FEATURES
Necessary sacrifices must be made to generate enough revenue and reduce Nigeria’s high deficit financing, the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, submitted yesterday.
He foreclosed government’s reliance on borrowing to fund the next year’s 2024 Budget, saying the cost of taking foreign loans would be too heavy for developing nations to shoulder.
Edun spoke when he appeared before the Senator Sani Musa-led joint Senate Committee scrutinising the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) in Abuja.
The minister made the assertions before the panel in the company of the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji and the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha before lawmakers called for a closed session.
Edun insisted that the best was for Nigeria to fund its annual budgets was to invest more money on revenue-generating infrastructure.
According to him, advanced countries have raised their interest rates to bring down inflation rate and to stabilise their economies, adding that accessing foreign loans will be very expensive for a developing countries to cope with.
Edun said: “Clearly the environment that we have now, internationally as well as nationally we are in no position to rely on borrowing.
“We have an existing borrowing profile. Our direction is to reduce the quantum of borrowing or intercepting deficit financing in the 2024 Budget.
“Simply put internationally there is focus among rich countries on bringing down the inflation rate to stabilize the economies and give them opportunity for investment growth.
“They are in the process, sacrificing that immediate goal for compacting their economies, or at least contracting the money supplies and pushing up the interest rates and of course high interest rates and investments don’t go together.
“What is left for us to access those funds are expensive. So, it is the last thing that we must rely on. “As we know we have all the figures on debt servicing and cushioning 98 per cent of government revenue.
“The last thing you can think of is to pile up more debts. The government needs to not just maintain its activity, it needs to spend more.
“If you look at government spending, if you look at the budget as a percentage of GDP, ours is one of the lowest being 10 per cent. Even Ghana is at 25 per cent while rich countries are at 50 per cent.
“The very rich countries have to be most advanced in terms of social safety nets and its social security system at 70 per cent of GDP. Government spending definitely will lead to increase.
“The number one source of revenue especially in short term, even in the medium term is all revenue.”
Musa earlier fears that the revenue projections of the ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government that have so far appeared before his panel were far less than what the Federal Government has proposed as income in the 2024 fiscal year.
He noted that going for external interventions would definitely not be an option because it would further push the country into deficit financing.
Musa said: “Currently there are lots of leakages in the use of government resources. A lot of funds being generated as revenues by most MDAs are not being remitted as at when due. Some even remit funds a year after they collected the money.
“The office of the Accountant General of the Federation should look properly in that direction. The current practice of delaying the remittances of revenues by the MDAs had created a room for the misappropriation of those funds.
“After meeting with the Nigerian Customs Service officials yesterday, we realise that there were lots of shortfalls they are experiencing as a result of incidences of waivers.
“We want to know who is issuing those waivers. Is it the FIRS or the Ministry of Finance? We are also interested in knowing details of the Customs modernization project, known as e-customs.
“The Senate Committee on Finance is interested in knowing the type of agreement that was signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“What is the value of the e-customs agreement? How much is Nigeria expecting? We are tired of judgement debts all over the place. We need to know the plans on ground to collect excise duties and other tariffs so that we won’t run a deficit budget again next year.”
[TheNation]
The Federal Government has linked the country’s foreign exchange scarcity to its low export earnings.
Speaking at the 40th annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors on Thursday, in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, said the government was planning to further diversify the economy.
The minister asserted that the country’s economy had been diversified, but expressed worry that foreign exchange revenue had yet to grow because oil had remained the major source of income.
“An important part of that is diversification. The economy is diversified as other sectors are increasingly contributing to the economy. But what is not diversified is our source of foreign exchange revenue.
“So, from all those sectors, whether telecommunications, transport or manufacturing, there are not enough foreign exchange earnings or enough savings to give us what we need, which is the positive balance of trade,” Edun enunciated.
He, however, noted that the current administration was ready to provide a stable economy.
“This means one that is growing more than the population growth, one where inflation is low, the exchange rate is stable, and a reasonable interest rate for people to borrow and invest in productive activities.
According to the minister, the country’s export earnings need to be greater than import expenditure so that it would have foreign exchange earnings with which to stabilise the currency.
He added foreign investors were not interested in improving the country’s foreign direct investment due to rising inflation in Western countries.
Edun maintained that the lack of investor appetite to invest in Nigeria may force the government to turn to the corporate world for solutions and investments.
According to Edun, the development is forcing the government to depend on “our domestic resource mobilisation”.
He claimed that the essence of attracting investment into the economy was to increase productivity, grow the economy, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
He said, “The government does not have the funding and the funding is not available internationally. They are not really interested and they have inflation to fight in the Western world, so they have to keep interest high, tighten the money supply and cannot not provide any kind of development financing at the level we need.
“When we talk about investment and attracting investment into the economy, we are not only talking about domestic investors but about foreign direct investments, private investment, and much more than what the multilateral organisations may have to offer.
“The big prize is to make our economy, institutions, and corporate governance such that it attracts people from around the world those interested and have surplus savings to invest in profitable ventures.”
On his part, a former Minister of Finance, Dr Olusegun Aganga, posited that Nigeria had the hallmark of a weak economy.
He said the bane of the economic growth was a lack of continuity and implementation of policies.
“The economy is the number one priority of any government. In some countries, elections are won or lost because of the economy. Our economy today is relatively small. It is not growing fast enough and is not inclusive.
“It has all the features of a weak economy; import dependent, weak and unstable macroeconomic environment, exports of primary products without value addition, among others,” he noted.
[Punch]
National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu says kidnapping has replaced armed robbery in Nigeria today because people no longer carry cash about.
The NSA who was addressing participants Thursday at Day Two of ongoing All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), 2023 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital said the trajectory of the nation’s insecurity was allowing Boko Haram, Banditry, Niger Delta and South East unrest to fester too long.
He said, “These are four massive security problems and each is capable of bringing us to our knees.
“If you have not noticed, kidnapping has replaced armed robbery. That is what is going on across the country. Now most armed robbers have turned into kidnappers. Don’t allow insecurity to remain part of you for a long time. It will destroy you.
“If you have noticed, kidnapping had replaced armed robbery in the country. That is what is happening now. And that is because people no longer carry cash. So armed men would rather kidnap you, so you can now bring the money out.”
He pointed out that when they came into office it was observed that almost 600 kidnap victims were not released for about two to three years, claiming that with the coming in of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, many are being released and much work being done to reduce the insecurity.
“Going forward we intend to run an open and transparent government. We also appeal to you (Media) for support. We are all this together”, he added.
Meanwhile, the scourge of insecurity continued yesterday as bandits abducted the District Head of Kujama and five others in Chikun Local Government Area, and injured two policemen at Birnin Gwari community in Kaduna State.
Also, a pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, Pastor David Musa, was killed by his abductors after the criminals collected N1,000,000 ransom from his family. Indeed, Enugu State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has threatened to embark on a strike over the kidnap of 10 doctors in the state in the last two months.
Senate summons NSA, service chiefs
To address Nigeria’s security problems, the Senate yesterday summoned the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff , other service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, as well as heads of all intelligence agencies to a crucial meeting.
The Senate took the decision after adopting and debating a motion, titled “Urgent need for the Improvement of the coordination and synergy among Nigerian Security Forces and Agencies to help strengthen and win the fight against Insecurity in the nation,” sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar ’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), at plenary.
While leading the debate on the motion, Yar’Adua noted that the contemporary security landscape in Nigeria posed unprecedented challenges that outstripped the protective capabilities of any security agency alone.
He urged all relevant security agencies, ministries departments and agencies, MDAs, to improve on their synergy to combat insurgency and other emerging security threats.
“Nigeria has various security agencies, aside from the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force. These include the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Nigerian Prisons Service, NPS, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and other authorised Civilian Task Forces.
“Additionally, Nigeria has other key security services that oversee both internal and external threats, the Department of State Service, DSS, the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, and the National Intelligence Agency, NIA.
“Nigeria faces numerous simultaneous security crises. These include Boko Haram in the North-East, the activities of bandits and kidnappers in the North-West; the activities of gunmen in the South-East and South-South, and other forms of criminality, such as armed robbery, herders/farmers clashes and cross-border crimes.”
Reign of terror, abductions, killings The federal lawmaker made reference to the several incidents of killings and kidnappings across Nigeria.
He made specific mention of an incident which occurred on October 23, 2023, where no fewer than five people were killed, and some others injured when bandits attacked the Anguwar Dankali community in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He continued: “We are aware of the kidnapping of Major General RC Duru (retired) in Owerri, Imo State on September 27, 2023, by members of IPOB, and the overall nefarious acts of the proscribed outfits, and the much-touted ‘unknown gunmen’ in the Eastern part of the country.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 9 to 16 October 2023 neutralised bandit/armed robbers and arrested 59 suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, railway vandalism, gun-running, illegal mining as well as recovered arms/ammunitions and illicit drugs.
“According to reports, on October 18, 2023, no fewer than 50 people, including a district head, women, and children, were abducted while three others were reportedly killed in an attack by bandits in Bagega, a mining village in Zamfara State.
“Just recently, on October 20, 2023, bandits in their numbers raided Danmusa town, the headquarters of Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing seven people, and injuring 10 and kidnapped a yet to be ascertained number of people.
“Furthermore, the bandits also attacked the people of Wurma, Tamawa and Dadawa villages in Kurfi LGA killing people and rustling cattle.”
He equally noted that the main task before security agencies should be to make Nigeria safe for citizens and residents.
Yar’Adua explained that this could only be accomplished if all security and allied agencies and parastatals crucial to national security collaborated under a single command structure to ensure the nation was secure from internal and external threats.
This kind of coordinated effort, he said, also strengthened the interdependence and interrelatedness of security agencies. After contributions from senators across party lines, the Senate resolved to invite the security chiefs for a closed session to discuss the challenges and find a way forward.
Earlier, senators had urged the various security agencies in Nigeria, both military and paramilitary, to improve and enhance their inter-operational synergy and coordination for effective and holistic tackling of the various types of insecurity facing the nation.
[Vanguard]
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ites yesterday clashed with men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during a pro-Palestine protest in Kaduna.
Although the Shiite protesters claimed that the two of their members were killed, the state police command said one civilian, it identified as Aliyu, was killed.
The police accused members of the IMN of firing at their personnel who were drafted to disperse the “illegal” protesters.
The protesters were out to declare their unalloyed support for the ‘oppressed’ people of Palestine, they said.
When contacted, the command’s public relations officer, ASP Mansur Hassan said, “It is a lie to say that Police killed two Shi’ite members. We were only out to disperse the protesters because IMN is a proscribed organisation in Kaduna State. They were protesting against the Israel and Palestine war, but this is not Israel, this is Kaduna.
“On the contrary, it was the IMN members that started firing at our men. They fired catapults with pellets at our men. In the process they (Shi’ites) killed one civilian identified as Aliyu. They blocked the road, attacked innocent civilians passing by.”
IMN members who started their protest from the premises of the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) marched through Muhammadu Buhari Way to the office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to submit their protest letter.
A few minutes after the protest commenced, men of the Nigeria Police engaged the protesters, firing teargas and shooting into the air to disperse them.
Speaking during the protest, their leader, Aliyu Umar Tirmizi said,
“The Israeli occupiers have for the past 75 years been unleashing genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid on the unarmed civilians that include men, women and children.
“They have murdered thousands of children and the aged and have demolished houses and worship places of innocent civilians. The Zionist Israel has abused the sanctity of the holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa and terrorized innocent worshipers that visit the place.
“In recent times the Zionist Israel has increased its atrocities on the good people of Palestine where they have been using internationally banned weapons on innocent civilians and even attacked hospitals killing innocent people. These atrocities are committed with full knowledge of the so-called United Nations who have remained silent and subservient to the wicked plots of the Zionist regime.
“It is an understatement to say that the United States of America is providing funds in the name of military aid worth $3.27 billion annually to Israel. The oppressed people of Palestine and indeed human minded people from all over the world have risen against these atrocities,” he said.
The protesters carried placards and white clothes wrapped like dead babies with blood stains, symbolizing the children killed in the Israel/Palestine war. They were chanting death to Israel, support for Palestine.
The first Miss Nigeria beauty pageant winner, Grace Oyelude, was honored on her 93rd birthday, as announced by the Miss Nigeria Organisation in an Instagram post on Thursday, November 16th.
The caption read, “We are immensely delighted to celebrate the evergreen beauty and brave leader, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, on her 93rd birthday.
“Her courage, resolve, and great strength of character are excellent qualities that have endeared her to us and many others.
“Happy birthday, once again, to the first Miss Nigeria, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude.
“Thank you for paving the way and setting the standards that all Miss Nigeria Queens walkthrough, as well as your priceless contributions towards women’s empowerment.”
There is no respite yet for the nation’s currency as the naira recorded the biggest fall in recent times exchanging for N1,105 at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved official market.
The currency depreciated by over N200 within hours after it opened earlier in the day at N830. However, the fall would not last as the currency bounced back, closing at 841.14 yesterday.
According to Reuters, the sharp depreciation of the currency yesterday brought “The official exchange rate within touching distance of the parallel market rate.”
At the parallel market, Daily Trust reports that dollars opened at N1,135 and closed at N1,150 to N1,200.
One of the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators at a popular market in Lagos, Alhaji Hassan Sabo said, “Today we are buying at N1,100 and selling at N1,150.”
Asked on the prospect of the rate dropping, he said, “It cannot come down like that because the dollar is not available, some are not even selling at the rates I just gave you. It might even go up tomorrow.”
A capital market analyst, Samuel Showunmi said the government should return to multiple exchange rates to push the dollars into the market through the BDC.
“What we are seeing now with the banks is currency racketeering within the banking sector as well,” he said.
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists in Aniocha South and Ika South Local Government Areas of the state.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, November 16, 2023, said three locally-made cut to size guns, one AK-47 magazine, five rounds of ammunition and substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the suspects.
“On 12/11/2023 at about 0500hrs, operatives of Agbor Area Command while acting on credible intelligence, stormed Kelubia Street Agbor-Obi where they apprehended four suspects: Ogbolu Peter ‘m’, Justice Nmor ‘m’, Precious Odilu ‘m’, Queen Mba ‘f’, all of Agbor Community, and aged 35, 28, 26, and 27 years respectively,” the statement read.
"Preliminary investigation led to the search of their premises during which two (2) locally made cut-to-size guns, one AK-47 magazine loaded with five (5) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three (3) rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two (2) live cartridges, two (2) Vikings secret cult berets, and ten (10) wraps of weed suspected to be Indian Hemp were recovered.
“The suspects and exhibits are in custody, and investigation has commenced as efforts are being made to arrest other members of the criminal gang.”
In another development, members of Crack Squad received information about a cult activity at Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku Road.
Upon arrival, the members of Crack Squad cordoned off the premises and arrested one Chigozie John 'm' aged 36 years, and recovered one locally made cut-to-size gun with one live cartridge.
The suspect admitted being a member of Aro Bagger Confraternity. Meanwhile, further investigation is in process, as efforts are being made to arrest other cult members operating within the state.
Reacting to the arrest, CP Wale Abass hailed the successes achieved as well as the tenacity of the operatives in the execution of their duties.
He further called on the assistance of the public in the speedy eradication of firearms and ammunition, stating that the opportunity given by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM for persons in possession of firearms to return to the nearest police station is still open, noting that criminal activities will not be tolerated in the state.
The police boss issued a warning to residents, particularly the youths in the State to shun cultism and other related vices, stating that the Command will not relent in identifying, arresting, and bringing them to justice.
Real life “miracle” witnessed as statue of Virgin Mary is filmed “crying” with eyes turning “red”
AdminChurchgoers are claiming they witnessed a miracle after a small statue of the Virgin Mary appeared to shed tears in a church.
The “crying” figure in El Chanal, Mexico, has attracted believers and sceptics, with hundreds reportedly visiting the church to witness the weeping Virgin.
Videos on social media show water droplets seemingly coming out of the statue's eyes and running down its face.
Local resident Victor Ramos said: "Similarly, when we cry, and our eyes become red, the same happens to the image. So a couple of tears started flowing. This is the event, the phenomenon that is happening here in the church."
Many associate the tears with the prevailing insecurity in the state of Colima, currently immersed in a wave of violence.
Victor added: "We can associate it with... the violence rates that are being experienced here in the state of Colima, also here in the community."
Real life ?miracle? witnessed as statue of Virgin Mary is filmed ?crying? with eyes turning ?red?
As of October this year, 702 confirmed intentional homicides had been recorded by the Colima Prosecutor's Office.
Visitor Maria Mercedes Hernandez said: "Peace, may she give us peace in Colima and throughout the world, that we may return to the Colima of before."
Sceptics have said there could be a scientific reason behind the crying statue.
Professor Luigi Garlaschelli pointed out that certain statues can soak up water due to the porous materials they're made from.
Garlaschelli explained: "You need a hollow statue made of plaster or ceramic, which must be covered on the outside with a waterproof layer.
"By filling the statue with water through an imperceptible hole at the top, the porous material will absorb it, but the outer layer will prevent it from coming out.
“However, if a slight scratch is made in the protective glaze in the tear duct area, the absorbed water will come out through it as if it were tears.”
Malawi's President, Lazarus Chakwera has suspended with immediate effect all international travel for himself and his government in a bid to save money.
The president disclosed this during a televised address on Thursday, November 16.
The measure follows a huge devaluation of the currency as Malawi secures a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to boost its ailing economy.
Mr Chakwera has also ordered all ministers currently abroad to return home.
Fuel allowances for senior government officials have been cut by 50%.
Malawi's economy has been undergoing turbulent times, characterised by an acute shortage of petrol and diesel, as well as high inflation.
Mr Chakwera said the measures would remain in place until the end of the financial year in March 2024.
As part of moves to ease the cost-of-living crisis, the president has asked the finance minister to make provisions for a reasonable wage increase for all civil servants in the next budget review.
He has also ordered a lowering of income tax on individuals in the upcoming budget, to help workers whose incomes have lost value.
Gunmen who kidnapped Mr. Isaac Bature Gbaja, an Assistant Manager with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Lafia, Nasarawa State branch, have demanded N10m ransom.
Gbaja was kidnapped alongside two other persons on Monday night, November 13, 2023.
A close associate to the CBN staff who pleaded for anonymity told Daily Trust that Mr. Gbaja was abducted alongside the other victims around 8pm at his wife’s joint near MACFES Royal Suites, along Kwandere Road, Tudun Gwandara, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
“Three Fulani guys, wearing face masks came from nowhere and leaned on the CBN staff’s car, then asked those at the joint who owned this car, they answered that they don’t know the owner. So the kidnappers said since they don’t know the owner of the car all of them (customers), including the shop owner should stand up and let them go. That’s how they were taken away,” the source said.
According to him, the woman told them that the kidnappers were about ten in number, three came and effected the kidnap, then others joined them, as they took their victims on bush parts.
He disclosed that two hours after the incident, the Gbaja's wife was released by the kidnappers to go and source for 10 million naira to secure the release of her husband.
The source said a total of five persons were kidnapped, one escaped, the woman was released, while they went away with the CBN staff and two others.
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I was legitimately married, welcomed by my husband's family - Actress Rita Edochie throws shade at 'back door' wife
AdminActress Rita Edochie has taken to her Instagram page to throw shade.
She shared a picture of herself and her husband Comr Tony Edochie on their wedding day 33 years ago, and stated that she was welcomed by all and sundry in her husband's family, "unlike some persons who thought they could come through the back door," as a wife.
She wrote;
‘’EVERYWHERE DEY QUITE
WETIN DEY HAPPEN NOW ?
LEGITIMATELY MARRIED AT AGE 22 IN 1990
(WEDDING)
WAS WELCOMED AND ACCEPTED BY ALL AND SUNDRY RIGHT IN MY GREAT HUSBAND'S FAMILY
COMR. TONY EDOCHIE
(BOTH NUCLEAR AND EXTENDED)
UNLIKE SOME PERSONS WHO THOUGHT THEY COULD COME IN THROUGH THE BACK DOOR.... JUST DEY PLAY.....''
A pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), David Musa, has been killed by his abductors after payment of N1,000,000 ransom in Kogi State.
It was gathered that the cleric was abducted from his farm on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Obajana, Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.
A member of the church identified as Mary said the pastor was killed shortly after the ransom was delivered on Tuesday night, November 14.
“The pastor went to his farm that ugly day. So, his wife was waiting for him to return home, but she didn’t see her husband. When night fell, the wife raised an alarm, and the church people, including residents of the community, went to his farm to search for him,” she explained.
“It was then that they discovered that the pastor had been kidnapped. The abductors got in touch with the family, demanding N20,000,000. Since the church and the family could not raise such an amount of money, they pleaded with the kidnappers, and they reduced the ransom to N1,000,000.
"The kidnappers insisted that, when they are bringing the money, they should come along with recharge cards, chicken, and many alcoholic drinks for their consumption. Two of the church members were sent to deliver the money and the items requested by the kidnappers.
"When they went to the kidnappers’ den, they saw our pastor alive. They now instructed our pastor and the two other church members who brought the money to start going home.
"Unfortunately, they later called the pastor to come back, and he did as instructed because he knew that there was no way he could run from their place since his abductors were holding sophisticated weapons.
“When he was coming back to them, they immediately shot at him, and he died. That was how they later brought his lifeless body back to Obajana. This incident has thrown the entire church and the community into mourning.”
A message posted on social media platform of the church on Wednesday morning reads: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of God, that I write to inform you that the abductors of our brother, Pastor Musa David, have killed him after collecting a ransom of one million naira last night. Let our prayers be with the family, the church, and the DCC in this trying moment.”
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP William Ayah, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, November 16, said those behind the killing will be arrested and prosecuted.
The PPRO added that the command has begun an investigation into the incident.
Defamation: "I didn't know burning Qur'an is offense" - Tani Olorun Seeks Forgiveness from Muslim Community
AdminA Kwara State Chief Magistrates Court in Ilorin, on Thursday, finally granted bail to the embattled Isese adherent, Abdulazeez Adegbola, alias Tani Olohun, who is facing defamation charges brought against him by some Muslim faithful.
Tani Olorun, who had been in custody for 91 days, during Thursday’s court appearance, sought the permission of the magistrate to speak in the open court.
When given the floor, the traditionalist pleaded for the forgiveness of the Islamic scholars whom he had allegedly defamed and from all Muslims all over saying they should forgive him and promising never to repeat such act of posting negative videos on his social media handles again.
Speaking in Yoruba language, he said, “I want to seek forgiveness from the Islamic scholars and the entire Muslims worldwide. I didn’t mean to hurt them or debase the Islamic religion.
‘’I didn’t know what I was doing was wrong when I was doing it. I want them to forgive me. I promise not to do such a thing again.”
Following a bail application by his lawyer,Ademola Bank, the court admitted him to bail in the sum of N2m and three sureties in the like sum.
The magistrate said one of the sureties must be a community leader while the second must own landed property within the jurisdiction of the court or in Oyo State where he (Tani Olorun) claimed to be a resident.
Earlier while moving the bail application, Bank said his client had begged for the forgiveness of Islamic scholars and urged the magistrate to grant him bail in liberal terms.
Counsel for the two complainants, Labeeb Lagbaji and Modirasatu Mohammed Islamic group; Taofeeq Olateju and Y.Y Ajibade, respectively did not oppose the bail application moved.
Tani Olorun’s lawyer, after the court proceedings, told The PUNCH, “We will struggle to meet all the conditions of the bail as spelt out in the ruling of the court.”
American rapper and actor, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, popularly known as Snoop Dogg, has announced his decision to quit smoking.
The rapper, who disclosed on an exclusive preview of Martha Stewart’s iHeartRadio podcast in 2022 that he started smoking at the age of 18, stated thoughtful consideration and discussions with his family as reasons for this decision.
American rapper and actor, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, popularly known as Snoop Dogg, has announced his decision to quit smoking.
Making the announcement on his X account on Thursday, the 52-year-old artist emphasised the importance of respecting his privacy during this time.
In the post, he said, “After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time.”
Snoop Dogg rose to fame in 1992 with his feature on Dr. Dre’s debut solo single, “Deep Cover,” followed by his contributions to Dre’s debut solo album, ‘The Chronic.;
Since his emergence on the music scene, Snopp has sold over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million worldwide.
His achievements include an American Music Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and 17 Grammy Award nominations.