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Okuama: March 14 killers wore military fatigues — eyewitness

*Speedboat driver: How I escaped from Okuama waterside on March 14
*Soldier: How they hoodwinked Lt. Colonel to drop arms

 

A witness to the March 14 killing of soldiers at the Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has revealed that the gunmen, who came with four speedboats from the Bomadi axis to the community’s riverside and immediately opened fire on both soldiers and villagers, wore military camouflage.

The witness, an indigene of Okuama who spoke exclusively to Vanguard, said when the soldiers first entered the community on March 14, they asked for the chairman, who later came from the farm. They entertained them before they started dragging him to the waterside; the women resisted, and they started shooting.

Her words: “They insisted on going with him (the chairman); they dragged him with others. We held them and dragged them back. From there, the army started shooting, and some villagers fell, and there was a commotion.”

“We later heard that as the soldiers were going to the jetty, other boats with people wearing soldiers’ uniforms came and they started shooting everyone, which is how they killed the soldiers and our people.”

She, however, said she could not identify the gunmen because they wore soldiers’ uniforms, and she scampered away with her children and others for their dear lives into the bush.

“It was when they started shooting again that we fled into this bush with our children; we have not seen some of our children since then. We have been suffering in this bush since March 14.

“We do everything inside this bush. There is no food or drugs, and I have worn this single wrapper since that day. We are hungry and suffering. Two of my children are with me; I do not know where my husband is. I do not know where the other children are, everyone is scattered, whether they are dead now, we do not know.

“We do not know when we will return to Okuama; our businesses have crumbled, and everything is gone. We cannot do anything inside the bush now. I do not know whether my children are amongst those killed; there is no one to ask.”

How I escaped from Okuama waterside on March 14: Speedboat driver

A driver of one of the speedboats hired by the military at the Gbaregolor community waterside for the March 14 operation told Vanguard earlier that the Army dragged the Okuama community chair, who refused to go to the waterside with them. As they forced him to board their boat, rains of bullets came from all directions.
His words: “Before that incident (shooting), while waiting at the waterfront, an old woman in pure water attire came out of the community and stared at us, making some form of incantation, and went back to the community. Within a few minutes, an old man with similar attire came to the same spot, gazed at us, and performed the same way as the old woman.

“After this scenario, the commander and his men started coming to the shore with the community chairman. At this moment, I got ready to start my engine just like my colleagues, but the engines refused to start as all efforts were to no avail. At this point, I realized that the problem had come after witnessing the incantation by the old woman and the man.

“As the bullets started coming, the soldiers tried to respond, but none of their guns answered, and immediately, I dived into the river. Suddenly, one of the engines started, and some soldiers jumped into it, then the driver sped out of the community and carried me from the river.

“I do not know what he did to start his engine. Two of the soldiers in the boat sustained severe bullet wounds and were taken to the Bomadi General Hospital. The information then was that the JTF commander and one other officer were held hostage,” he said.

Vanguard gathered that it was on hearing about the incident that the military mobilized from Agbarho to Okuama to negotiate and secure the release of the commander and others reportedly taken hostage.

How they deceived and killed Lt Colonel (Source)

According to an inside source who was part of the reinforcement that led to the burning of houses at Okuama and who was discussing the operation with his colleagues, the soldiers who were mobilized from Agbarho were deceived and killed.

 

“The soldiers from Agbarho, led by the Lieutenant Colonel, upon reaching Okuama, told the community folk that they came for peace talks. The community leaders responded that they should drop their weapons if they truly came for peace talks.”
“The commanding officer asked his men to drop their weapons, and as they did so, the community youths took the weapons away. Suddenly, the youths descended on them, butchering them from every angle.”

Narrating how he was privy to the gruesome murder, the source (a soldier) continued: “As we were burning houses in the community, somebody ran out of one of the houses on fire, and I threatened to shoot if he ran. He hesitated a while and surrendered.

“So, we interrogated him on why he remained in the village while all others had fled? His reply was odd and awkward. He answered by saying that it could be the blood on his head. Then, when we asked him how many he had killed, he replied by saying 46.
“At this moment, a colleague corked his gun and wanted to shoot him in anger, but others calmed him down, telling him that he was a possible source of hidden information.
“We discovered six shrines in the community in the process of burning the houses, which are stained with blood. We also burned them, but one of the shrines refused to burn. It was one Hausa soldier who did what he did to set it ablaze.

“The culprit, after his confession, also led us to discover hidden corpses under the jetty at the community waterfront. I took part in carrying the corpses out of the river, and we discovered that most of them were mutilated. Only three corpses had bullet wounds. The culprit was flown to the Defense Headquarters.”

[Vanguard]

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Edo deputy governor: What happened between Obaseki and Shaibu, not my business

Omobayo Godwins, the new deputy governor of Edo, says the feud between Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, and Philip Shaibu, is not his business.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Godwins said his appointment as a deputy governor was an “act of God”.

Earlier on Monday, Godwins was sworn in following the impeachment of Philip Shaibu, the erstwhile deputy governor, by the Edo state house of assembly.

The state assembly adopted the report of a seven-member investigative panel set up to probe the allegations against Shaibu as the deputy governor.

 

Shaibu was accused of “misconduct, perjury, and disclosure of government secrets”.

Shaibu has rejected the impeachment, saying he was impeached because of his desire to contest the 2024 governorship election.

Over the past few months, Shaibu and Obaseki have been at loggerheads over issues regarding the governorship election in the state.

 

Speaking during the interview, Godwins said he was not aware of what happened between the governor and Shaibu.

“That is politics for you. Your job, first of all, is to be loyal. Even though Fashola said, ‘may your loyalty not be tested’. I don’t know what had happened in the past; that is not my business. I’m just happy for this opportunity.” he said.

The deputy governor added that he is also not interested in Obaseki’s relationship with the likes of Nysesom Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT), and others.

Godwins said he was contacted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the job.

 

“The youths are very happy that a 37-year-old, who will be 38 on July 19, is now deputy governor. It is big news for them. It will raise their confidence to participate actively in politics,” he added.

“I came from Akoko Edo federal constituency. I consulted very widely, and popular opinion suggested that I should take that appointment, even if it is for 30 seconds, the people of Akoko Edo are very grateful.

“To me, it is like six years. It is not the number of years or months, it is by impact. I just want to finish strong with the governor.”

[TheCable]

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The Rivers Crisis and Battle for The Control Of PDP - Umar Sani

The crisis of confidence and the battle for the control of the PDP both nationally and in Rivers State is gaining momentum and the 18th of April is the date fixed at the Wadata Plaza battleground being the date the PDP NWC had scheduled to hold its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which promises to make or mar the party’s future. Except coordinated control is Deployed, the April 18th NEC may be ambushed legally. Events leading to such coordinated attacks have begun to manifest in many folds.

At a recent public event in Port Harcourt, the Gov of Rivers state Siminilaye Fubara comforted party faithful that the list of party caretaker committee members that emanated from the party is fake and should be discountenanced and that anyone caught parading himself as an EXCO on that fake list will be dealt with mercilessly. Faced with this existential threat Wike in swift action had already gotten Amb Damagun to Authenticate His List of Excos For Rivers as a matter of finality. The stage is therefore set for a tripartite clash between Wike, Fubara, and Damagun at the NEC meeting.

There are discordant tunes emanating within the Aso Rock Presidential Villa of the gradual loss of relevance of Wike within the PDP and the likelihood of him losing effective control of the Party to Atiku Abubakar. Should that be the case his significance to Tinubu’s 2027 aspiration will have paled into insignificance making him less relevant in the scheme of things.

As a strategic move to bolster his political confidence and prove relevance, Wike is selling a new narrative that the battle for the soul of the party is between himself and Atiku Abubakar. To shore up his credibility, significance, and relevance, Wike characteristically decided to stir the hornet's nest.

At a recent media parley with some media executives in Abuja Wike had lambasted Rivers state PDP elders as expired politicians and with a speed of lightning Uche Secondus, Austin Opara, and Celestine Omehia all responded by referring to him as a chronic, self-serving, and pathological liar in their separate press statements. He had claimed in that media chat that Secondus was not a member of the party by the court of appeal and Supreme Court judgment recently delivered. He promised to take up the matter soon.

Perhaps that explains why one Titus Jones filed a lawsuit in the federal high court before Justice I E Ekwo seeking to restrain Uche Secondus and Austin Opara from attending and or participating in the April 18th NEC meeting. Why was this suit necessary since a judgment according to Wike had barred Secondus from being a member of the PDP? The truth of the matter is there is no such judgment and Wike is scared that the presence of Uche Secondus and Austin Opara will add value and assist the governor in overwhelming him at the meeting. As the clock continues to tick towards the NEC meeting the outcome could rather be conceived rather than imagined.

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Again, Crisis Hits PDP As 60 Lawmakers Threaten To Dump Party

House of Representatives Plenary

 

About 60 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives have threatened to quit the party over the ongoing crises in Rivers State and ten other chapters.

Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House from Imo State, and five other members issued the threat at a press conference at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Monday.

Some of the other lawmakers at the conference are Abdulmaleek Danga (PDP, Kogi); Midala Balami (PDP, Borno); Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi (PDP, Kaduna) and Awaji-inombek D. Abiante (PDP, Rivers).

The lawmakers also demanded the removal of Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, before its rescheduled National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

They said they were speaking on behalf of 60 members of the PDP in the House. There are a little over 100 PDP lawmakers in the lower chamber.

“PDP can’t be handed over to the APC. APC officers can’t emerge from our party officials in Rivers or any of the ten states with the alleged imposition of APC interest. Let the world know that why they are hell-bent on imposing APC officials as our party caretaker members is to fulfil a planned bigger plot,” Mr Ugochinyere said.

Background

The PDP has been grappling with strife since the presidential convention in 2022. The blowback led to the suspension of former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, who Mr Damagum replaced in an acting capacity.

Many have speculated that the acting chairman is an ally of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

More so, the recent fight between Mr Wike and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has further escalated the crisis in the party. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, the situation in the state has not abated.

Last week, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party released a list of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee. However, Mr Fubara rejected the list, stating that there was an agreement for a three-month extension of the tenure of the local and ward executive.

“I know that a lot of you saw something flying in the social media dailies. Let me brief you, we had a meeting, and we agreed that, not just in Rivers State, but in all the States affected, the Executive Councils (of PDP) should be extended for three months,” Mr Fubara had told journalists recently.

Damagum must go

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Mr Ugochinyere rejected the NWC’s list, stating that it is part of a plot by the ruling APC to undermine the PDP.

“Despite the decision to retain everybody, Mr Damagun went ahead and received a list of APC agents and announced them as members and leaders of the PDP Local Government Caretaker Committees wholly in Rivers State and partially in at least ten other states. This is a direct attempt to kill the PDP and ensure it goes into extinction,” he said.

He stated that Mr Damagum ought to have exited his acting role but continue to serve in an acting capacity while working against the interest of the party.

“The Umar Damagum-led NWC is assiduously working to hand over the party to the ruling APC and their agents. Serious leadership would have looked into the acts of open anti-party activities, established why they happened and set up measures to ensure that it never happened again in the party.

“He was only constitutionally allowed to step in, hold the fort and midwife the process through which the North-central Zone where the chairmanship of the party was originally zoned to present another person who would complete the slot of the North-central.

 

“Not only did Damagun hold tight to the seat for well over a year now, he has abdicated every responsibility of the office of the chairman of PDP and is very comfortable serving APC interests,” he said.

Resolutions

The lawmakers gave six conditions to address the crisis in the party. The conditions are:

Top of which is the resignation of Mr Damagum and the investigation of some members of the party over alleged anti-party activities.

“Immediate resignation of Umar Iliya Damagun as Ag. National Chairman of PDP for anti-party activities and allow North-central to produce the acting chairman as clearly stated in the PDP Constitution or watch us reconsider our membership of the party in the months ahead if the right thing is not done.

“Or removal of Umar Iliya Damagun by the NEC of the party with further sanctions against him for his anti-party activities.

“That the NEC of the party should ensure that the list of party caretaker committees in Rivers State and all other 10 states tampered with by Damagun and his APC friends are reversed and announced as originally agreed, that is, by extension of the tenures of the outgoing leadership. The move to use serving APC members in Rivers State and 10 other states to lead our party caretaker at the state, LGA and ward level is the highest act of political provocation and impunity that we are going to fight with everything in us.

“That NEC of PDP should review the sources of generating finance for the party to pay its national secretariat staff and to discharge all other responsibilities of the party and to investigate the allegation that pro-APC supporters are funding the present PDP of today. This is the height of political treason.

“That PDP NEC sets up a Committee to investigate all continuing acts of anti-party activities from 2023 and mete out appropriate sanctions which will serve as a deterrent and also encourage cleansing of the party. Ward executives of our party where people were involved in anti-party activities or still involved like Cross River, Rivers, Benue, Abia, Ondo, Kano, Kogi, Edo etc should immediately announce the expulsion of all those involved without fear or favour. This must be done immediately. Any executive that cannot do this should be removed by members in those wards, and new officers who have the courage to enforce the provisions of our party constitution constituted to do the needful.

“That a credible party leader from the North-central be confirmed chairman of the party in line with the zoning formula as enshrined in the constitution,” the resolution reads.

Mr Ugochinyere said the failure of the party to comply with the resolutions could prompt the lawmakers to sever ties with their party.

“Where these demands are not met, we, the opposition lawmakers coalition from PDP in the National Assembly, will be left with no other options but to suspend participating in the party activities and seek a new political relationship where decisions in that party will not be taken in the secretariats of another political party,” he said.

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CBN Stops Use Of Foreign Currencies As Collateral For Naira Loans

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has prohibited the use of Foreign Currency-denominated collaterals for Naira loans by all Nigerian banks.

The apex bank disclosed this on Monday in a letter to all commercial banks signed by its Director Banking Supervision Department, Adetona Adedeji.

However, the new guidelines gave exception to Eurobonds issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Guarantees of foreign banks, including Standby Letters of Credit.


“The Central Bank of Nigeria has observed the prevailing situation where bank customers use Foreign Currency (FCY) as collaterals for Naira loans.

“Consequently, the current practice of using foreign currency-denominated
collaterals for Naira loans is hereby prohibited, except, where the foreign currency collateral is: Eurobonds issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria; or Guarantees of foreign banks, including Standby Letters of Credit.

“In this regard, all loans currently secured with dollar-denominated collaterals other than as mentioned above should be wound down within 90 days, failing which such
exposures shall be risk-weighted 150 per cent for Capital Adequacy Ratio computation, in addition to other regulatory sanctions,” CBN stated.

The development comes in the wake of the recently announced minimum capital requirements for all banks.

For months, CBN’s governor, Olayemi Cardoso had continued to roll out policies to defend the Naira and Nigeria’s economy.

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Electricity tariff: Reps won’t allow Nigerians to suffer – Deputy Speaker

The House of Representatives will intervene in the recent increase in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission upon its resumption on April 23, 2024, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, has said.

Recall that the development which has culminated in consumers in Band A paying as much as a 300 per cent increment has been widely condemned by opposition parties, prominent citizens, and civil society organisations.

It will be recalled that a spontaneous outcry greeted the development upon its announcement by the electricity authorities, stimulating fears that it would escalate the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking virtually on the special edition of “Ben Kalu’s Mandate”, a call-in radio programme of FLO FM, Umuahia, Abia State, on Monday, the lawmaker noted that the parliament would find a way to resolve the issue.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, quoted Kalu as saying that the parliament would continue to conduct its affairs with the greatest interest of Nigerians in mind.

“It’s a general problem. While I was on my holidays, one of the things I was bothered with was a letter sent to me by the majority leader of the House on the need for us to intervene in a matter involving the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital power supply. They were disconnected because of this hike, and they don’t have the money to pay. We said it’s an essential service. Something should be done about it while we look at other details.

“I can assure you that when we resume, it’s one of the things we are going to look into. We will look at both sides of the coin to know a win-win approach to it because we cannot suffocate and also the investors. We cannot allow Nigerians to suffer unduly. So, it is one of the things we will look at by the time we resume, and we will find a way to solve it,” the statement quoted Kalu as saying.


On the possibility of a new constitution for Nigerians, Kalu said the onus is on the people to participate fully in the process, while the National Assembly will help amplify their voices.

“Some schools of thought expressed the view that they want a new constitution. They want us to drop the old one and take up a new one. Some elders known as The Patriots are also asking for a new constitution. But as you know, we are the people’s parliament.

“You are our bosses. Whatever the people decide for us to do when we have our public hearings and all these engagements, when we move around because we are going to go to every zone, most local government areas or senatorial or geopolitical zones to engage, is what we will look at.

“If the people have a general consensus that this is what Nigerians want and the template of what they are asking for; what is wrong with this one that you want to change? What would the new one look like, and what do you have in mind? We will be able to factor that in.

“I am happy that you are conscious of the move for the amendment of the constitution. I like it when people call to discuss that. It shows there is an awareness which is very key. It’s only when you are aware that you can engage and make the right impact. So, I appreciate you. This is the time to lend your voice to this,” he said.

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I Was Impeached Because I Wanted To Be Governor - Former Edo Deputy-Gov, Shaibu

Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has described his impeachment by the state House of Assembly as illegal.

Earlier, the state House of Assembly impeached the embattled state deputy governor following the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against him.

He was probed on allegations of perjury and leaking of government secrets by a panel headed by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) which ended its sitting on Friday after Shaibu failed to appear.

Shaibu said the impeachment was due to his ambition to become the state governor.


He, however, noted that the impeachment did not follow due process.

He made his position known in a video shared on his X handle on Monday.

He said, “My good people of Edo State, I thank you all for standing by me in these troubling circumstances as the deputy governor of Edo State.


“It is with a heavy heart, yet a resolute spirit, that I come before you to address the recent events that are unfolding in our dear state. I denounce in the strongest term the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over baseless charges.”

He added that his impeachment was an attack on democracy and a show of dictatorship.

“This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the democracy that we hold dear.

“It is a dangerous descend into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. An ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance. Those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have devoted my life to serving the good people of Edo state with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens. I have upheld the values of democracy and justice and yet in return, I am faced with baseless accusations and a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law,” he said.

Speaking further, Shaibu described the allegations levelled against him as a move to conceal the real motive behind his impeachment.

He said, “The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.


“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain. We will fight this injustice with every atom of strength in our veins for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy. I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principle of democracy and justice to stand with us in this moment of crisis.

“We cannot allow tyranny operation to take root in our society, we must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trample upon our rights.”

He, however, appealed to the judiciary to ensure justice prevails, saying, “To the members of the Edo State House of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oath of office and partake in this charade, I say this, history will judge harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. But know this, you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth.

“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.”

He added that his impeachment would not deter him from fighting for the rights and freedom of Nigerians.

“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Edo State to the values that bind us together as a collective. I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to subvert our democracy. I will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of Edolites by extension Nigerians that suffer oppression. I will stand firm in my resolve to seek justice.

“As we stand united in the face of tyranny and oppression, I urge all to remain calm and go about our lawful duties as good citizens and true democrats. Together, we will overcome this chapter in our history and emerge stronger and more resolute in our pursuit of freedom and justice in our society,” he added.

Media
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CBN Lays off Another 40 Officials In Reorganisation Bid

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued with the disengagement of staff in furtherance of its ongoing restructuring as it sacked a fresh batch of 40 staff mostly from the development finance department (DFD).

Because the sack letters were released late Friday, details of those affected are sketchy but our reporter learnt that Musa Zgabawa Bulus, an Assistant Director of the CBN, heading the National Collateral Registry (NCR) was affected.

NCR is an initiative of CBN aimed at improving access to finance particularly for Nano Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) leveraging movable assets.

Deputy directors and assistant directors were mostly affected with 22 from the DFD and the remaining 18 from Medicals and Procurement Services Department.

Recall that not less than 27 members of staff, most of them directors at the Central Bank of Nigeria, were affected by the first batch of dismissals, even as more are set to be axed in the coming days.

Amongst those affected were eight directors, 10 deputy directors, five assistant directors, two principal managers and two senior managers.

With the latest number of affected staff, the total has now reached 67, in what appears to be a series by the Olayemi Cardoso-led Board of Governors.

Why DFD staff were affected

The move may not be unconnected with the refocusing of the CBN away from development finance interventions

Briefing after the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting, Cardoso said: "The intervention has two dysfunctions. One, it takes a lot of time for something you do not have an expertise to do, and two, if not carefully handled, creates a lot of distortions in your economy through inflow of money supply.

"The interventions that took place in the recent past were estimated in excess of N10 trillion. I’m not talking about ways or means. What was the budget of the federal government of Nigeria? What was the budget of the largest states in Nigeria? Do the maths and it would tell you the extent of damage too much of what may appear to be good things can do to an economy."

 

Ag. Director signing currency an irregularity- Staff members

 

Senior Management members of the CBN who spoke to our reporter on the condition of anonymity also raised concern about the perpetration of illegality which has seen the current Coordinator of the Currency Operations Department, Olayemi J. Solaja, append his signature on the Naira note.

Daily Trust findings suggest that Mr Solaja has not yet gone through the process of being confirmed a full-fledged Director and his letter of appointment indicates that he is to Coordinate the affairs of the department.

According to the source: “The process has not been followed by the CBN Governor who talks about institutional discipline. How can someone sign the national currency as Director currency when not confirmed or appointed?

“From the history of currency to when naira and kobo were printed and minted, there is a CBN policy on modalities to sign Banknotes.”

When Daily Trust sought to know who signs the currency in the absence of a substantive director, the source said: “They continue printing using the former director’s signature. Throughout the period of the acting appointment of the previous occupant, she did not sign the currency until she was given an appointment letter as a director.”

Daily Trust gathered that when the Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) drew the attention of the CBN to the irregularity, The Deputy Governor, Operations, Mrs. Emem Nnan Usoro allegedly overruled, insisting that the coordinators’ name be imprinted on the currency.

The CBN rule book( a compendium of policies and Regulations) stipulates the process of appointment in the Bank for appointment as Director is as follows: (a) Advertisement of the vacancy, indicating the requirements for a prospective candidate. (b) Screening of candidates/documentation (c) Conducting interviews for qualified candidates (d) Final results/ communications of appointment.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Ag director of Corporate Communication, Hakama Sidi Ali, was not successful as she did not pick her call or return the text messages to her line.

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Last modified on Monday, 08 April 2024 11:13

Emirates Airlines to resume Nigeria flights soon – Keyamo

Emirates, UAE, has concluded plans to resume flights with Nigeria.

This followed numerous visits from President Bola Tinubu to UAE over the communication breakdown between both countries.

Featuring on Arise Television on Monday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the Emirates Airline had already indicated its readiness in a letter sent to the Nigerian Government.

Keyamo explained that what transpired during the earlier visit and resolution was not fake but was presented in a ‘hasty’ manner.

He said: “Emirates flight resumption is almost happening. I just received a letter from Emirates. The letter is on my phone now. They have gone through all the gamut and they are ready to come back. They will announce the date because to restart a route, they must get an aircraft for that route.

“I am announcing to Nigerians for the first time; that I just received a letter from Emirates now. The letter is with me. I have a hard copy thanking you for all the efforts we made. Mr President was the showman here. He was the one who pushed for it. He made my job easy because he went there, and had a diplomatic shuttle to resolve all the issues.

“That was why I said the last announcement was hasty and not fake news.

“They will announce the date for their next flight. We have received a letter confirming that all the issues have been resolved and prepared to start coming back. It may be before June.”

Apart from Emirates suspending flights to Nigeria, in 2022, the UAE Immigration Department notified its trade partners and travel agencies that it was stopping visa applications from 22 countries, 20 of which are African nations.

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CBN to sell $10,000 to BDC operators at N1,101/$

The Central Bank of Nigeria has begun another tranche of dollar sales to Bureau De Change Operators to further boost Naira’s appreciation at foreign exchange market.

The National President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators, Aminu Gwadabe exclusively confirmed this to DAILY POST on Monday.

Accordingly, the apex bank has started selling $10,000 FX to each eligible BDC at N1,101 per dollar.

The apex said All BDCs are allowed to sell to end-users at a margin not more than 1.5 per cent above the purchase rate from CBN.

The implication is that BDCs are to buy at N1,101 per dollar and sell at N1,117.52.

“It is true, CBN had started selling dollars to our members at N1,101/$1, it was reviewed downward from N1,251 per Dollar”, he said.

The development came barely 48 hours after BDCs urged FX allocation below N1,251 per dollar to sustain the Naira’s appreciation in the forex market.

Recall that CBN sold $10,000 at an exchange rate of N1,251 to BDCs to defend the Naira in the foreign exchange market last month.

For a month, the Naira has continued its appreciation against the dollar, which stood at N1,251.05 per dollar last Friday.

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