CITY TALKS
Gov Eno denies appointing daughter as Akwa Ibom First Lady
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/gov-eno-denies-appointing-daughter-as-akwa-ibom-first-lady
Most Nigerians in Lebanon not willing to return home amid Israel-Hezbollah conflict – FG
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/most-nigerians-in-lebanon-not-willing-to-return-home-amid-israel-hezbollah-conflict-fg
KellyRae becomes first married man to win BBNaija
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/kellyrae-becomes-first-married-man-to-win-bbnaija
5 things to know about BBNaija season 9 winner, Kellyrae
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/5-things-to-know-about-bbnaija-season-9-winner-kellyrae
LG polls: PDP has lost Rivers, BoT chair, Wabara laments
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/lg-polls-pdp-has-lost-rivers-bot-chair-wabara-laments
Alleged defamation: Primeboy threatens legal action against Mohbad’s mother
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/alleged-defamation-primeboy-threatens-legal-action-against-mohbad-s-mother
We Will Not Fight Physically – Wike’s Camp Discloses Next Step As Fubara Swears In Council Chairmen
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/we-will-not-fight-physically-wike-s-camp-discloses-next-step-as-fubara-swears-in-council-chairmen
We make Tinubu President of Nigeria, He Will Serve Another Four Years – Osoba
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/we-make-tinubu-president-of-nigeria-he-will-serve-another-four-years-osoba
Inflation: Why we raised interest rate — Cardoso
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/why-we-raised-interest-rate-cardoso
How we lobbied to pass South West Devt Commission Bill – Bamidele
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/how-we-lobbied-to-pass-south-west-devt-commission-bill-bamidele
Shock as banks record huge profit amidst Nigeria’s economic downturn
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/shock-as-banks-record-huge-profit-amidst-nigeria-s-economic-downturn
Tinubu loves hungry Nigerian masses - Gbajabiamila
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/tinubu-loves-hungry-nigerian-masses-gbajabiamila
Analysis: Nigerians poverty level overtake 133m in 16 months. With hunger added to the mix. Here’s why
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/analysis-nigerians-poverty-level-overtake133m-in-16-months-with-hunger-added-to-the-mix-here-s-why
Electricity Tariff hike oosts Discos revenue to N887bn
https://reubenabati.com.ng/featur/electricity-tariff-hike-oosts-discos-revenue-to-n887bn
[PRESS RELEASE] AKWA IBOM STATE: Swearing-In Of Elected Local Government Officers
https://reubenabati.com.ng/newss/press-release-akwa-ibom-state-public-notice-swearing-in-of-elected-local-government-officers
2027: LP welcomes Kwankwaso’s offer to be Obi’s running mate
https://reubenabati.com.ng/newss/2027-lp-welcomes-kwankwaso-s-offer-to-be-obi-s-running-mate
Police Unseal All 23 LGA Secretariats In Rivers State
https://reubenabati.com.ng/newss/police-unseal-all-23-lga-secretariats-in-rivers-state
Lifting Twitter ban: If you put too much control in everything, it loses innovation - Segun Awosanya
AdminSegun Awosanya, a Nigerian realtor, human rights activist, and business and strategic consultant, has offered his insights on the potential outcomes of excessive control. Segalink, as he is commonly referred to, holds the belief that excessive control can hinder innovation and limit personal freedom.
During a recent interview on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City 105.1, the well-known human rights activist shared his perspectives on a range of urgent matters.
The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban the widely-used social media platform, Twitter, has caused significant disruption in the digital realm. This controversial decision took effect on June 5, 2021, causing millions of Nigerian users to lose access to the platform and igniting a passionate debate about the consequences of this action. Following Twitter's removal of messages from Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and the subsequent temporary suspension, the Nigerian government has decided to implement a prohibition on the use of the social media platform. President Buhari's messages, cautioning Nigerians in the southeastern part of the country, particularly the Igbos, about the potential of a recurrence of the 1967 Biafran Civil War in light of the ongoing insurgency, were deemed inappropriate by Twitter. Consequently, access to Twitter has been restricted by the Nigerian government within the nation.
Nigeria's decision to ban the social media platform was influenced by a range of issues affecting the country, one of which was the removal of the president's tweets. The platform has been a hotbed for misinformation and fake news, leading to real acts of violence. The Nigerian government defended its action by emphasising the platform's ongoing use for activities that endanger the nation's unity and stability.
The ban imposed by Nigerian authorities has faced widespread criticism from international entities. Amnesty International, the British, Canadian, and Swedish diplomatic missions in Nigeria, along with the United States and the European Union, have collectively voiced their disapproval of the ban. The Nigerian Bar Association and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have announced their plans to legally challenge the ban. Twitter users have raised concerns about a suspension on the platform that they find deeply troubling.
According to a recent study, Nigeria has become the 66th country to impose restrictions on social media access, joining a growing list of nations that have taken similar measures in the past six years.
The Nigerian government has announced its decision to lift the ban on the popular microblogging site, Twitter. According to official sources, the action is set to begin at exactly 12 a.m. on Thursday.
After a long seven-month period of restricted access, Nigerians can finally rejoice as platform visits are now restored. Users are now able to access the site without the requirement of a virtual private network (VPN).
In a statement, Mr. Awosanya voiced his concerns about the government's efforts to stifle a popular platform for public expression, government oversight, and business operations. Mr. Awosanya believes that the government's measures are ultimately harmful and do not produce any positive results.
He emphasised the significant financial consequences that could arise from a potential Twitter shutdown. Based on the analysis, the cost of suspending the platform for 7 months, or 222 days, would be an astonishing $26.1 billion. This staggering amount, when converted to the local currency, equates to around 10.72 trillion naira at the current exchange rate.
Upon closer examination, a striking contrast becomes apparent when considering Nigeria's debt to other nations.
The government has issued a statement addressing the matter, emphasising their main priority of justifying their actions by pointing out a perceived lack of control.
The speaker highlighted that the implementation of more stringent measures has failed to produce any significant results.
It is interesting to consider why the government focuses on censorship and control instead of creating a supportive regulatory environment for global technology initiatives.
The lawyer, civil right activist and the Mayegun Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Dr Kayode Ajulo described the scenario concerning the police officer’s refusal on last week Tuesday to obey Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a power play of the judiciary and Lagos State Government.
Speaking during an interview with Reuben Abati on City 105.1 FM on Saturday.
The incident has raised a slew of concerns, including state policing, true federalism, and police undermining the authority of a state governor, who is essentially characterized as the state's chief security officer in section 216 subsection 4 of the constitution.
The crisis at Magodo Phase 2 did not start under the watch of Governor Sanwo-Olu; the fight started as far back as 1969.
In 1984 the State started negotiations with the purported owners and We've been told that Shangisha Landlord Association lost out.
According to Dr Ajulo, “…by so doing the property is taken away from them and it was dawn on the landlords that the property taken away to build a hospital; is now sold to other people, and based on that premise they went to court.
“It was over 30 years ago and 29 years ago, Justice Balogun of Lagos High Court, gave an injunction that those landlords are entitled to 549 plots of land to be given to them.
“Instead of obeying court order, the matter moved to Appeal Court, from Appeal Court to supreme court.
“And in 2012, Supreme Court gave the judgement for the landlords that they are entitled to such plots of land.”
Ajulo refered to page 40 of the Court judgement, implying that the judgement emphatically explained and directed that, “these are the numbers of the plot that must be given to the land lords.”
“And what is expected from the government is to obey the law,” he said.
“Giving a contrary order, trying to subvert that reinforcement of that judgment, trying to subvert the pronouncement of the Supreme Court; is an impeachable offence,” Ajulo added.
However, Dr Reuben Abati stated that in 1988 Supreme Court decided; and the 2012 judgement by the Supreme Court is not declaratory.
Abati said, “The court weighed heavily on the side of the doctrine of equity.
“The judgement was not specific in terms of identifying plots of land.
“The judgement creditors who went to take possession are acting on their own.
“Which particular plot are they are attaching?
“Those buildings they marked, have certificate of occupancy,
“The residence of Magodo Phase two are saying that this land was allocated to them.”
Dr Ajulo’s reaction: “The equity of that case demand s that the Lagos government playing about four or three rules; apart from being a judgement creditor happen to be the government of the day, apart from being the government of the day; they are the trustee that hold the trust of the people and they are accountable whole to have been able to have sit down to say look our situation, justice must be done and it is expected within 12 years that this issue would have been resolved.”
Ajulo blamed the Lagos State government as the major provocateur of the Magodo issue.
He described what transpired between the Lagos State Governor the Police Officer a disservice and that incident cannot be used to canvass for State Police.
He described the statement the South West Governors led by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State condemning the act, as being partisan.
In Ajuolo’s words, “the forum of Governor is to defend the governor and not even the state.”
He commended the Lagos State Government for setting up a committee to solve the inherent problem.
Segun Awosanya, also known as Segalink, is a Nigerian realtor, human rights activist, business consultant, and member of Justice Doris Okuwobi's Panel on the #EndSars. He believes that Nigerian police officers often feel neglected and marginalised by society.
The human rights activist shared their thoughts during an interview with Reuben Abati on City FM 101.5, discussing the issue of police salary increments.
According to Awosanya, police officers often feel neglected in our society. They receive criticism for their mistakes but rarely receive recognition for their accomplishments. This is despite the fact that they face numerous challenges with limited resources, while lower-ranking military officers are exempt from taxes. In contrast, police recruits in Nigeria are required to pay taxes.It's important to bring attention to the disparity between the military's lack of pension and the fact that police officers contribute up to 12% of their salary towards their pensions.So, these are some of the issues that require attention in order for the police to feel a greater sense of belonging and care from the government.
Starting in January 2022, the Federal Government has given the green light to a 20 percent salary hike for police officers.
During the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the proceedings in the recently refurbished council chambers. Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Police Affairs, shared important information with the media present at the state house.
According to Dingyadi, the review is a direct response to one of the demands put forth by the #EndSARS protesters in 2020. This particular demand focuses on improving the overall wellbeing of police officers.
There are concerns among certain individuals regarding the certainty of the police salary increase being implemented.
Interestingly, the federal government has previously discussed the review of police salary structure on multiple occasions. Specifically, between 2018 and 2021, there were four instances where the government addressed the topic.
When asked about the government's commitment to implementing the salary increase, Mr. Awonsaya responded, "The increment we are discussing is not a mere promise or a gamble."It is a component of the ongoing implementation of the presidential police reform roadmap.
According to reports, police officers have allegedly been receiving a significant portion of their salary from the Nigerian government. This information is expected to be supported by testimonies from the officers themselves.
City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
Time: 11:45am
Guest: Segun Awosanya. (Convener EndSARS ReformPoliceNG, President/Founder Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation (SIAF))
Topic: Police salary increment
Date: 18 December 2021
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Meeting ID: 928 7714 1732
Passcode: 600206
City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
Time: 11:45am
Guest: Mr Akinola Akinropo(Family life development strategist)
Topic: Dowen college, Sylvester Oromoni, schools and parenting.
Date: 11 December 2021
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Meeting ID: 928 7714 1732
Passcode: 600206
#EndSARS White Paper: The panel arrived at a conclusion without premise - Comrade Nelson Ekujumi
AdminThe Spokesperson Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Groups, Comrade Nelson Ekujumi stated that the panel arrived at a conclusion without premise
The human right and good governance advocate, said this in an interview as a guest on CityTalks with Reuben Abati where he seemed to have agreed with the position of the Lagos State government on the White Paper Report.
Ekujumi opined that the Whitepaper has come to do justice to inconsistencies.
The White Paper on the Judicial Panel of Inquiry report set up to investigate the Lekki Toll Gate incident on October 20, 2020 has elicited mixed opinions.
On October 20, 2020, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu launched a judicial panel led by Justice Doris Okuwobi to investigate petitions alleging police brutality in the state and alleged protester shootings.
The panel issued two reports on November 15, one on police brutality cases and the other on the probe into the Lekki incident.
Following the panel's report's submission, Sanwo-Olu formed a four-member team to draft a white paper on the panel's recommendations.
The white-paper committee will be chaired by Lagos Attorney-General Moyosore Onigbanjo.
The Lagos State Government revealed in the 24-page document that it accepted eleven (11), rejected one (1), and accepted six (six) with modifications out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry in its Report dated November 15, 2021.
Fourteen (14) proposals fall outside of Lagos State government's powers and will be referred to the Federal Government for consideration.
Ekujumi stated that he found it worrisome that the findings of the Judicial panel were not based on facts and evidence, but was premised on “hearsay.”
According to him, there are many inconsistencies and contradictions in the report that was submitted by the Justice Okuwobi’s panel.
He recalled three observations he had noticed in the report; “Nathaniel Solomon who said that his younger brother, Solomon Abuta was killed at the Lekki Toll gate.
“In the findings, I saw his name among the deceased.
“And that tells you that something is wrong with the Judicial Panel report and findings,” Ekujumi said.
He added, “When you look at the story concerning the death of his brother, this was a petitioner whose story was not corroborated by any utter of evidence.”
Another instance, Ekujumi mentioned was that of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maroko Police Station and his men who were alleged by petitioners of being responsible for deaths of protesters on October 20, 2020 after the army had left.
The DPO was allegedly wearing white jalabia when he led his men to the toll gate and shot at protesters and killed them.
He said, when the petitioners were asked about photo or video evidence of the DPO with white Jalabia bearing arms with his men; they didn’t have.
He stated further, that when the counsel summoned the DPO, he challenged his accusers to produce any iota of evidence to back up their claim. In addition, he told the panel that wearing a jalabia is not part of the police uniform, and that he could never have done so for safety and security reasons while on an operation.
Ekujumi added that when the petitioners were called for a rebuttal; they had no evidence.
Another mention by Ekujumi, was that of someone who was awarded N10 million who was not a petitioner.
He said, “From my own little understanding of the Judiciary, they are not a father Christmas.
“The person is not a petitioner; how did the panel resolve that they should give her N10million?”
When field with question concerning by Dr Reuben Abati about the position of Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), where the SAN said that the Lagos State is not in the position or has no power to either accept or reject recommendations of the panel, and what is regarded as inconsistencies are basically computer errors and there are more revelations that he will be willing to bring to the table.
In a reaction by Ekujumi, “if Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN, has any quarrel with the findings of the panel’s report and as well as the white paper released by the government, he has the option of going to court to challenge the white paper or the legality of the white paper.”
The Former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Muda Yusuf stated that Nigeria is between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Dr Yusuf said this on Saturday on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City 105.1.
However, the fuel subsidy removal is not a new subject to Nigerians. The Jonathan-led administration attempted it in 2012 but resulted to protested from Nigerians that was tagged “October 22” which known as “occupy Nigeria.”
Recall recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank recommended to Nigeria that if they don’t deregulate petrol by the first quarter of next year; it may become very difficult to pay salaries.
Dr Yusuf opined that there is an invest angle to conversations that the petroleum downstream sector, and have been staffed of investment.
He added, that they have effectively blocked private capital into that space.
“When you have a policy that is blocking investment into a very critical sector, then it is the economy and the people that will pay for it,” he said.
The economist raised some major arguments which has a social effect on our economy: “One strong argument he raised, is that we need a policy regime that will allow investments to be private capital to go into that sector.
“Second major argument, is what he called the revenue argument. Close to 40% of government revenue is used for payment of subsidy.
“As a country facing challenges in infrastructure, roads and education and we are spending close to 50 % of our revenue on payment of subsidy; that calls to question what kind of priority we have as a country.
“The debt profile is increasing, the fiscal deficit is increasing, debt service component is increasing, and all of this thing is also affecting us one way or the other as citizens.
“The employment effect: the private sector is a source of generating quality jobs for that matter and once they are blocked from investment, how can jobs be created.
“Our foreign reserves: our refineries are not working, consequently putting a lot of pressure on our foreign reserves,” he said.
He raised his observation that only the technocrats, and NNPC have said much about the removal od subsidy but the political actors are not speaking much.
In his view, “People who want to aspire to offices, wouldn’t want the chances to be jeopardized by this very big issue but the impression that have being given that the government is ready to ensure that these things go ahead.”
When fielded with question on the N5000 proposed for 40million Nigerians, he said “it is still a proposal for further engagements but what is important is that government has demonstrated a willingness to at least put something on the table to cushion the effect in the short term.”
He added, “There are concerns about the integrity of the database itself.”
According to him, “there is no difference btw now and 2012 but for now the message has to be stronger and the people should understand that this is the way to go otherwise if we spent all our recourses on fuel subsidy, we all suffer for it.”
Dr Yusuf recommended engagement and communication so that it can be implemented.
City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
Time: 11:45am
Guest: Dr. Muda Yusuf (Former DG LCCI)
Topic: Proposed fuel subsidy removal
Date: 27 November 2021
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 928 7714 1732
Passcode: 600206
#EndSARS Panel Report: Comrade Ihekiare points the Federal government in the direction of blame
AdminComrade Declan Ihekiare, human right activist and an independent observer of the EndSARS panel report is of the opinion that the bulk of the blame should go to the Federal government in charge of security agencies.
Ihekiare said this on Saturday on CityTalks with Reuben Abati, where he stated that apology should come from the Federal government.
The EndSARS panel, headed by a retired judge, Doris Okuwobi, had on Monday submitted its reports on the Lekki shooting and police brutality during the October 2020 EndSARS protests, to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
However, due to trust concerns, a member of the panel allegedly leaked the report to the public.
The Nigerian Army, Police, and other complicit persons were charged in the killings at the Lekki toll gate, according to the report.
The Panel report, has generated a lot of controversies, whereby the counsel for the State and for the victims were controverted.
In a reaction from the state government, “whoever leaked the report is not following due process.”
He expressed his displeasure on the attacks coming from both the lawyer from the state and that of the panel.
The human right activist stated categorically that the EndSARS report needs to be subjected to critical analysis.
However, he made a few mentions of discrepancies he observed in the report.
According to him, “I was not comfortable with the report where 4 protesters were presumed dead.
“I wanted a situation, where the panel will come up to confirm their demise.
“I saw a situation where the panel was saying that we are equating what happened that day to a massacre.
“In my view, a massacre is a massacre, you don’t need to equate anything.
“It is either there was a massacre there or not.”
He added, the report should be all sided, which implies that everybody that was affected in the struggle that led to the establishment of the panel should be included.”
In Ihekiare’s recommendations, both the federal government, Lagos state government and the military need to come up with their own white paper.
City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI
Time: 11:45am
Guest: Comrade Declan Ihekaire
Topic: EndSars Panel Report
Date: 20 November 2021
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Passcode: 600206
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Anambra Election 2021: The Presence of Security personnel brought insecurity - Dr Amselm Onuorah
AdminDr Amselm Onuorah, the spokes person for the Kwechiri N’Oganiru opined that the presence of security operatives deployed for the Anambra stand-alone guber election brought insecurities to prospective voters.
Dr Onuorah made this know as a guest on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City 105.1 on Saturday.
The Anambra governorship election that was conducted on the 6th November 2021 and supplementary election in Ihiala Local Government Area, in Anambra State on the 9th November, 2021 generated a lot of apprehensions from many people.
Prior to the scheduled date for the Anambra gubernatorial election, there was a report on new media that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a sit-at-home order in the South East between 5-10 November, 2021 which of cause falls within the date for the election.
However, the President of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, had given clear directives to that effect, stating it clearly that whoever tries to disrupt the election will meet with the full weight of the Nigerian State.
According to the Office of the National Security Adviser, any non-state actor that tries to challenge the state's will be dealt with full force. According to the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The election was conducted in 21 Local Government Areas, over 5,000 polling units and 18 candidates of various political parties involved and also over 34, 500 personnel, 45 Commissioners of Police,48 ACPs, 2 DIGs, 5 AIGs, 3 Helicopters. The Civil Defence Corps sent in over 20, 000 men. The Department of State Security deployed its men and women.
The spokesperson of the IPOB in a bulletin said that the sit-at-home order is cancelled and the group encouraged people to come out in their numbers to take part in the election.
In retrospect, Dr Onourah blamed the voters turn out on the humongous number of security personnel.
According to him, deploying such a number of personnel could have a negative impact in an election. “Some persons that didn’t come out may have thought that something may happen. However, their presence helped the atmosphere for those that came out,” he said.
Dr Onourah disagreed When fielded with the question by Dr Reuben Abati, if the presence of those personnel was there to justify the means to an end.
He said, “It is because of the failure of a system that accumulated to the event seen in Anambra.
“The federal government wanted the elections to hold to make a statement.
“The state didn’t want a state of emergency to be declared, so they have to deploy all that security apparatus to conduct an election in Anambra
“If the challenges in Anambra was handled before the election, it won’t be necessary to deploy all those security personnel.
“But at the end we had a peaceful election.”
A comment from Adeboyga Adedeji via whatsapp reads, “in as much as I want to congratulate Pro Charles Solution Soludo, for having the largest number of votes, I think we as a nation has not experienced what true democracy and democratic process entails. This idea of militarization of election, is another way of denying the right of the people in an election. Indirectly paving way for malpractices.”
Dr Bamidele Onalaja, the Lagos Chairman of Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and CEO at RevelutionPlus Group blamed the collapsed 21 storey building on the performance of professionals involved on the project, also on the part of government.
Dr Onalaja made this disclosure during an interview on CityTalks with Reuben Abati.
According to him, the natural occurrence cannot be dismissed but it is very slim; “according to my experience and observation in this particular case,” he said.
The body of the developer of the collapsed property, Femi Osibona, the MD of Fourscore Homes was recovered four days after the incident occurred.
According to the Lagos Chairman of REDAN, Femi Fourscore wasn’t planning that the property should collapse on him and all the other staff involved.
He said, “There are three blocks of those high rises, 21, 15 and 16 unit of the high rises but that of the 21unit collapsed.
“The project is a multi-billion project that is given to experts. So, I want to assume that Femi gave the projects to expert; the architect and structural engineer.”
He added, “There is a project manager for that project, I want to assume, who coordinates the M & E, the mechanical and electrical consultant on that project.
“Now that Femi is gone, it is not possible for us to ask him questions.
“They should go to his office, get the books to find out who handled the project.”
According to Onalaja, there is a fundamental problem when a project requires 18mm rod and 12 is recommended and if the project requires 18.7 pilling and I am recommending 10; “there is no way such a project will not come down,” he said.
He said, “If the foundation is faulty, what can the righteous do?”
The CEO of RevelutionPlus Group stated that from a reliable source undisclosed, that the collapsed building got approval for 21 storey and not 15 or 16 as many has insinuated.
He repeatedly expressed concerns on professionals involved in the project.
He noted a lot of human error from the part of the foundation from the beginning could have been responsible for the collapse.
eNaira: Nigerians always have alternatives when they not able to transact – Dr. Michael Aderohunmu
AdminCo-founder and vice president of the Nigeria -Malaysia Business Council, Dr. Michael Aderohunmu said that Nigerians always have alternatives when they not able to transact as they should.
The economist said on CityTalks with Reuben Abati that Nigerians need to embrace the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) now as the eNaira, because it is the new norm.
According to him, the idea behind the eNaira is to drive Nigeria cashless economy.
He said, “The world is going towards cashless economy and the objective of that is to make life easy for everybody.”
On the 25th October, 2021, Nigeria became the first African country to launch a digital currency called the eNaira to upend commercial banking in Nigeria.
The digital currency will have the same value as the physical cash we use on a daily basis.
The Central Bank of Nigeria made it clear that the eNaira is not a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, or any other type of cryptocurrency, contrary to popular belief. It is not decentralized and cannot be controlled privately in the same way as cryptocurrencies can.
Dr Aderohunmu is of the view that the eNaira platform is going to be a platform that will drive all transaction, but the challenge is that; “how easy is it going to be for users to access this platform without being frozen or a challenge of bandwidth?”
He noted that the major thing to start with for every country that is going into digital economy; is the availability of bandwidth without interruption.
“As we go by the question, we need to ask is how do we link the advantage of a digital currency into the Nigeria economy itself. Because if you don’t have anything to sell, you are still exposed, the difference here is that it has reduced the pressure on naira compare with what we use to have,” he said.
Dele Farotimi Lawyer and Human Rights Activist declared that protests are for reactionaries and it is a waste of time.
Farotimi made this know in as a guest on CityTalks with Reuben Abati on City 105.1.
It's been a year since Nigeria was rocked by the historic #ENDSARS protest, a youth-led anti-police brutality action.
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a now-disbanded police tactical unit infamous for cruelty against criminal suspects, sparked the protest, which developed from social media campaigns into street rallies in October 2020.
The protest became a platform for demanding government action against insecurity, corruption, economic woes, and general maladministration blamed for the suffering of the majority of Nigerians and lack of opportunities for the youth. Although SARS activities and general issues of police brutality, including unlawful arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings, were at its core, the protest became a platform for demanding government action against insecurity, corruption, economic woes, and general maladministration blamed for the suffering of the majority of Nigerians.
The Lagos based lawyer stated that the Nigerian state is deaf to change.
He further stated that he cannot go out protesting to a deaf entity.
When fielded with questions why there was a stacked division in terms of the response to the #ENDSARS protest in the northern region except the Federal Capital Territory: because the protest was more significant in south, rather than a national affair; Mr Farotimi was of the opinion that the northern region will not come out because most of them don’t understand what is going on and moreso they the issue of banditry, kidnapping to deal with.
In retrospect: according to the human right activist, “nothing has changed, every Nigerian is a victim of Nigerian.
“Each of us has become victimized by the abominable insanities that we have normalized
“Nobody can discount the humanity of the policeman.
“I have friends, family members who are police men and I know the deplorable conditions they live.
“When you demand that the humanity of a man be recognized and the man denies the humanity of the person from whom is demanding recognition, it doesn’t work like that.
“Is not about people not remembering that policemen who died, but we should ask ourselves; in what circumstances?
“Were the policemen killed by peaceful protesters for whom the likes of me will speak for?
“Or by miscreants they brought to disrupt the peaceful protest?”
He said, “I believe we have learnt several lessons, when you speak in relation to the Nigerian State and the rulers of Nigeria, it is either we conclude that they either learnt nothing at all or they are very deliberate in responding to what they did learnt by merely reinforcing the extent of their readiness to cow the citizenry.
“In so far as it relates to learning lessons, the enthusiasm of the Nigerian youth that felt the #Endsars movement has not being dampened, but they have learnt that they are not protesting to a benign moral force to whom appeals would elicit anything other than bullets.
“The events that terminated the protest have sufficiently advertised the nature of the country in which we leave.
“The state has done a fantastic job of reinforcing just exactly how little it has either learnt or how little it is prepared to change
“Because the same brutality that led to the end of the protest was on open display.”
Minister Lai Mohammed, Information Minister and Culture has said that were false and misleading as most of those who made the claims of losing people were yet to show up and give evidence a year after such allegations.
In a rebuttal concerning Mr Mohammed’s comment, Farotimi said; “In the first place there was a live Instagram feed, nobody has argued about that.
“In the second place, before the panel in Lekki the Nigerian Army was busy a probating and reprobating but eventually a fact was established in that place, that bullets were fired; fact established forensically.
“Secondly, there were hospitals who have brought their testimony before the panel, establishing clearly that they received gunshot injuries victims from the tollgate, established beyond reasonable doubt.
“I witness what happened on 20 October, 2020 and I listened to the testimony of DJ Switch.”
He added, “What will make an intelligent person like Raji Fashola, Honourable Federal Minister of works and Housing going to the toll gate to discover a camcorder that was not missing, if it is not a furtherance of a fraud to cover up what they did in that place.
“What else explains that level of iodophilia stupidity.
“Where is that camcorder today?
“Enough lies have been told that day to stitch together a very picture of the truth.”