a series of movies with Netflix scheduled for release this year, one -Irish Wish, scheduled to premiere March 15, on the streaming site.

Lohan stars alongside You series actor Ed Speleers and Alexander Vlahos as Maddie. Maddie is visiting Ireland for her friend Emma’s wedding who is marrying her dream guy Paul Kennedy (Vlahos). A wish on an ancient stone saw her wake up as the bride-to-be.

The film also stars the ever-gorgeous Jane Seymour and Ayesha Curry. Netizens could not express enough their excitement to see the 37-year-old actress glowing and back doing what she does best.

“Fantastic actress. She’s really going to get the comeback she truly deserves.” @vikar01

“I love it!!! From being a kid watching Lindsay play a kid, to being a teen watching her play a teen, to being an adult watching her play an adult. I’m so glad to see her back on our screens. Can’t beat this cheesy romance,” @melissajane9652.

 

“This is the looks she deserves. She looks stunning, healthy and incredibly beautiful. Love you Lindsay.” @mikechen1863

 

“Loving the 2000s-esque rom com vibes of this. I feel there’s a resurgence of that era in recent rom coms like Anyone But You, Your Place Or Mine and now Irish Wish,” @avadotexe.

“Lindsay always ends up in these movies either playing twins or two versions of a character or a plot line where something ‘switches’. It’s so funny and nice to see her doing films where she is celebrated and recognized. I always prefer her independent films and edgier roles but these wholesome movies are so classic for her and great for the comeback that is going on!” @bluelightvisions.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said operatives of its Enugu Zonal Command, in collaboration with a Joint Task Force, JTF, arrested a total of 115 suspected currency racketeers along Owerri Road, Ogui, in Enugu State.

A statement by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday said the JTF, which comprised five teams from the Nigeria Police Force and three teams from the Nigeria Customs Service, arrested the culprits on Wednesday following credible intelligence.

He said that out of the 115 suspects arrested, 113 were males and two were females.


He further said the operatives swung into action when they got information about some bureau de change operators, currency speculators, and street hawkers operating illegal foreign exchange markets in the environment.

Oyewale mentioned the items recovered from the suspects to include N110, 700,000, $8,368, £145, €2,725, and 900 South African Rands.

Others are CFA 32,000, 100 Turkiya, and 500 Bank Mozambique currencies in different denominations.

A safe abandoned by one of the street hawkers was also recovered.

He said preliminary investigations showed that some of the suspects are foreigners from the Niger Republic.

He added that they would soon be charged in court at the end of investigations.

The Federal Government has moved against online platforms of Binance and other cryptocurrency firms over alleged manipulation of the forex market.

Binance is a digital assets platform which serves as a window for peer to peer transaction allowing users to advertise interest to sell or buy currencies of their choice.

On February 5, 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed banks, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), and other financial institutions (OFIs) to close accounts of persons or entities involved in cryptocurrency transactions.


The regulator also warned local financial institutions against dealing in crypto assets or facilitating payments for crypto exchanges.

CBN cited concerns over money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and the volatility of cryptocurrencies as reasons for the ban.


In December 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria changed its stance on crypto assets and asked banks to disregard its February 2021 ban on crypto transactions.

This latest restriction on crypto websites is aimed at slowing currency speculation activities in the country, with Binance stating that its platform is not for currency pricing.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, argued that Binance and other crypto platforms should be banned from operating in Nigeria.

He said the cryptocurrency trading platform is facing restrictions in multiple jurisdictions such as the United States, Singapore, Canada and the United Kingdom.


Reacting, Binance said its firm does not operate as a price discovery platform and FX rates are determined by complex forces that have nothing to do with the company.

Read Also: EFCC chairman bags Fraud Investigators Institute’s Fellowship

The trading company said it provides a market-driven peer-to-peer (P2P) platform that is not meant to be a proxy for currency pricing in Nigeria.


The platform users have complained about their inability to buy dollars.

The platforms blocked include:


– Binance

– Forextime

– OctaFX

– Crypto

– FXTM

– Coinbase

– Kraken

– Kucoin

– Bybit

There are also many other platforms used in the cryptocurrency transaction in Nigeria.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the distribution of confiscated food items will start on Friday. Adeniyi, addressing journalists in Lagos on Thursday, cautioned against reselling the distributed items.

He also prohibited customs officers from participating and mentioned that the rice, available in 25kg bags, would be sold for N10,000.


The NCS had earlier stated plans for direct distribution of seized food items to Nigerians, with eligibility requiring individuals to provide a Nigerian Identification Number, as reiterated by Adeniyi.

“The target groups included artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other Nigerians within our operational areas. The intention is to reach out directly to members through these organised structures to ensure the maximum impact of this exercise,” Adeniyi added.

He warned against profiteering or exploitation of the initiative.


“It is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold. We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative. We urge Nigerians to report any incidents of misuse or unauthorised resale of the seized food items,” he said.

He maintained that the NCS was fully committed to transparency and accountability in this process.

“We will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this program,” the customs asserted.

Adeniyi said that the exercise would not last forever, adding that it would be a way for the service to dispose of seized food items for now.

“We are here to shed light on the commitment of the NCS to protecting our society by ensuring the availability of essential food items. In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges faced within our economy.

“Items are moving out massively to neighbouring countries. Some of the items included, over 20,000 bags of assorted grains, 2,500 cartons, and 963 bags of dried fish.

“Others are dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, macaroni, salt, sugar, garri. This trend is not sustainable as it puts pressure on our productive capacity and threatens our food security,” Adeniyi noted.

Former Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei has proposed urgent measures to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges, advocating for a presidential order mandating all political office holders to contribute 40% of their salaries and allowances towards alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians.

Girei made these remarks during a press conference at his residence in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, on Thursday.


To address the issue of job creation, he suggested that political office holders at the national, state, and local government levels should contribute 40% of their salaries and allowances for a period of two years, as outlined in a presidential order.

Additionally, Girei proposed the presentation of a supplementary budget of N1 trillion to the National Assembly, with a significant allocation of N2 trillion towards addressing insecurity in the country.

The former Senator also recommended the implementation of the White Paper on the Oronsanye Report, aiming to streamline Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to reduce the overall cost of governance.

Furthermore, he called for a joint meeting of the National Council of State and the National Economic Council to align their strategies and take necessary political actions to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Girei underscored the importance of combating corruption, particularly in the management of subsidies on petroleum products and electricity. He urged for a forensic audit to uncover any fraudulent activities related to tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and other revenue streams accruing to the federation.

A former Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani has reacted to a viral audio of an Islamic cleric calling for the murder of the First Lady, Remi Tinubu.

In the audio, the cleric could be heard stating that Remi Tinubu must be killed because she is the leader of infidels in the country.

He insisted that she deserves to die for being a pastor.

He also said that the Muslim/Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu to power was a scam.

The cleric said, “Now, Tinubu, his wife is an infidel. As an infidel, she is a leader among the infidels.

“God’s judgement says she must be k!lled. She’s a pastor… a leader of infidels (Christians); Allah says they must be killed…”

Reacting, Sani insisted that the cleric statement was unacceptable and condemnable.

He noted that it was within the democratic rights of a citizen to criticise government policies, but calling for the murder of the first lady was preposterous.

According to him, “Criticising the Government and its policies is within the ambit of democratic rights;but Calling for the killing of Senator Remi Tinubu by the religious cleric is unacceptable and utterly condemnable.”

Listen to the audio

 

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Last modified on Friday, 23 February 2024 07:46

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi, has said the reported N744,500,000 his campaign team spent on the 2023 election litigation was not just for paying lawyers, as some have reported.

He said this on Thursday in a statement signed on his behalf by Dr Yunusa Tanko, the chief spokesman of the Obi-Datti Campaign Committee.

He said the N744.5 million was a general expenditure on legal services, which also included research, accommodations, transportation, local and international flights, and stationery for various documents.

“We would like to be on the same page with the public on this matter and to remind the public that it encompasses all the things concerning our legal cases, ranging from pre-election to post-election legal processes.

“Including also the filing of cases before elections on matters involving our candidate, transmitting and photocopying of legal documents, bringing experts from overseas during our post-election legal battles, and their accommodation all form the legal expenses,” he said.


He added that also included the funding of lawyers sent to states to collect electoral materials from INEC state offices and financial assistance to some of the candidates of the party who had legal issues, among others.