African leaders urged to emulate Faye
African leaders have been asked to emulate the new Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye by declaring their assets publicly.
The call was made by a civil society organization, The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, in a statement released on Tuesday to mark Faye’s inauguration as President.
DAILY POST reports that Faye, 44, won the March 24, 2024 presidential election in Senegal to become the youngest democratically elected President in West Africa.
As candidate of the opposition African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, PASTEF, Faye scored 54.3 per cent of the votes to defeat other contestants, including his main rival from the governing coalition, Amadou Ba, a former prime minister.
Already, Faye has made his assets known to the public in a publication titled ‘Heritage Declaration of the Candidate Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye’.
The publication, posted on his Facebook page, contained all his assets and liabilities since October 2007.
Faye said he owned only one house built on 200 m2 of land in Mermoz allocated by the tax union (a family home since 2021) and built from 2017 to 2021, partly with his own funds and partly with loans settled.
He also disclosed that he has two vehicles – a Focus 2012 acquired second-hand in 2019 worth 6,500,000 FCFA and a Ford Explorer Platinum acquired second-hand in 2022 worth 19,000,000 FCFA.
Faye also listed undeveloped plots of land among his assets, including a 80 m/40 plot acquired in 2017 worth 3,000,000 FCFA and a 4.3ha agricultural land acquired in 2022 worth 15,050,000 FCFA.
In the publication, Faye added that he has money in two bank accounts as of March 19, 2024. One of the accounts has 3,276,046 FCFA, while the other has a total sum of 786,782 FCFA.
In the document, Faye went further to declare his liabilities, which include a 30,000,000 FCFA loan taken on September 5, 2022, an 8,000,000 FCFA payroll loan taken on August 22, 2022, and a 10,000,000 FCFA loan from a friend.
In a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, commended Faye for publicly declaring his assets.
CHRICED also noted that Faye’s action should be emulated by other African leaders, as it underscores a commitment to transparency and accountability.
“CHRICED is pleased to see President Faye’s commendable start in publicly declaring his assets. This is a crucial step that demonstrates his commitment to the welfare of the people.
“Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles of effective governance, and any government official, whether elected or appointed, who chooses not to disclose their assets publicly raises suspicions about their intentions.
“It is important for leaders to lead by example and show that they have nothing to hide. By openly declaring his assets, President Faye is setting a positive precedent for other government officials to follow.
“This move not only builds trust with the public but also helps to prevent corruption and unethical behavior.
“Transparency in asset declaration can help to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that government officials are acting in the best interests of the people they serve. It also allows for greater scrutiny and oversight, which is essential for holding leaders accountable for their actions.
“We commend President Faye of Senegal for his commitment to transparency and accountability, and we hope that other ECOWAS leaders will follow his example in order to promote good governance and uphold the trust of the people,” CHRICED said.
CHRICED, in the same vein, urged Faye to rededicate his administration to transparent, accountable and responsible leadership, with the rule of law and respect for the rights and freedoms of Senegalese people as the “immutable central value”.
Noting that Senegal recently discovered oil in commercial quantities, which is expected to grow the country’s revenue, CHRICED advised Faye to prioritize national interest and the well-being of Senegalese people in contract negotiations and revenue management structures for the anticipated oil revenue, to avoid going the way of nations like Nigeria, where abundant oil resources had failed to manifest in better living conditions for citizens.
Observing that “to many citizens and residents of West Africa, ECOWAS is considered a club of presidents for their own protection and preservation”, CHRICED further noted that Faye’s emergence presents a new opportunity for the voice of young Africans in the governance and administration of the ECOWAS Commission.
Further setting an agenda for the new Senegalese leader, the civil society organisation urged him to work towards the revival of ECOWAS.
“The regional body, which was initially conceived for the promotion of free movement of residents and economic partnership, has been a victim of poor leadership in the sub-region as successive ECOWAS Presidents struggle with legitimacy and other internal political challenges of their own and the demand of the office of the presidency of ECOWAS.
“As a result, the ‘community of people’ promised through the reforms of the ECOWAS Commission has remained elusive while the region continues to struggle with corruption, lack of accountability, poverty, mass unemployment, widespread inequality, and, most recently, insecurity that poses severe threats to democracy in the region.
“We hope that President Faye will mobilize the necessary will to influence and steer ECOWAS towards the original vision of the regional body and the needs of citizens and residents of the region,” it stated.
Currency Traders Disclose Why Naira Has Been Appreciating, Predict What Might Happen In April
AFOLABICurrency traders have shared their thoughts on why the Naira has been appreciating against the Dollar over the past few weeks.
According to data from FMDQ Securities, the indicative exchange rate for the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market closing below the N1,300 ceiling marks the first instance since January 26 of this year.
The Naira depreciated to as low as N1,615/$1 on March 13, 2024.
Since the central bank introduced a slew of forex policies in March, the Naira has gained over 21 percent against the Dollar.
Currency traders who spoke to Punch, attributed the naira appreciation to waned demand for the greenback note and the decision of the apex bank to sell foreign exchange to operators.
Analysts at Afrinvest also predicted that the Naira would trade within the similar band in the month of April as the CBN continues its activities to mop up liquidity and attract more capital.
A BDC operator at Wuse Zone 4, Ibrahim Yahu, stated, “The demand for dollars has really gone down and the Naira is appreciating because of the new rate determined by the CBN for traders.
“The CBN initially started selling to us at N1,251 but they gave another rate last week Thursday at N1,190 and that is the reason for new fresh drop of the Dollar. The CBN selling directly to us has really helped trading activities.”
Another trader, Malam Yunusa, stated that the Naira was poised to maintain its gain against the Dollar adding that operators also want the Naira to grow.
The President of the Association of Bureaux de Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, recently noted that apart from the tightening of monetary policy resulting in interest rate hikes, increased investment in government instruments, and the clearance of $7 billion forex backlog forward commitments, the reactivation of the BDCs has notably enhanced dollar liquidity in the retail segment of the forex market.
A popular Nigerian filmmaker and former Vice President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Frank Igho Okpokoro Vaughan, has reportedly died.
Naija News reports that Vaughan, who hails from Delta State, reportedly died in Warri on Tuesday after a protracted battle with illness.
The sad news was confirmed to journalists by his younger brother, Philip Okpokoro, a cinematographer and series director of ‘Nigerian Idols’ reality TV show.
The late movie director played a crucial role in shaping the Nigerian movie industry and mentoring aspiring filmmakers.
He is a seasoned TV producer/director and also a current affairs and political analyst.
Before he died, Vaughan, who was in his 1960s, was lately a pastor with Dominion City Church, Asaba, Delta State.
Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala, has called out a Nigerian clergyman, Chris, over alleged unpaid N25 million debt.
Naija News reports that the movie star made this known in a post via her Instagram page, alongside the photo of Chris, claiming he stole from her.
According to Doris, someone had given Chris the sum of N35 million to give to her, but he claimed the person had only paid N15 million.
The thespian said Chris has been threatening and blackmailing her for demanding the unpaid N25 million.
She wrote, “THIS???? man stole my money. Someone gave him 35, million of my hard earned money to give to me. He told me the person only paid 15 million and gave me 10 million and held onto 5 million..
“With me still thinking the other person was still owing me.. not knowing he took all my money. Chris I want my money complete.. now I’m asking him of my money. He started threatening and blackmailing me. Simply because he’s a self acclaimed man of God. I should not speak. Me I’m the anointed of God. Touch me not.
“I want my money period… he said because he’s a pastor, no one will believe me. That people will turn against me. He started threatening me.. he even said some people are begging him that they want to drag me. All I want is my money. I worked for it.”
The Federal Government and the International Criminal Police Organisation have commenced the process of extraditing a Binance chief, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped from detention on March 22.
Security agencies had in February arrested Anjarwalla and Tigran Gambaryan, two executives of the crypto-currency firm, Binance Holdings Limited, over alleged money laundering.
They were detained in ‘a safe house’ in Abuja on the order of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Among other charges, the firm and the two executives were arraigned for $35,400,000 money laundering at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
But on Friday, March 22, Anjarwalla escaped from detention and left the country using a Kenyan passport.
On Tuesday, top government sources confirmed to The PUNCH that the process of extraditing the fugitive had begun.
The sources noted that Anjarwalla’s absence would not affect the arraignment of Binance and Tigran and Gambaryan in court on Thursday over a five-count money laundering charge.
“Mr Anjarwalla’s extradition process has begun. The Federal Government is working as did with INTERPOL to extradite the fugitive to Nigeria. He’s a fugitive that escaped from lawful custody, and his other partner is still in custody and would be arraigned on Thursday alongside their company, Binance,” a source noted.
Another source revealed, “It is true that the Federal Government has commenced the process of extraditing Binance’ Anjarwalla in order to bring him back to Nigeria to answer to his money laundering case in court, among others. The arraignment of Binance and Gambaryan in court on Thursday will also aide Anjarwalla’s extradition.”
Meanwhile, a top security source confirmed to our correspondent that the soldiers detailed to monitor Anjarwalla were being grilled by special investigators drawn from the military, Department of State Services, the police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Intelligence Agency.
“The soldiers detailed to monitor Anjarwalla have been detained as you know, and they’re still being grilled by special investigators drawn from various security and intelligence agencies and services- the military, DSS, NIA, and the police, all hands are on deck as it is a matter of national security.”
Meanwhile, the EFCC will on Thursday arraign Binance Holdings Limited and two of its senior executives Gambaryan; and Anjarwalla, th fugitive over alleged $35,400,000 money laundering.
The EFCC had on Thursday, March 28, charged Binance Holdings Limited, Gambaryan, Anjarwalla with $35,400,000 money laundering.
The EFCC which has now fully taken over the case from the Office of the National Security Adviser, has also detained Gambaryan, and obtained a court warrant to arrest and extradite Anjarwalla.
Confirming the development to our correspondent on Friday, impeccable sources noted that Anjarwalla would be arraigned in an absentia alongside Binance and Mr Gambaryan who’s now in EFCC custody.
“The detained Binance executive, Gambaryan is now in custody of the EFCC. The NSA has totally handed over the matter to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution. The commission has charged Binance, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla to court for $35,400,000 money laundering, and they’ll be arraigned in court on Thursday, April 4, 2024.” a source noted.
Another source revealed that, “The EFCC is now partnering the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Kenyan government, to effect the arrest and extradition of Mr Anjarwalla, the fugitive who fled from lawful custody in Nigeria.”
Following the takeover of the investigation into the alleged financial irregularities committed by Binance, the EFCC had filed five-count charges bordering on money laundering against the crypto-currency giant and two of its executives, Anjarwalla and Gambaryan.
The court documents obtained by our correspondent revealed that the charges were filed on Thursday, March 28, 2024, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja division.
The charges read, “That you, Binance Holdings Limited (“aka Binance”) Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla (now at large), between January, 2023 and January, 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court carried on specialized business of other financial institution without valid licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 57(1) and (2) of the Banks and Other Financial, Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under section 57(5) of the same Act.
“Count two, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (“aka Binance”) Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla (now at large), between January, 2022 and January, 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court engaged in business of other financial institution (other than insurance, stock broking and pension fund management) without valid licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 58(5) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.
“Count three, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (“aka Binance”) between January, 2022 and January, 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court not being an authorized dealer in Nigeria’s Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market used your virtual asset services platform to unlawfully negotiate foreign exchange rates in Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 29(1) (c) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring And Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
“Count four, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (“aka Binance”) Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla (now at large), and other persons at large between January, 2023 and January, 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to conceal the origin of the proceeds of your unlawful activities and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21 (a) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“Count five, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (“aka Binance”) Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla between January, 2023 and December, 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court concealed the origin of a cumulative sum of $35,400, 000 (Thirty Five Million, Four Hundred United States Dollars) generated as revenue by Binance in Nigeria knowing that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and prohibition) Act, 2022.”
The Federal Government, on Monday last week, contacted the INTERPOL and issued an arrest warrant for the apprehension of Anjarwalla, who escaped from lawful custody.
The PUNCH reported on March 26, 2024 that the accused used a Kenyan passport to escape, while his colleague was still in custody.
According to the report, Anjarwalla, escaped from Abuja through a Middle East airliner.
The office of the NSA had confirmed the escape of Anjarwalla in a statement issued in Abuja on March 26 by the Head of its Strategic Communication, Zakari Mijinyawa, who stated that preliminary investigation showed that the escapee fled Nigeria using a smuggled international passport.
Anjarwalla escaped from ‘a safe house’ where he and his colleague were detained guarded by heavily armed soldiers.
Financial Times had on February 28, 2024, reported that two executives of the company were arrested and detained after they flew into the country as a result of a ban on their website.
On March 12, 2024, the FT reported that the EFCC asked Binance to share data on its 100 top users in Nigeria as well as all transaction history for the past six months.
According to the report, the request is at the centre of negotiations between Binance and Nigeria.
The foreign exchange (FX) resumed on Tuesday after the Easter holiday with the Naira appreciating to 1,238.3 as Bureau De Change (BDC) operators bought at N1,220 per dollar, cash and transfer to customers at N1,265/$.
The Naira appreciated further to 1,225 per dollar on the parallel market, also known as black market.
This represents 1.99 percent appreciation over N1,280 closed last week.
The Naira strengthened in both the official and parallel market segments following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s move to clear all verified FX backlogs (final tranche of $1.5bn).
The Naira which appreciated by 21.8 percent month-on-month in March 2024 is expected to maintain the trend in April, following the policy measures of the Central Bank.
A report by Afrinvest Securities Limited noted that Naira strengthened 21.8 percent m/m against the base currency
In the parallel market segment, the Naira gained 19.6 percent m/m against the USD to close at N1,300.00/$1.00. Similarly, daily average turnover in the NAFEM segment improved by 8.7 percent m/m to settle at $857.8m (as at 28/03/2024).
Our outlook for April suggests that the naira would trade within similar band as the CBN continues its activities to mop up liquidity and attract more capital.
inflow via increased Open Market Operations (OMO) sales following its decision to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 200 bps to 24.75 percent,” analysts at Afrinvest said.
The Nigeria Police has opened up on why the Force cannot arrest crossdressers in Nigeria.
In an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that they cannot be arrested because it is a very tricky situation.
He established that cross-dressing is not yet a punishable offence in Nigeria.
He also stated that even if there might be allegations of people who cross-dress also being a part of the LGBTQ community, there is no specific evidence to back that up, hence they cannot take them to court.
“There are some cases that are always very difficult to prove. I’m not ruling out that we have many of them. Let us be reasonable, you can’t have someone you want to prosecute without having credible evidences against them. I have not read anywhere where crossdressing is an offence in Nigeria.
“Some of them that are into crossdressing, the allegation is that they are into something else. That’s where the problem lies. We need to have enough proof, credible evidence to prove that they are actually into that. All those offences are natural offences in Nigeria and they are punishable under our laws”.
Adejobi’s comment comes at a time when some Nigerians question the moral stance of crossdresser Bobrisky, who was recently named the best female dressed at a movie premier by Eniola Ajao.
No fewer than 15 universities in the United Kingdom have announced plans yo sack some workers and even stop running some courses because of the sharp decline in enrolment by foreign students including Nigerians.
According to a report by University World News, the sharp decline in foreign students enrolment was particularly felt at the postgraduate level.
The development is also connected to the decision by the Uk government to reduce international students, as some concessions given them that level have been whittled down.
Also, there are concerns too that the high cost of living being experienced globally may negatively affect enrolment of foreign students at the undergraduate level.
From the prestigious Russell Group Universities to mid-tier universities and Scottish institutions, the current situation is not sparing most universities.
Robert Gordon University (RGU) recently introduced a voluntary severance scheme in the face of staff redundancy due to its financial difficulties as a result of a notable decline in international student enrollments, a consequence of post-Brexit alterations in UK immigration policies.
RGU cited escalating cost pressures and a considerable reduction in public funding as contributing factors.
Real Madrid legend Marcelo has named his all-time best XI players that he has shared the pitch with in his glittering career.
The Brazilian left-back accomplished everything in his career with Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.
Marcelo included current and former football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Ronaldo Nazario in the list.
He went with Keylor Navas as the goalkeeper and picked Chelsea’s Thiago Silva to partner former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos in the centre-back position.
In the midfield, Marcelo went with the likes of Casemiro and Luka Modric.
Marcelo’s all-time best XI (via Madrid Xtra):
Ronaldo Nazario, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos, Thiago Silva, Rafinha and Keylor Navas.
[DailyPost]
Gbolahan Olugbemi, a Deputy Commissioner of Police attached to the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCIID), has allegedly taken his own life in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The body of the DCP, who had served as an aide to former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was reportedly discovered in his apartment with a noose around his neck hanging.
Though, full investigation is yet to be carried out to ascertain the cause of his death, a source told Vanguard that it looks like a su*cide.
The deceased DCP Gbolahan Olugbemi was said to have come home for the Easter celebration and arrived at his residence at Petros Academy Street, Federal Low cost area with no one accompanying him.
The deceased officer whose age is put at 50 plus was the Aide De Camp of late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala during his eleven month tenure from 2006-2007.
It was gathered that his residence has been cordoned off and sympathizers stood in clusters mourning the tragic end of the gallant officer.
One of his neighbours said, “Sometimes, he came home with police security. In fact l saw him recently driving personally into his beautiful mansion.”
“It’s only him we see around. His family is not usually seen with him.”
The source further disclosed that the man had been battling with depression for quite a long time.
Due to his effective policing, he was was recommended for commendation for his handling of the ENDSARS protests in 2020.
Before his death, Olugbemi had served as Divisional Police Officer in Ilupeju Area Commander in Ajah, and was Personal Assistant to two former Commissioners of Police in Lagos State.
More...
Napoli might look into the Super Eagles squad, as they look for a replacement for Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen is all but set to leave the Italian champions this summer.
However, the Serie A side are now looking at the 23-year-old’s compatriot, Victor Boniface to replace him.
Boniface, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in just 15 starts.
His impressive displays have seen him win the Rookie of the Month award four times consecutively.
However, he suffered an adductor injury, which has sidelined him for most of the Rückrunde while Leverkusen continued their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.
Italian transfer expert, Niccolò Ceccarini, has shed light on Napoli’s transfer plans, mentioning Boniface among the strikers on their radar.
Ceccarini stated, as reported by Calcio Mercato, “In addition to him, there is also Benjamin Sesko. Also in this case the evaluation is the same as Gimenez, Leverkusen’s Boniface.”
Shade Ladipo, the Nigerian media personality, has found love again — about four years after her split from ex-partner Jide.
The OAP took to her Instagram page to share a video of a surprise proposal from her new lover.
Ladipo expressed her excitement as she walked over the red roses and balloons prepared on her way in.
She also picked up a love card prepared for her in the living room while gushing over her picture with her partner.
Ladipo also displayed her silver-plated engagement ring.
“I said yes again. 2nd time is a charm #MrsA,” she wrote in a terse post.
View this post on Instagram
Tiwa Savage, the award-winning songstress, has addressed claims that she does not support her colleagues in the music industry.
Over the years, there have been some speculations about the female musicians in the industry not assisting or partnering together on projects.
But in a post via her Instagram story, Tiwa shared a screenshot of a comment made by a fan after she and Simi announced that they would be releasing a song together.
The user argued that there have been many collaborations among female entertainers, but the songs have always gotten low streams.
“So Tiwa has obviously collaborated with more female artistes but they don’t stream female artistes collaborations and they want em collabo,” the user wrote.
The ‘Koroba’ singer, while agreeing with the user, also emphasised that she has had “a lot of collaborations with female artistes”.
“But they always want to say Tiwa Savage does not like or support female artistes. Please who has more female collabs and there is sooo many more not even listed here. Y’all miss me with that bull sh$t narrative, I dey hustle money on my mind,” she wrote.
Savage has collaborated with Waje on ‘Onye’ (2014), Ayra Starr on ‘Stamina’ (2023), and Di’Ja on ‘The Way You Are’ (2018).
The songstress has established herself as one of the prominent names in the music landscape.
Her music has gained positive reception globally. She has also won numerous awards.
The Ikeja High Court has ordered Nollywood actress, Mariam Muftaudeen, also known as Omo VC to stop defaming Chairman of the Lagos State Park Management Board, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
The order was given by Justice M. Dawodu after hearing a Motion Exparte marked filed by Akinsanya through his lawyer, Adedotun Ajulo.
In a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the proceedings dated March 14, Justice Dawodu said the order shall elapse after 21 days.
The suit sought, among others, to prevent Ms. Muftaudeen from further publishing allegedly defamatory videos or articles about MC Oluomo pending the determination of the case.
Following the commencement of proceedings on March 14, and after hearing Ajulo, Justice Dawodu granted the application.
He said: “The respondent is hereby restrained from further releasing defamatory videos and/or further publishing libelous articles against the applicant pending the hearing and determination of the applicant’s originating summons against the respondent. This order shall lapse after 21 days from the date of issue.
“Leave is hereby granted to the applicant to serve the Memorandum of Claim, and the Enrolled Order of the ruling of the Court delivered on March 14, 2024, on the respondent by substituted means through the Sheriff of the Court through the respondent’s WhatsApp Number, through her Instagram Handle; @omovc, and by publication in a national daily newspaper.”
It was gathered that Ms. Muftaudeen, in an Instagram post she made in February, accused Akinsanya of threatening her life and that of her daughter. She claimed to have a daughter with Akinsanya, alleging he failed to support and provide for the child’s welfare.
She also alleged that Akinsanya ordered his security personnel to shoot at her during a visit to his residence.
But Akinsanya denied knowledge of any child between them, saying they had separated about two years ago and he was unaware of any child until the recent claims surfaced.
He emphasised that such accusations were defamatory and politically motivated, especially given the upcoming elections within the transportation industry.