The federal government has announced plans to issue $500 million in domestic foreign currency-denominated bonds in three to four weeks’ time.
Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Edun said this during a quarterly press briefing in Abuja, themed ‘Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024’.
He said: “We have an open exchange rate system, it’s not illegal and so we have the issuance of a dollar-denominated security, not depending on the financial architecture of the Western world, not depending on the kind of architecture that you use to raise Eurobonds.
“We’re using the Nigerian financial system, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the banking system, the investment bankers to issue $500 million in the first instance that will be available and will attract foreign currency held by Nigerians abroad and anybody else who buys into the macroeconomic reform efforts of President Bola Tinubu.
“That issue is a challenge to the best and the brightest in the financial markets. It is due to open in the next three to four weeks maximum.”
No Immediate Plans for Eurobonds
Addressing the potential for raising Eurobonds, Edun clarified that the government has no current plans to pursue this route, contingent on the success of the domestic foreign currency-denominated bonds.
The finance minister said: “Right now, depending on the success of that issue, there is no talk of looking to go to the international markets to raise the euro bond.
“It is one of the options that we have. It is the markets are open to us. Our ratings and our performance merit it.
“The market is open to us but we prefer in the first instance to challenge Nigerians to come home with their money and be part of the Nigerian reform success story that we believe that is where the economy is headed.
“Although these are very, very early stages we are in the right direction. We have turned the corner.”
What you should know
- It was earlier reported that the federal government plans to begin the issuance of domestic bonds denominated in foreign currency starting from the second quarter of this year.
- The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, announced the government’s plan to market foreign exchange bonds to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
- Edun, however, explained that the delay in issuing the bonds was due to the government’s desire to establish confidence in its fiscal strategy and earn the trust of citizens who are skeptical of government policies.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently expressed concerns over the Nigerian government’s strategy to issue domestic dollar-denominated bonds.
- The Fund warns that this move could exacerbate pressures on the naira and elevate the costs associated with naira securities.
- It also noted that the federal government’s plan to introduce domestic foreign exchange securities, intended to enhance dollar liquidity in the official market, could fragment the market.
[Nairametrics]
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the planned nationwide hardship protest against the present administration will not be allowed to hold in the Territory because August 1, 2024, being slated for the protest, has been set aside to honour FCT traditional rulers.
Wike made this known on Thursday while briefing journalists after the FCT Security Council meeting attended by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, FCTA management team, Area Council chairmen and heads of security agencies domiciled in FCT.
The FCT minister had earlier in the day inspected a road project in Saburi, along the Dei-Dei community of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) where he told residents not to join ‘armed robbers’ to protest.
“Do not go and follow these armed robbers on the road who said they want to protest. There is nothing like protests. Abuja will not be part of it. What you want is good governance and we are willing to give you good governance,” he told the crowd in Pidgin English.
Meanwhile, after the meeting with heads of security agencies in the Territory, the minister said they were all aware of the threat as regards what some people may call ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest.
“We believe that yes, we have the right to protest; we have the right to demonstrate, but all these have to come within the ambit of the law. During this period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country.
“I am aware that there are challenges, and Mr President and his team are working very hard to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved. We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens.
“We urge all Nigerians to also have patience that at the end of the day, we will come out of this economic woes. We have seen the changes in the FCT, we have seen that government is working,” he added.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu has given FCT so much support, which is why they can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in the FCT, hence they will not allow anybody to set them back.
“We are looking forward to making sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be, as one of the major cities not only in Africa but also in the world. So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace and set us back.
“For those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest. Fortunately, though, that is the day FCT has set aside, the entire Area Councils will be jubilating to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.
“So, we will not allow that day that the entire FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for the people to come and rejoice, and then somebody would say that he wants to disrupt us that day.
“We want to make it categorically clear, that the day is a day the entire six Area Councils will be meeting to recognise and give out certificates of honour to their traditional rulers,” Wike declared.
The FCT Minister, therefore, invited residents of the Territory to join them in the celebrations, saying that it was part of the achievements of the FCT Administration and that the whole world should hear them that August 1 was not available for those who want to protest.
[Leadership]
The lineup for the highly anticipated match between Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Brazil has been announced.
The Super Falcons will face Brazil in their first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament game at 6 pm Nigerian time at the Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.
Rasheedat Ajibade is leading the team as captain while Asisat Oshoala is on the bench.
Here is the official lineup:
NIGERIA: Goalkeeper
16.Chiamaka NNADOZIE (GK)
Defender
2.Michelle ALOZIE
3.Osinachi OHALE
5.Chidinma OKEKE
14.Blessing DEMEHIN
Midfield
7.Toni PAYNE
11.Jennifer ECHEGINI
15.Rasheedat AJIBADE (C)
10.Christy UCHEIBE
13.Deborah ABIODUN
Forward
17.Chinwendu IHEZUO
Substitutions
1.Tochukwu OLUEHI
4.Nicole PAYNE
6.Esther OKORONKWO
8.Asisat OSHOALA
9.Chinonyerem MACLEANS
12.Uchenna KANU
18.Ifeoma ONUMONU
Manager
Randy WALDRUM (M)
BRAZIL: Goalkeeper
1. Lorena (GK)
Defender
2.ANTONIA
3.TARCIANE
4.RAFAELLE
6.TAMIRES
Midfield
5.DUDA SAMPAIO
8.VITORIA YAYA
10. MARTA (C)
14. LUDMILA
Forward
16. GABI NUNES
18. GABRIELLE
Substitutions
12. TAINA
13. YASMIM
15. THAIS
17. ANA VITORIA
7. KEROLIN
9. ADRIANA
11. JHENIFFER
Manager
ARTHUR ELIAS (M)
[Punch]
Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has called on the Federal Government to sue for peace ahead of a planned August 1 protest in the country.
Recent reports indicate that various Nigerian groups are planning a nationwide protest from August 1 to 10, dubbed “10 days of rage,” to address the country’s soaring cost of living and economic hardship.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Thursday, the elder statesman called on the Federal Government not to allow the protest to degenerate into violence.
He said, “We’re in a democratic dispensation, and people must be able to express their feelings about the activities of the government. Nigeria is not a private enterprise. If the people are not happy, let me appeal to both the government and those people who are preparing to do this demonstration. Let there be peace. Please, don’t get violent.
“Go out peacefully and explain yourselves. Let the leaders explain to government because, when you listen to the policies of the government, the way they are manipulating and trying to manipulate economic solutions to the problems is mendacious and absolutely manipulative.”
Speaking further, he added that Nigeria is on the verge of collapse, and mishandling of the protest could degenerate into chaos.
“If you are not feeling the impact of your government, they have the right to exercise their voice. But, I want to plead with Nigerians: we are at the edge of total collapse now. Let them handle this issue with decorum, commitment, dedication, and listening.
“That’s why I said on both sides that I want to appeal to those who want to go on strike: please don’t go into violence. I know you are angry because you are hungry. Let them know; let the president himself see it. If we have been telling him stories that don’t add up, let him see,” he added.
Bode George also reiterated his call for restructuring the nation, stating that there’s a need to revisit the country’s constitution.
His words: “Nigeria is not a microcosm; Nigeria is a massive nation. What is the business of the national government in the state management of the state? We need to go and refigure; we need to go and restructure and reduce the impact of federal government, local government, and states.
“If we don’t restructure, we are wasting our time. I retired as a general, and the military organization requires a pyramid. Directives come from the top to the bottom. But in a democratic dispensation, the powers must come from the base to the top.
“Let’s revisit the constitution that was given to us by the military. It looks completely like a military organization. Power must come from the bottom to the top, not from the top down.”
He called on President Tinubu to allow protesters to exercise their rights and not allow the protest to go the Kenyan way.
“So let us be humanistic; let us have the feelings of the almighty God for the grace of our people. Things are not working. Everything is degrading. I’m not saying we should head into what they did in Kenya.
“Nigeria is more civilised than that, but don’t prevent them from exercising their fundamental right to tell you that we are not happy. The government has to be careful, and all the other agencies should follow them, but don’t shoot at them. Anyone who engages in violence should be isolated, apprehended, and taken away.”
[Vanguard]
Kunle Afolayan, the filmmaker, has revealed that some scenes of the second season of ‘Anikulapo’ series will be filmed in Ghana.
‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’, a six-part series produced by Afolayan, premiered on Netflix on March 1.
The mini-series, which was filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) film village in Oyo state, was a sequel to ‘Anikulapo’, the 2022 award-winning film.
In a recent post via his Instagram page, Afolayan disclosed his intention to shoot parts of the forthcoming season in Ghana.
The filmmaker also shared photos from the film location recce in Ghana.
Afolayan said the development is in partnership with Ghana’s National Film Authority.
“Anikulapo series new season. Location recce in Ghana in collaboration with @nationalfilmauthority,” he wrote.
In September 2022, Afolayan released ‘Anikulapo’ as a one-part movie, starring Kunle Remi and Bimbo Ademoye as lead cast.
‘Anikulapo’ tells the story of Saro, a young cloth weaver, who is brought back to life by a mystical bird after he was beaten to death for having an affair with Arolake, the Alaafin of Oyo’s youngest wife.
‘Rise of The Spectre’ became the film’s sequel, spinning off into a series that tells the story of Saro’s return from death. A dazed Saro receives an order from the guardians of the afterlife to complete a task he would deem impossible.
Among the actors featured in the series are Sola Sobowale, Owobo Ogunde, Jide Kosoko, Taiwo Hassan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Lateef Adedimeji.
Others are Layi Wasabi, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Moji Afolayan, Aisha Lawal, Uzee Usman, Adeniyi Johnson, and Funky Mallam.
‘Anikulapo’ bagged four awards at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) ceremony including the ‘Best Overall Movie, Africa’.
[TheCable]
Popular Nigerian actor, Kevin Ikeduba has opened up on his other plans if he was not in the movie industry.
The talented thespian revealed that he would be a drug baron if he wasn’t an actor.
He disclosed this while featuring on Hip TV programme, ‘Trending,’ recently.
The host, Pascal, asked: “If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?”
Ikeduba replied: “I would be a drug baron if I wasn’t an actor.”
Kevin Ikeduba made his Nollywood debut in the year 2000. He is best known for playing the role of notorious criminal in movies.
I just felt bad for the masses As Tuber Of Yam Now Cost ₦10,000 – Actress, Caroline Danjuma Laments
AFOLABI
Nollywood actress, Caroline Hutchins has lamented over the increase in the prices of foodstuffs in the country.
In an Instagram post, the thespian stated that she was saddened after a visit to the Sunday market in Ogba, Lagos State.
Recounting her ordeal, Caroline questioned how Nigerians are coping with the expensive food items, stressing that a tuber of yam is being sold at N10,0000, a paint bucket of potatoes at N9,000, a bag of rice at N85,000, and two pieces of Titus fish at N5,000.
Caroline added that she was very sad about the development, noting that she was not so keen on pricing in the market.
She wrote, “I went to Sunday market yesterday, I used to go there with my grandma, nostalgic. Hmmm. How are you all coping? A tuber of yam 10k, a small paint bucket of potatoes 9k, a bag of rice 85k, avocado pear 1k/1.5k (the woman wasn’t smiling before I asked for a discount). Two pieces of Titus Fish 5k. How are you all coping? I was soooo sad I started shopping for my domestic staff inclusive. How are you all coping? I wasn’t so keen on pricing in the market; I just felt bad for the masses.
“Everything is expensive. It is well with us. Just want to take the time to check up on you all today. Maybe we need group sessions for mental and emotional therapy; I am willing to start it up with some of you…
“Sending you all big hugs. The sun will soon shine on us all.”
Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has reacted to the planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship.
He urged Nigerians to shun the planned August protest even though he knows things are rough.
He expressed optimism that things will get better.
Oba Ewuare II said Nigerians have to give the federal government time to implement its economic policies to solve challenges facing the economy.
In a statement, on Wednesday, by Oba Ewuare’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Benin royal father said the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government needed enough time to fix economic hardship in the country.
The state read in part, “Arising from the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rukers of Nigeria (NCTRN), held in Abuja on Monday, 22 July, the Omo N’Oba wishes to appeal to the general public to give the federal government enough time to implement its economic policies that will alleviate the present hardship being experienced by Nigerians.
“For things to get better, it has to be rough for a while. The Omo N’Oba, therefore, appeals to those that are planning the August 1st national protest to shelve the plan.”
The statement further called on the federal government to intensify efforts in implementing economic and security policies to address the country’s challenges.
“The Omo N’Oba also appeals to the federal government to intensify efforts in implementing of its economic and security policies,” he said.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has launched a major crackdown on ‘Yahoo Boys,’ deleting thousands of Nigerian accounts involved in financial sextortion scams.
The company removed accounts, including a coordinated network of around 2,500 accounts. It revealed this in a report entitled, ‘Combating Financial Sextortion Scams From Nigeria,’
noting that financial sextortion is a horrific crime that can have devastating consequences.
The tech giant highlighted that it removed a set of Facebook accounts, pages, and groups run by ‘Yahoo Boys’ under its ‘Dangerous Organisations and Individuals policy.’
Yahoo boys are online fraudsters whose moniker originated from the email service, Yahoo, which became popular in Nigeria in the 2000s. These scammers are the successors of 419 fraudsters, who used to promise to help strangers get rich through letters and later emails for an advance fee.
A Bloomberg Businessweek exposé in April highlighted the rise of financial sextortion in the US, tracing many scams to Nigeria. Meta explained that financial sextortion is a borderless crime, increasingly driven by the activities of Yahoo Boys, whom it described as loosely organised cybercriminals operating primarily out of Nigeria and specialising in various scams.
Meta has removed 63,000 Instagram accounts in Nigeria linked to financial sextortion scams, including a coordinated network of around 2,500 accounts tied to a group of about 20 individuals.
These scammers primarily targeted adult men in the US, using fake accounts to conceal their identities. Meta used a combination of new technical signals and in-depth investigations by its expert teams to identify and remove these accounts.
“The majority of these accounts had already been detected and disabled by our enforcement systems, and this investigation allowed us to remove the remaining accounts and understand more about the techniques being used to improve our automated detection,” the tech giant said.
It noted that most of the scammers’ attempts were unsuccessful and primarily targeted adults, though they also attempted to target minors. These accounts have been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
“Since these criminals don’t limit themselves to any one platform, we also share relevant information with other tech companies through the Tech Coalition’s Lantern program, so they can take action too,” Meta highlighted.
In addition to removing Instagram accounts, Meta’s efforts led to the removal of around 7,200 assets, including 1,300 Facebook accounts, 200 Facebook pages, and 5,700 Facebook groups based in Nigeria. These accounts provided tips for conducting scams, offering to sell scripts and guides for scamming, and sharing links to photo collections for fake accounts. Meta noted that its systems identify and automatically block attempts by these deleted groups to return.
“While these investigations and disruptions are critical, they’re just one part of our approach. We continue to support law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting these crimes, including by responding to valid legal requests for information and by alerting them when we become aware of someone at risk of imminent harm, in accordance with our terms of service and applicable law,” Meta stated.
This crackdown comes as Meta faces increased scrutiny over its operations in Nigeria.
The Nigerian agency, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has accused the tech giant of ‘abusive and invasive practices’ against the country’s users through its WhatsApp platform, demanding a $220 million fine. Meta is set to appeal this.
Authorities and operators have recently intensified their efforts to crack down on cybercrime.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), recently announced that the agency had secured 500 convictions in cybercrimes.
In July, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) announced that it dismantled a Nigerian network involved in money mule recruitment and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe. The operation identified more than 25 syndicate members and was part of a global law enforcement effort targeting West African organised crime groups, including Black Axe. This led to hundreds of arrests, seizure of assets worth $3 million, and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks around the world.
[Businessday]
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made an error in his statement regarding employers affected by the new National Minimum Wage approved by President Bola Tinubu. Last Tuesday, the Senate and House of Representatives passed the new minimum wage bill, which amends two key issues in the National Minimum Wage Act 2019. The legislation increases the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 and shortens the review period from five to three years.
Speaking after the bill's passage, Akpabio claimed that Nigerians cannot pay domestic workers less than N70,000. He stated, "The bill says that if you're a tailor and employ an additional hand, you cannot pay them below N70,000. If you're a mother with a newborn and hire a housemaid, you cannot pay that housemaid below N70,000." He emphasized that this applies to all employers, including those hiring drivers or gatemen.
However, Akpabio's remarks sparked controversy on social media, with many questioning his claim. A review of the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 by The Cable reveals that not all employers are obligated to pay the minimum wage. Section 3 (1) states that every employer with 25 or more employees must pay the national minimum wage. Section 4 exemptions include:
- Part-time workers
- Commission or piece-rate workers
- Establishments with fewer than 25 employees
- Seasonal workers (e.g., in agriculture)
- Workers on vessels or aircraft subject to merchant shipping or civil aviation laws
Verdict: Akpabio's claim that all employers, including those hiring maids or gatemen, must pay N70,000 minimum wage is false. The National Minimum Wage Act 2019 provides exemptions for certain employers and employees.
More...
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of assaulting Yoruba traditional institutions. He said the Yoruba are known for justice and fairness through upholding their traditions.
Gbadebo’s statement on Thursday followed an announcement on the Lagospedia X handle, on Wednesday. The handle announced that traditionalists in Lagos have fixed Oro to hold from August 1 to 15.
Lagos State government was accused of sponsoring the Oro event to shun the planned “EndbadgovernanceinNigeria” protest slated on August 1.
Gbadebo said, “The campaign by APC propaganda handles to use ORO – a sacred ritual in Yoruba land – to threaten protesters is an assault on our traditional institution. Casualizing centuries of a hallowed ritual with such juvenile intent debases our culture and corrupts our revered institution.
“The Yoruba are obsessed with Justice and fairness, not only as a guiding principle but also as a defining feature. It explains why, although the subjects recognize their king as an authority second only to the gods, the community does not tolerate high-handedness on the part of the king. Whenever they perceive such, there is bound to be a protest.”
He said while he supports peace and patience from the youths, the right to peaceful assembly must be respected by traditional leaders.
“I urge patience and restraint from our youth but defend their right to peaceful assembly. More importantly, I call on our respected traditional leaders to condemn our tradition’s desecration and guard our revered institutions jealously,” he added.
[NaijaNews]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sold one-year Treasury Bills (T-Bills) at a stop rate of 22.1% during its July 24 auction.
This move reflects the central bank’s ongoing efforts to manage liquidity and control inflation in the economy.
According to the auction result, the total amount offered by the CBN in this auction was N277.96 billion spread across the different tenors.
This represents an increase of 21.53% from N229.72 billion offered in the previous auction of June 26, 2024.
The total subscription amount for these tenors combined was up to N373.95 billion, exceeding the amount offered and reflecting strong investor confidence and demand for government securities.
However, this was a decrease of 51.68% from N774.98 billion total subscriptions recorded in the previous month’s auction.
At the latest auction, the total sales, or allotment, for the auction amounted to N277.96 billion, which is a marginal decline of 2.22% from the N284.26 billion allotted last month.
Nairametrics further observed that the amount allotted in the latest auction is approximately similar to what was offered in the previous auction.
Auction breakdown
The auction, held on July 24, 2024, offered three different tenors of Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs): 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day.
- For the 91-day T-Bills, the CBN offered an amount of N16.48 billion. The subscription for this tenor was N13.14 billion, which was fully allotted. The range of bid rates for these bills was between 16.0000% and 18.5000%, with the current stop rate set at 18.5000%, up from the previous stop rate of 16.3000%. This change represents an increase of 2.2000%, resulting in a true yield or return of 19.4125%.
- The 182-day NTBs had an offer amount of N6.44 billion, with subscriptions reaching N6.40 billion, slightly less than the amount offered. The total allotment matched the subscription amount. Bid rates for these bills ranged from 17.0000% to 19.5000%, with the current stop rate at 19.5000%, a rise from the previous stop rate of 17.4400%. This indicates a change of 2.0600%, providing a true yield or return of 21.6194%.
- The 364-day Treasury Bills saw the highest offer amount of N255.04 billion, with a subscription of N354.40 billion, as hungry-yield investors oversubscribed the one-year T-Bills. The allotment for these bills was N258.42 billion. Bid rates for this tenor ranged from 20.0000% to 26.7700%. The current stop rate was set at 22.1000%, up from the previous stop rate of 21.2400%, marking a change of 0.8600%. This resulted in a true yield or return of 28.3697%.
What you should know
The decision to sell one-year NTBs at such a high stop rate highlights the CBN’s strategy to attract more investors by offering competitive returns.
This move is anticipated to help the central bank manage excess liquidity in the banking system, which is a critical factor in controlling inflation.
The high subscription rate, particularly for the 364-day bills, reflects a preference for longer-term securities, likely driven by expectations of future economic stability and favourable returns.
The range of bids and the stop rates across the different tenors suggest competitive bidding, with investors keen on securing these government securities.
[NaijaNews]
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has declared its resolve not to participate in the planned national hunger protest scheduled to take place on 1st of August 2024.
The church, therefore, warned all its members and followers across the country to stay away from the protest.
In a statement signed by Rev. Ibrahim Kassim, ECWA Public Relations Officer, in Jos, Plateau State capital, the church said it had received reports on a planned Protest being organized by some citizens of Nigeria.
“ECWA is aware that Protest is considered, worldwide, as one of the ways of expressing displeasure or objection to certain issues, policies or actions. It is also a medium through which people voice their concerns, create awareness or push for change. The Church is also aware of the severe economic hardship and the bedeviling insecurity that the citizens are experiencing, which are the cardinal issues being promulgated as the reasons for the protest.
“However, we are all aware that protests can take different dimensions as witnessed during the “END SARS PROTEST” when hoodlums infiltrated the protesters and wrecked serious havoc that led to the loss of many lives and properties. Therefore, considering the volatile nature of protests in Nigeria, which can be hijacked by miscreants and result in humongous damages, ECWA as a denomination wishes to inform the general public that we are not part of the planned protest, and we are calling on our members to disregard the action in totality, and not to participate in any way.
“The Church wishes to assure members that ECWA leadership is doing everything possible in advising government at the Local, State and Federal levels to take proactive measures in addressing the plight and suffering of citizens in the shortest possible time”
[DailyTrust]
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has warned the Federal Government against any attempt to arrest the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Gregory Obi, on the alleged sponsorship of the planned nationwide protests by some aggrieved Nigerians.
The ex-SGF, who was one of the strongest supporters and pillars of Obi in the 2023 presidential election, warned that the consequences of arresting Obi would be too severe for the Federal Government to handle.
Babachir Lawal, speaking with newsmen on the issue, debunked the allegations by President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, that the nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria was being sponsored by Obi and the Obidient Movement.
He also warned the government not to use force against the protesters, saying doing so may be a “catalyst for chaos”.
“Bola Tinubu should not use a forceful approach with the protesters. They mean well for the country. If they go out to protest and there is an attempt to forcefully stop them, that will be the catalyst for chaos.”
“Tinubu should remove Bayo Onanuga from his position because he doesn’t mean well for his government. His outbursts are inflaming Nigerians rather than pacifying them. When you are in government, you don’t insult the people.”
“I don’t know if Onanuga was the spokesman of the Motor Park Touts Association before he got his current appointment. They said he is educated, but it doesn’t show in his behavior. He has an in-built disdain for people, and it shows in the way he talks.”
“I don’t expect a presidential spokesman to come out and say the planned protest is being organized by Peter Obi. If Obi had the character that Onanuga is ascribing to him, this government would have been down a long time ago.”
“How can you say Obi has anything to do with the protest? Even to complain, Obi will not let you accompany him.”
“It is one of the reasons why some of us just kept away from him. When you insult him, he will not reply. He will just go about doing his own business.”
“Let them arrest him if that is their plan and see the consequences. I know that is what Onanuga is working towards. Anyone asking Tinubu to arrest Peter Obi doesn’t mean well for him. It is like they took cyanide with their own hands and swallowed it.”
“I really don’t know what Onanuga’s problem with Igbos is. Igbos are good people. They are our classmates from primary, secondary schools to university. They are our business partners; they are our neighbors.”
“We buy things from them. An Igbo man in my village is the one selling local gin (ogogoro). He left his village and settled down in my village. He is married and has farmlands.”
“Tinubu is a good man, but he is surrounded by sycophants like Onanuga who will not tell him the truth.”
[DailyPost]