The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has disclosed that Nigerians living abroad contribute $20 billion annually to the country’s economy, representing 6.1% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This was announced by NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during her presentation at the “Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill” event, part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the remarkable achievements of Nigerians in various sectors globally, commending their role as strategic partners in the country’s growth. She noted that the remittances have played a crucial role in supporting families, boosting local economies, and aiding national development.
The Chairman also emphasized NiDCOM’s efforts to engage the diaspora through the National Diaspora Policy, which seeks to harness the resources, skills, and expertise of Nigerians abroad. This policy aims to create opportunities for increased participation in the nation’s development, including investment in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
She stated, “Nigerians abroad continue to significantly impact both the Nigerian economy and their host countries. Their contributions in areas such as technology, medicine, education, and business have elevated Nigeria’s global profile.”
The “Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill” event provided a platform for discussions on how African diasporas can drive positive change in their home countries. Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of stronger ties between the Nigerian government and its diaspora community to ensure continued contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The statement issued by Gabriel Odu of NIDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit also highlighted the need for more initiatives to mobilize resources from the diaspora for national development, as well as fostering collaboration between Nigeria and other African countries with large diaspora populations.
There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu may scrap the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as part of a major cabinet rejig.
The exercise would also see some portfolios split and others merged into a single entity, while some ministers would be relieved of their duties, a Presidency source told The PUNCH.
Tinubu has been facing increasing pressure from within and outside his party, the All Progressives Congress, to sack underperforming ministers in his cabinet.
Although the President had warned against underperformance about 10 months ago, the cabinet had remained largely intact, save for the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu.
Last November, after a three-day retreat for cabinet members and presidential aides, Tinubu announced that a Central Delivery Coordination Unit headed by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Mrs. Hadiza Bala-Usman, would measure the performance of ministers and other top government officials.
Their performance would determine who would leave or remain, Tinubu stated.
“If you are performing, nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island and the buck stops on my desk,” the President told participants.
In early September, Sunday PUNCH stated that a cabinet reshuffle was imminent.
However, sources in the Presidency who confided in our correspondent said the reshuffle would transcend portfolio swaps. Instead, some portfolios and ministries would be split, merged or scrapped.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter, said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, whose helmswoman, Dr. Betta Edu, was suspended in January, would be scrapped entirely. Nonetheless, the officials were reluctant to disclose which other ministries would be affected.
“I think it is overdue now. In fact, he (Tinubu) was supposed to announce the changes last week, but he was out of the country; that was why. But he wants to do it while he is around.
“It is not just about reshuffling his cabinet. He is also going to restructure some of the ministries for effectiveness and output because the current structure in some of them is not effective.
“Just to let you know, he may be scrapping the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs because he does not think there is a need for it. There are several agencies that are performing those functions already and they can do it without a ministry. So, he sees no need for it,” the source said.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development was established in August 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari said its formation was part of his strategy to streamline and coordinate humanitarian interventions, disaster response, and social welfare programmes in the country.
Nigeria has been dealing with numerous crises such as internal conflicts, particularly from Boko Haram insurgencies, natural disasters, and a rising number of internally displaced persons.
The ministry was tasked with managing these matters, along with various social investment programmes such as the N-Power scheme, Conditional Cash Transfer and the Homegrown School Feeding Programme, amongst others.
While announcing his new ministers in August 2023, President Tinubu re-scoped the ministry to ‘Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.’
However, the ministry had been mired with various allegations of corruption, mismanagement and inefficiency, with most of these controversies centering on its first minister, Sadiya Farouq, who served from its inception until 2023.
Farouq’s successor, Edu, was also suspended for allegedly diverting ₦585m in ministry funds to a personal bank account.
While announcing her suspension January 7, the Presidency said Tinubu had tasked a panel, headed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to, among other functions, “conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes to conclusively reform the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.”
On the timing of the reshuffle, another source disclosed that the President planned to finalise it before departing for New York, USA to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“Soon, I can say it will happen soon. The arrangement is that he is supposed to do it before leaving for the UNGA this week. And I see nothing hindering that for now.
“It is confirmed. There is a particular portfolio that has to be split into two. Others will be merged, and some will be scrapped. That is what I know,” the source said.
Meanwhile, a third source confirmed that some frantic lobbying had begun as some cabinet members had been contacting their godfathers to prevail on the President in their favour.
“Yes, that is a typical thing. Some of the ministers will be calling their godfathers to influence the President. It is a normal thing. But the President will still do what is on his mind for the country.”
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Wednesday, beseiged the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to arrest former govenor, Yahaya Bello.
The Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael, raised the alarm in a statement on Wednesday night, titled, “Despite voluntary visit, EFCC officials surround Kogi Government Lodge, Abuja in an attempt to forcefully arrest former governor Yahaya Bello, fire gunshots.”
Earlier in the day, the ex-governor’s media team and the anti-graft agency were engaged in a verbal dispute over the controversial visit of the ex-governor to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
A statement on Wednesday by Bello’s media team said the ex-governor finally surrendered himself and visited the EFCC headquarters months after being declared wanted by the anti-graft agency over an alleged N80.2bn fraud.
Michael said Bello went to the EFCC headquarters voluntarily to clear his name but the anti-graft agency refused to attend to him.
But the spokesman for the EFCC, in a statement, insisted that Bello was not in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
In their Wednesday night state, Bello’s media office raised the alarm about attempt by EFCC operatives to arrest Bello at the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja.
Michale said, “It has come to our notice that people suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello. They were shooting sporadically.
“It was reported earlier that the former Governor went to the EFCC office voluntarily earlier today but the commission told him to leave and come at a later date, only to mount a Gestapo-like attack on the Kogi State Government facility in Asokoro.
“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him.
“Tonight’s attack was needless as the former governor made himself available to the EFCC in their office for interrogation. The EFCC had no question to ask Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.
“ This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they were fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption. This action reflects much more than the fight against corruption.”
The PUNCH reports that the EFCC preferred 19 charges against the former Kogi governor alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for money laundering offences amounting to N80,246,470,088.88.
After failed attempts to arrest and arraign him, the EFCC in April declared the former Kogi governor wanted.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on August 20 ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.
However, on Wednesday, Michael said the ex-governor honoured the EFCC invitation after consultation with his legal team and political associates. Michael added that Bello had nothing to hide.
Reacting, the anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, denied that the former governor was in its custody, adding that Bello remained wanted.
Oyewale said, “Media reports today that a former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is incorrect. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. Bello, already declared wanted by the commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
The EFCC’s statement contradicted the one released by Michael, which claimed that the former governor had voluntarily honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation.
But Bello’s team, in another statement by its director, said Bello was at the EFCC office alongside his successor, Usman Ododo. Michael alleged that the EFCC did not interrogate him and told him he could leave.
Michael said, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority and stressed that all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Recall that the case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. The former governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
The Federal Government is set to receive a fresh loan from the World Bank, with approval expected for loans worth $1.7 billion.
The loan is expected to be approved on September 26, 2024, according to official documents obtained by The PUNCH.
The funds will be received via three major development projects aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic stability and resource mobilisation capabilities.
The first project is the Nigeria: Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme, which is set to receive $500m.
The second project, Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Governance, has proposed funding of $500m.
While the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project will receive the highest funding of $700m.
The document stated that these projects have reached the negotiation stage and are expected to be approved on September 26, 2024. (As of board presentation).
The negotiation stage, the final phase of the loan process, indicates that the request has successfully cleared the appraisal stage between Nigeria, represented by the Minister of Finance, and the World Bank.
If approved, Nigeria will have secured a total of $3.95bn in loans from the bank this year alone and a cumulative $6.65bn under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The proposed loan projects, targeting crucial sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure, are pivotal for the country’s sustainable development and economic stability.
The Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, which will receive $500m, focuses on enhancing human capital by improving education, health, and social protection services.
According to the draft copy of the Environment and Social Systems Assessment prepared by the bank, the project is to improve quality and utilisation of essential health care services and health system resilience in Nigeria.
The document read, “The proposed HOPE-Health provides a Sector-Wide Approach platform, leveraging significant additional resources to support a critical agenda.
“By aligning donor financing with the government’s resources, the proposed operation will foster convergence around a common set of results that are reflective of Nigeria’s disease burden.
Continuing, it said, “The Programme Development Objective is to improve quality and utilisation of essential healthcare services and health system resilience in Nigeria. Four PDO-level indicators align with the PDO emphasis on utilization, and quality of essential health care services.
“Number of women and children who receive tracer essential health services by community health workers. The number of PHC facilities achieving service readiness assessment criteria. The proportion of deliveries with skilled birth attendants present and the number of empaneled EDGE level 1 CEmONC facilities certified.”
This project has the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and Federal Ministry of Education as the implementing agency.
Also, the international lender stated that the loan request for the Nigeria: Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program, is to fortify Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving service delivery. This project will be implemented by the Ministry of Health.
The third project, Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project, will focus on sustainable power generation and irrigation, both of which are essential for agricultural and industrial development.
It will be supervised and implemented by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Our correspondent also observed that two loan requests including the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project – Scale Up project will receive $500m by December 16, 2024, and the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project has been slated for an approval date of April 8, 2025.
Recall that on June 13, the World Bank announced the approval of two loan projects aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economic stability and supporting its vulnerable populations.
According to a statement from the bank, the combined package, totaling $2.25bn, comprises the $1.5bn Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing Program and the $750m Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms Program-for-Results.
Already, the international lender has received $751.88m of the $1.5bn under the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation.
So far, Nigeria has secured a total of $4.95bn in loans from the World Bank under the administration of President Bola Tinubu amid concerns over the country’s rising external debt servicing costs.
Not less than six loan projects have been approved and they include loans for power ($750m), women empowerment ($500m), girl’s education ($700m), renewable energy ($750m), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5bn) and resource mobilization reforms ($750m).
Data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office shows that Nigeria owes the World Bank a total of $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024.
On Tuesday, The PUNCH reported that 20 state governors have borrowed N446.29bn in six months highlighting the significant financial burden the sub-nationals currently face.
The internal crisis within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has taken a new dimension as members of the National Working Committee and their deputies move to oust the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
A high-ranking member of the PDP NWC, who wished to remain anonymous due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, exclusively revealed to The PUNCH that certain members of the integrity group within the NWC were making efforts to remove Damagum and realign the party, as demonstrated in Bauchi State.
The source stated, “It’s well-known that some NWC members remain dedicated to the PDP rather than to any individual leader. The integrity group, led by the National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyegikuro, and two others, recently travelled to Bauchi to advance their agenda of replacing Damagum.”
Since taking on the role of acting National Chairman, party leaders have increasingly blamed Damagum for the ongoing crisis in the PDP and have called for his resignation.
This tension became more evident when Damagum and other NWC members loyal to Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not only secured approval for the contentious Rivers State PDP congresses but also postponed the National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.
The political conflict between Wike and current Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara intensified on August 24, following public support for Fubara by PDP governors.
The governors demanded a review of the Rivers State congresses and affirmed Fubara’s leadership within the PDP.
Wike reacted angrily to this support, threatening on August 31 to disrupt activities in the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State affairs.
In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, condemned Wike’s threat as irresponsible on September 3.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory asserted that he would not retract his threat to take action in PDP states.
While hosting five NWC members in Bauchi, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum dismissed Wike’s threat and confirmed that the North Central region would nominate Damagum’s successor.
A reliable source present at the Bauchi meeting reported that the NWC members convened with the Bauchi State Governor, who serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, to update him on their discussions and propose solutions.
He stated, “The situation within our party is concerning. There are efforts to undermine it. A few of us who share similar views met with the Bauchi State Governor to address these issues. We explained to him how Damagum is managing the party in a way that favours Wike and a select few, violating the party’s Constitution.
“Many of us oppose this direction and are prepared to support the governors in taking necessary actions to realign the party. We believe Damagum should be replaced by someone from the North Central while he returns to his role as Vice Chairman.
“The Bauchi State Governor, who initially backed Damagum’s appointment to the NWC, expressed regret for his support and apologised to those who came to see him about the damage caused by Damagum’s leadership. Senator Bala Mohammed has also committed to rallying other governors to facilitate Damagum’s replacement and restore the party’s integrity as soon as possible.
“Moving forward, we will engage with more governors and party leaders to ensure the right actions are taken. Enough is enough; if Damagum and his supporters refuse to cooperate, we will be forced to take a stand publicly in the coming days.”
Another reliable source, a member of the NWC who wishes to remain anonymous due to lack of authorisation to discuss the issue, claimed that there were efforts to remove Damagum for allegedly jeopardising the party’s stability.
The source stated: “We have repeatedly reached out to Damagum, Bature, and the National Secretary, but they have refused to engage. They shouldn’t be able to undermine us all because of Wike. Traditionally, the governor of a state is the party leader and deserves proper respect. However, they have given control to Wike in Rivers. Why is that?
“Damagum needs to address these concerns if he isn’t the problem. By continuing to accept land and favours from Wike, they risk undermining the party. I don’t want that. What we need is for Damagum to return to his original position, and for North Central to provide a replacement. This will ensure fairness and adherence to the party’s constitution. The constitution does not recognise an acting National Chairman, so why is Damagum holding onto that role?
“When Bamanga left, they brought in Muazu to complete his term. Why should this situation be different now? Just because Wike believes he has more power than everyone else? Many of us in the NWC are exhausted and can’t continue like this. We’re seeking support from our leaders to take necessary action.”
In a related development, some deputies to NWC members met in Abuja and agreed to support efforts to restructure the PDP, including the replacement of Damagum.
A source, who attended the meeting and requested anonymity because he was not authorized to share the group’s decisions, confirmed to The PUNCH that efforts were underway to replace Damagum.
He stated, “Yes, we met and decided to back any initiative aimed at repositioning our party, the PDP. Various party organs are proposing ways to accomplish this, including replacing Damagum, and we are prepared to support any legitimate actions to make it happen.”
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, stated that they met to assess the state of the party.
Osuoha said, “We met as a group and agreed to work together for the stability and growth of the PDP.”
When asked about the move to oust Damagum, he responded, “It is about the process and the organ that will make such a decision. If the NEC takes any decision, I cannot oppose it; I must support it. It is unfortunate that some people act unilaterally. The party should be run by its organs, not individuals. We have the BoT, NASS caucus, Governors Forum, NWC, and NEC. The NEC is the most supreme, and any decision they make must be binding on everyone.”
When reached for a response, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that the party leadership would address all issues in the coming days.
Ologunagba mentioned that the PDP leadership aimed to concentrate on the upcoming Edo State governorship election and noted that they only paid a courtesy visit to Bauchi State.
“There is no splinter group in the NWC. The NWC undertook an official courtesy visit to the Bauchi State Governor to discuss party matters, which is normal. Some of us went to Borno, while others went to Bauchi.
“I assure you that we will address some of the issues affecting our party. These matters are significant, and you have the right to know about them. The PDP remains a beacon of hope and democracy in this country. We cannot afford a one-party system in Nigeria, and we will discuss these important issues,” Ologunagba said.
Meanwhile, The PUNCH has learned that the PDP Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President, Adolphus Nwabara, has urged Wike to lay down his arms and allow peace.
It is worth noting that Nwabara, along with other BoT members, held a closed-door meeting with Wike in Abuja on Tuesday.
Another NEC member, who is also on the Board of Trustees and requested anonymity due to a lack of authorisation, revealed to The PUNCH that the elders appealed to Wike to seek peace.
The source, who wished to remain unnamed, said, “The BoT listened to Wike and urged him to stop all media attacks and give peace a chance. It was a reconciliation effort. However, the BoT is also aware of the underlying issues and is using all available organs to address them.”
When asked about the problem, he stated, “Most members of the Board of Trustees are opposed to Damagum. He is not managing the party effectively, and many of us want him removed.
“We believe that if Damagum returns to his original position and a substantive National Chairman is appointed, the PDP will regain its voice, influence, and power. While many may choose to stay silent, we are actively working to support efforts to reposition the party. So, the best way to get result is to organs of the party, he added.
Additionally, The PUNCH learned that the Nwabara-led Board of Trustees visited Bauchi State on Wednesday to meet with the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and discuss the state of the party.
Our correspondent’s attempts to reach Damagum for comments on these issues were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to messages by the time of publication.
Meanwhile, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday expressed his support for Damagum, stating that the time was not right for changes.
Makinde, an ally of Wike, assured Damagum of their ongoing support to help reposition the PDP.
He stated, “I am glad that the National Working Committee of our party is here.I read that there was another meeting in Bauchi. Let me say it clearly that we are 100 per cent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition the party.
“Let me also say this, I don’t think this is the right time. Even if we have issues within ourselves we have an important election on Saturday. So we should all rally round and deliver our candidate.”
APC, LP tackle PDP over Obaseki’s N1bn grant to market women, NAF aircraft arrive Edo with sensitive materials
The Independent National Electoral Commission is set to begin the employment of more than 5,000 Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems and other sensitive materials on Thursday (today) for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
Sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, arrived in Edo State on Wednesday via Benin Airport and were transported to secure storage facilities under tight security.
This comes as the 17 political parties participating in the poll are slated to end their campaign today.
The All Progressives Congress candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party are the leading contenders ahead of the ballot.
INEC officials and security personnel supervised the transportation of the election materials to ensure accountability.
5,000 BIVAS
Multiple senior INEC officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that more than 5,000 BVAS devices would be deployed for the election.
“More than 5,000 BVAS devices will be deployed for the Edo State governorship election. BVAS is a sensitive election material. It will be deployed tomorrow (today) with other sensitive materials,” one of the officials disclosed.
INEC is preparing to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process across the state’s 4,519 polling units and 211 collation centres, which include 192 ward centres, 18 local government collation centres, and the state collation centre in Benin City.
As part of its preparation for the polls, INEC has increased its financial support to transport unions for the election logistics.
Additionally, the commission has been engaging with various stakeholders ranging from political parties and civil society groups to community leaders—to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and inclusive.
It was further learnt that the commission would deploy more than 18,000 ad-hoc staff for the poll.
Based on INEC’s staffing structure, each of the 4,519 polling units in Edo State will require a team of four officers, comprising a Presiding Officer and three Assistant Presiding Officers (APO I, II, and III), totaling 18,076 ad-hoc staff.
In addition to the POs and APOs, INEC will also dispatch Supervisory Presiding Officers to manage operations at various polling units across the state.
In a move to ensure a hitch-free exercise, the Nigeria Police Force has announced that it is expecting over 8,000 security personnel from other agencies to join the 35,000 officers already deployed for the Edo State governorship election.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said drones, helicopters and other equipment had been deployed in the state to forestall any untoward incidents during the poll.
Adejobi added that DIG Frank Mba would lead the police team, noting that Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police would be posted to senatorial districts and local governments.
He said, “We are deploying 35,000 police officers to Edo, and we expect 8,000 plus to join us from other security agencies who are members of the Committee on Election Security. The IGP has deployed two Deputy Inspectors-General Police, DIG Frank Mba, to be the head of the team, then DIG Daniel Pedro, who is from the South-South, to be part of it. AIGs, Commissioners of Police are to be posted to senatorial districts and local governments.
“We have enough officers to monitor deployment and supervise the conduct of our men and other security agents there. So, we have enough deployment; our chopper will go, drones have been deployed, and many other critical assets have been moved down to Edo to make sure we have a free, fair, credible and even acceptable election in Edo State
“So, we are ready to support the INEC to make sure we have good conduct and a very perfect electoral process in Edo.”
Reacting to allegations that members of the PDP were indiscriminately arrested, Adejobi said those arrested so far in the state were involved with the murder of a police officer.
He said, “We have not arrested any member of any party. Those that we have arrested so far in Edo are those that were suspected and they have been fingered in the killing of a policeman within the airport vicinity in Benin City.
“So, if they belong to a party, we don’t know; if they are businessmen, we don’t know; if they are professors, we don’t know. So, we are only dealing with those who have been fingered in the killing of the policeman in the state. And for those who have killed policemen or a policeman across the country, they have murdered peace and they will never enjoy peace.
“We cannot allow our policemen to be killed, to be attacked and be killed and you expect us to fold our arms? So, people are accusing the IGP of arresting people in Edo indiscriminately. No. We have our targets, we went for our targets, and we will still go for more.
“Those are people arrested in connection with the killing of the policeman. Don’t forget, we have charged some people to court. The case is in court and we are still going to do more. We are widening the scope of the investigation.
“Enough is enough. Any slightest thing, you attack the police and you kill the policemen as if we don’t have laws in Nigeria.
“So, anybody can say whatever they want to say, but for us in the police, we don’t know anybody’s identity other than those that we have arrested for the killing of a policeman in the state.
“According to the provisions of the law, there is what we call parties to offences, a criminal law. If you have committed an offence, if you are propelled to commit an offence, you are parties to that offence, and you go for it.
“So, those that are picked, they have done one thing or the other that led to the crisis and that led to the shooting of the policemen. Not only that, arms have been recovered from them, prohibited firearms. More than six have been recovered from them.
“So, we are not picking individuals to jeopardize the electoral process. We are not picking anybody on party basis. We only went after those who killed our policemen and injured others.”
Ahead of the election, the Nigerian Air Force has begun airlifting election materials to the state.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain, Kabiru Ali said the airlifting was to ensure timely and secure delivery of sensitive materials necessary for the smooth conduct of the elections.
Ali said, “The Nigerian Air Force has commenced the airlift of election materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission to Benin, Edo State, ahead of the upcoming governorship election scheduled for 21 September 2024.
“This move is part of a broader effort to ensure timely and secure delivery of sensitive materials necessary for the smooth conduct of the elections. The airlift operation demonstrates the collaboration between NAF and INEC, aimed at facilitating logistics and ensuring a peaceful election process in Edo State.”
PDP accuses INEC
With just 48 hours before election, the PDP urged the electoral commission and the police not to allow the All Progressives Congress pitch them against the people.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made the statement during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, urging INEC and the police to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election in Edo State.
“The PDP has information that some unscrupulous INEC officials have concluded plans to give result sheets to APC. We call on INEC to ensure the endorsement of all result sheets by the REC and National Commissioner for the zone assigned for the election for authentication at the time of the distribution of election materials to the various Local Governments, Wards and Units,” he said.
Ologunagba asserted that the momentum for Saturday’s election suggests the PDP was poised for a decisive victory.
He stated, “The tide of this election, to the effect that the PDP is coasting to a sweeping victory, is clear for all to see and the people of Edo State are not ready to accept any result that does not reflect their Will as expressed at the ballot.
“The PDP therefore charges INEC and the police not to allow the APC to pitch them against the people. They must ensure a free, fair and credible election in Edo State.
The PDP, Ologunagba pointed out, had also been alerted that “the APC has allegedly given fake police and military uniforms and dangerous weapons to their thugs to unleash violence on the people of Edo State on Election Day.”
“These harassments, arrests and torture of PDP members and supporters are going on with the knowledge of the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the entreaties by the PDP to IGP to put such to an end have not received the desired attention,” he noted.
Ologunagba warned that the PDP candidate and the people of Edo State would not stand by and let the APC intimidate them or manipulate the results of the governorship election on Saturday.
He added, “The PDP and the people of Edo State are for peace but if the APC wants trouble, the PDP and the people of Edo State will use every legitimate weapon and means available in a democratic resistance to fight back, head-to-head and with overwhelming force to protect and ensure that nobody subverts the Will of the people at the poll.
“The PDP, in very clear terms, cautions that from henceforth any APC thug, fake or compromised security operatives that attempt to abduct any innocent citizen of Edo State, attempt to snatch ballot box or cause any crisis on election day will know that ‘Edo no bi Kogi.’
“The PDP, therefore, directs all our members and supporters across Edo State to get ready for election. They should equip themselves with all necessary self-defense mechanism to defend their Will and our democracy.”
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has voiced concerns regarding the election.
HURIWA and 13 affiliated organisations at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, berated INEC for retaining the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, citing his close ties to the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, which they said could compromise the commission’s neutrality.
HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said, “The refusal to redeploy Onuoha raises serious questions about the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election in Edo State.
“INEC’s reputation is on the line, and the Nigerian people deserve an election that is transparent and free of external influences,” HURIWA stated.
The association also expressed concerns about the police’s impartiality, alleging that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State is biased towards the APC.
HURIWA claimed that the recent arrests of PDP leaders indicated a pattern of intimidation aimed at undermining the opposition.
To address these issues, HURIWA appealed to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to take charge of security operations during the elections.
Opposition slam Obaseki
Director of Publicity, Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Kassim Afegbua, described the N1bn grant promised market women by Governor Obaseki as “an inducement.”
Obaseki made the pledge while addressing the Association of Market Women in Edo State on Tuesday.
“The promise is an inducement and a trick to fool the people again,” Afegbua told The PUNCH. “He(Obaseki) has tried everything at this time and nothing is working for him. The promise is part of the gambling nature of the Governor Obaseki-led PDP government that the Edo State people have experienced in the past eight years.
“Some of the major markets have all been burnt down and he has refuse to renovate or rebuild while other markets are begging for the attention of the governor.”
The Edo State Labour Party Publicity Secretary, Sam Uruopa, told The PUNCH that the governor cannot make such a promise less than three months to the end of his tenure.
“A government that is winding down cannot make such a promise. Is he the one on the ballot or Asue Ighodalo? Obaseki has been the governor for eight years, is it now that he is making the N1bn promise to make people vote for his failing party. He is only trying to woo the people with empty promises because they are no longer with him.”
Afegbua also accused Obaseki of trying to harass civil servants to vote for Ighodalo.
This comes after Obaseki told the state workers civil servants at a meeting on Tuesday in Benin that they would be the first casualty if an opposition candidate emerged the governor, urging them to vote for Ighodalo for continiuty sake.
“At the meeting on Tuesday, 8am, the governor issued out a fiat that any of the civil servants who refused to vote for his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, would be summarily sacked,” Afegbua said in a statement.
“He directed the directors and senior staff members to inform their subordinates of the directive, which according to him must be complied with. Even when some of the staff were grumbling, Governor Obaseki, vowed to deal ruthlessly with the staff if they failed to comply with the directive.
“According to Governor Obaseki, the election would be a do-or-die contest, and he directed the staff and civil servants to join him in the exercise of taking Edo State back by fire and by force.
“He also assured them that he would give them hazard allowances starting from Thursday to motivate the civil servants for the voting exercise. If the governor gives you money, collect it. After all, the money belongs to the people.
“We understand that what the civil servants take home from their promised N70,000 is actually N54,000 but the incoming APC government will pay N70,000 in full as well as other allowances.”
In response, the Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, said, “We want to equivocally state that there is no such thing and the government never made any statements whatsoever threatening civil servants. The dimwitted scribbling is not only false but a figment of the jaundiced imagination of Afegbua, whose loyalty is to mammon and not the people.
“The civil servants in Edo State are Nigeria’s happiest workers. They are liberated and well-empowered and have no reason to vote for Kassim Afegbua’s sinking party, the APC, whose government at the centre has not only superintended the liquidation of the Nigerian State but has inflicted untold hardship and suffering on the people.”
Police arrest miscreants
Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the police contingent for the election, Frank Mba, said the state command, with the support of visiting officers, had arrested miscreants at dark spots to ensure the election was hitch-free.
“Like the IGP has already briefed Nigerians, the police will be deploying adequately for the Edo election. What we have done today (Wednesday) is to hold a meeting with the strategic commanders, DPOs, Area Commanders, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Commissioner of Police who are saddled with the task of providing leadership and supervision at the various levels.
“Our task is to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of a free, fair and credible election. We are working with sister agencies as we cannot work in isolation.
“The state shares borders with Kogi, Delta, Ondo and Anambra states, so the security will be adequately done. The Army will man these border areas that are far away while the Navy will also provide security on the waterways, while other security organsations will also work with us during the election.
“We are also providing a dedicated phone number, 07025000383, for the public to report any breach of peace. This phone number will be with me and if for operational reasons it is not with me, it will be with my PA.
“The state command is supported by visiting officers who have been conducting very specialised operations. They have been conducting raids at known criminal hideouts. Most of the raids they have are target-oriented, intelligent driven and they are targeted at isolating criminal elements in the state while some have been arrested. The raid continues as we are ready to provide adequate security during this election.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, arrived in Edo on Wednesday ahead to assess the readiness of troops deployed for the poll.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, noted that the CDS also met with the Governor Obaseki and assured him of a safe environment for the election.
The statement read, “Speaking during his visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the CDS said he is in the state to assess the operational readiness of the troops and other security agencies. He assures the governor of an enabling environment for Edo people to come out and vote for their candidate of choice. “
Musa also promised that the troops deployed for the election would be professional in their conduct.
“I want to assure the good people of Edo State that the Armed Forces and other security agencies are going to act professionally in the conduct of the election.”
Musa warned those with intentions to cause violence against doing so or face the consequences.
“The Armed Forces will not accept any individual carrying arms and weapons of any kind. He added that President Bola Tinubu has given the military the mandate to ensure the most peaceful election in the history of the state.
“General Musa maintained that the Armed Forces will ensure Mr president’s directive comes to fruition. He seized the opportunity to appeal to Edo citizens to come out and vote en masse while guaranteeing their security. The Nigerian Police, he said, will provide general security while the military will give security back up for the election.”
The PUNCH learnt most of the political parties have reinforced as the campaign enters final day today.
The APC said it would use its last campaign day to intensify its unit-to-unit campaign across the state.
Director of Publicity, Edo APC Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, said, “We will intensify the unit to unit campaign on Thursday to round off the election,” he added.
Also, presidential candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, on Wednesday tasked the security agencies and INEC to ensure a free, fair and credible poll, saying the LP was the right party to take the state to the next level.
He made this known during the final rally for the party’s candidate Olumide Akpata in Benin.
He said, “Nigerians are suffering today because of the wrong choice of leadership they made. If Akpata wins the election, he will fix the federal roads that are connected to the state without waiting for the federal government to fix them.”
Less than 72 hours to the election, the candidate of the Accord Party Dr. Bright Enabulele said he remained the authentic candidate of the party and asked whoever was aggrieved to seek redress in court.
Enabulele said the battle for the authentic AP candidate was between him and Kennedy Iyere, adding that it was an attempt to distract him from the bigger issue of governance.
that had rendered the state post rate, assuring that he would not be drawn into that petty issue.
He advised whoever had the faintest idea that “he is the candidate of the party apart from me to first allow us to win the election and then seek redress in court. I am not going to be distracted from pursuing the desire to give the best of governance to Edo People.”
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership is set to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the election.
The Chancellor of the Athena Centre, Osita Chidoka, in a statement on Wednesday, said the exercise was aimed at building on the success of its widely praised reviews of the elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.
He said the organisation had mobilised about 100 ad-hoc staff and volunteers to digitise results from IReV on election night, adding that findings would be published just days after the election and report ready before tribunal cases.
The statement read, “Building on the success of our widely praised reviews of the Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo governorship election, recognised for its depth, clarity and significant impact, the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership is set to conduct a comprehensive post-election audit of the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024.”
He urged Edo voters, especially youths to come out and vote, adding, “Your voice will count. Be vigilant, shun vote-buying, violence, and hold your electoral officers accountable.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed its intention to re-introduce and enforce the payment of the controversial Cybersecurity Levy on electronic transactions by Nigerians.
The CBN made this known in its Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 document released on Tuesday.
Naija News, however, observed, according to the document, that the levy has been reduced from the 0.5% earlier announced in May 2024 to 0.005% in the new guidelines.
The document read: “The CBN shall continue to enforce the payment of the mandatory levy of 0.005 per cent on all electronic transactions by banks and other financial institutions, in accordance with the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”
This move is in line with the provisions of the recently amended Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2024, and is aimed at bolstering the nation’s cyber security infrastructure.
The commercial banks and other financial institutions operating in the country are expected to deduct the levy from all electronic transactions by customers.
However, the CBN is yet to announce a date for the re-commencement of the charges.
It would be recalled that the CBN instructed banks in May this year to start the deduction of the cybercrime fee from customers’ transactions.
The development, however, generated widespread condemnation from Nigerians, who lamented the hardship they were already going through. Subsequently, the apex bank ordered banks to halt the charges.
The CBN directive follows an order from President Bola Tinubu for the suspension of the policy for proper review.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) has denied having the embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in its custody.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Bello is not in the custody of the anti-graft agency and remains a wanted man.
The EFCC added that the subsisting warrant of arrest for Bello over an alleged ₦80.2billion money laundering charges remains in place.
“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.
The position of the anti-graft agency differs from an earlier statement from Bello’s media office, which claims the former Governor honoured the EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies, asserting that he has “nothing to hide.”
This development comes after a history of resistance from Bello, who had previously evaded multiple EFCC invitations and faced a dramatic scene at his Abuja residence.
The EFCC had even obtained a warrant for his arrest, but intervention from his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, had staved off immediate action.
Bello currently faces a 19-count alleged money laundering charge, with his trial adjourned until September 25.
The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have threatened that its members would embark on strike unless their demands are met.
The university unions threatened to embark on a fresh strike in three weeks’ time unless the government meets their demands.
In a statement jointly signed by SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the unions noted that an initial 10-day grace period given to the government to meet their demands expired on 26th July, 2024 and the government failed to take action.
They added that six weeks after the grace period elapsed, the government has yet to fulfill this obligation.
The unions, therefore threatened that if the federal government fails to act within the new grace period, they’ll be left with no choice than to shut down universities and inter-university centres.
“It is in light of the above that we inform the government of the decision of the National JAC of NASU and SSANU, at the meeting held on 12th September 2024, that the government is given a final three-week ultimatum from Tuesday, 17th September 2024, to pay the four months’ withheld salaries and implement the agreement reached on 20th August 2022. Failing this, our members may be forced to embark on indefinite strike action at the expiration of the ultimatum,” Ibrahim said.
The statement added that, during the National Minimum Wage meeting, President Bola Tinubu had approved the payment of the four months’ withheld salaries on 18th July 2024, following discussions with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
“We have it on good authority that Mr President approved the payment of the four months’ withheld salaries as far back as 18th July 2024 at the National Minimum Wage meeting with the NLC and TUC leadership.
“Recently, we also heard that Mr President has approved the actual release of the payment. Regrettably, despite these approvals, nothing has been forthcoming,” the statement added.
The unions are demanding, among other things, the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies should ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Edo state.
The Edo state off-cycle governorship election will be held on September 21.
Obi spoke on Wednesday during the grand finale of the LP governorship campaign in Benin, the state capital.
The former governor of Anambra called on the people of Edo to vote for Olumide Akpata, the LP governorship candidate.
Obi said Akpata if voted as governor of Edo, would deliver the needed change for the benefit of the masses.
“If elected, the Labour Party’s candidate will address federal roads connected to the state without waiting for the federal government to act,” Obi said.
He added that the era of election rigging is over in Nigeria, noting that “anyone who tries to rig the election would be rigged”.
“Election rigging is coming to an end in this country. This time around, anyone who rigs the election, we will rig him,” he said.
“Nigerians are suffering every day with hardship, and we cannot continue. That is what the Labour Party wants to change.”
Datti Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential elections, asked LP supporters in the state to leverage their numerical strength to ensure the victory of their candidate.
On his part, the LP governorship candidate asked his supporters to use their votes to “chase” the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) out of the Edo government house.
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The Sokoto state commission of inquiry has commenced an investigation into the sales of the state’s shares worth N16.1 billion during the administration of Aminu Tambuwal, the immediate past governor.
The shares were sold by the Sokoto State Investment Limited.
Amanzi Amanzi, a lawyer, told journalists on Tuesday at the end of the panel’s session that the commission was called upon to investigate the sale of government shares unaccounted for between 2018 and 2023.
“In 2018, the accountant-general of the state transferred all government shares to Sokoto State Investment Limited through an official letter,” Amanzi said.
“Between 2018 and 2023, these shares were sold, but the proceeds are unaccounted for. This commission has been called upon to investigate the sales and trace the whereabouts of the funds.”
Amanzi alleged that N16.1 billion was unaccounted for from the sales of the shares, adding that N4 billion out of the amount was distributed to private and corporate accounts without justifiable cause.
The lawyer added that the commission received memoranda from individuals and corporate bodies, raising concerns on various issues, including land disputes, encroachment, and other related matters.
As the Edo State governorship election draws near, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said voting for All Progressives Congress in the state would be an endorsement of misery and hardship.
He urged the voters to ask themselves if the APC has made life better, or only deepened their struggles before casting the ballot.
He also said the APC has plunged Nigeria into an abyss of suffering and has sown seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity.
Atiku made this known in a statement on his Facebook on Wednesday titled ‘The clear choice for a prosperous Edo State’.
”They criticized past leaders for raising fuel prices, yet today, they preside over an era where fuel costs soar above N900 per litre. Their cruelty and disregard for the plight of the masses are unmatched. A vote for the APC is a vote for the continuation of misery, hunger, and despair,” Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, said.
“Do not be swayed by the empty promises of the APC. Electing Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP is not just a vote; it is an act of reclaiming our future. It is a choice to consolidate the good work of Governor Godwin Obaseki and to build a future of prosperity, dignity, and hope,” he added.
According to him, the power to break free from the chains of bad governance, and the power to chart a new course for Edo lies in the residents’ which must be used as a tool for change.
Atiku said, ”The APC has donned the mask of a friend to the masses, but behind this veil lies a sinister reality. They have lured gullible voters with sweet promises, only to reveal their true nature— a party driven by a hunger for power rather than the well-being of the people.
”They have forsaken the ideals of governance, ignoring the cries of the common man while pursuing their selfish ambitions. Under their watch, Nigeria has been plunged into an abyss of suffering. They have sown seeds of poverty, despair, and insecurity.
”The once vibrant spirit of our nation has been dimmed by a relentless struggle for survival, where even the simplest of needs, like food, have become out of reach for millions. In this grim reality, our people are not dying of disease but of hunger. We stand at the lowest point in our nation’s governance.
”The APC has not served the people; they have served themselves. And when the people, rightfully aggrieved, have raised their voices in protest, they have been silenced, dragged to courts under charges of treason. Meanwhile, the APC’s leaders bask in luxury, indifferent to the hardship that grips the nation.”
The former vice president said despite the gloomy situation, the PDP candidate was ready to serve with competence and a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare.
”People of Edo State, the time has come to use the power vested in you. As you go to the polls, ask yourself: Has the APC made your life better, or has it only deepened your struggles?
”The answer is clear. Your vote for Ighodalo will not only bring change to Edo State but will also send a resounding message across Nigeria that we reject the deceit and self-serving ways of the APC.
”Let us march to the polls this Saturday, united in our resolve to bring about the change we so desperately need. Let us cast our votes for Asue Ighodalo and usher in a new dawn for Edo State. The power is yours. Use it wisely,” Atiku said.
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) have once again pledged their support to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
They insisted that Fubara is the leader of the party in the state.
Recall that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike had warned the PDP governors to steer clear of Rivers State, threatening that he will set fire in their various states if they interfere.
However, responding to Wike’s controversial outbursts, the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed said there is no going back on their support for Fubara.
Speaking on Tuesday when he received the delegation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) Mohammed, said party stakeholders were working behind the scene to bring Fubara and Wike together.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, Mohammed added that as the number one member of the PDP in Rivers state, Governor Fubara should be allowed to have control over the party’s structure.
He told reporters that the NWC delegation has supported “the decision of the PDP Governors’ Forum to back Rivers State Governor Similayi Fubara as the leader of the PDP in the state.
“The decision is in order and that is how it is supposed to be. Governor Fubara is the leader of the party in the state. It is along this line that we collectively agreed for the rule of law, and the delegation gave their firm commitment and support for the position of the PDP Governors Forum in Rivers State.”
“We all know the relationship between the FCT Minister and the current Governor of Rivers state which is that of the mentor and the mentee. We are working behind the scenes to ensure they come together to work together in a manner that PDP is known for.
“Certainly, it is not something we can dictate here but we have summoned the courage and the will to ensure that the correct thing is done.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a new chairman and board of directors for Keystone Bank.
This was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday by Keystone bank, in which it noted that the move was part of the apex bank’s strategy to ensure sustained growth for the financial institution.
The CBN appointed a new board chairman, five non-executive directors and two new directors.
Recalls the CBN had confirmed in January that it had dissolved the board and management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank.
The apex bank, in a statement signed by its acting director of Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Hakama, said the move became necessary due to the non-compliance of these banks and their respective boards with the provisions of Section 12(c), (f), (g), (h) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.
According to the fresh statement on Wednesday, Lady Ada Chukwudozie has been appointed as the new board chairman.
The five other non-executive directors are Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs. Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Senator Farouk Bello.
In addition, the CBN also named two new executive directors, Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello.
Lady Ada Chukwudozie, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate sector, brings nearly three decades of experience in business strategy, management, and administration.
Her expertise cuts across multiple industries, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Vogue Afrique Magazine.
Abdul-Rahman Esene, with over 43 years of experience in banking, investment management, and corporate finance, has held leadership roles in major institutions such as Fidelity Bank, Afrinvest, and Global Arbitrage International Inc.
Mrs Fola Akande boasts over 25 years of experience in legal, compliance, and risk management, having worked with global brands like Cadbury, Stanbic Chartered Bank, and Shell.
Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji has a distinguished 30-year career in accounting, finance, and business development, having served at institutions such as Sterling Bank, Access Bank, and Intercontinental Bank.
Obijiaku Samuel, with more than 35 years of experience in banking and treasury operations, has left a significant mark on Nigeria’s financial sector, previously working with Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank.
Senator Farouk Bello, a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience, has led initiatives across both the public and private sectors, including the National Assembly and Guaranty Trust Bank.
Meanwhile, the two new executive directors bring their vast expertise to the table. Ladi Oluwole, the new Executive Director of Risk Management, comes with over two decades of experience in credit and enterprise risk management, including previous roles at Bank of America. Abubakar Usman Bello, Executive Director for the Northern Directorate, has extensive experience managing corporate, retail, and public sector clients.
Speaking on the appointments, Keystone Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Hassan Imam, expressed confidence in the new board members, stating that their wealth of experience would play a crucial role in the bank’s continued repositioning and growth.
“We are pleased to welcome the new chairman, non-executive directors, and executive directors to the board of Keystone Bank. We are confident that their extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to reposition the bank to seize emerging economic opportunities while maintaining strong corporate governance and providing our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience,” Imam said.