The candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th presidential elections, Peter Obi, has stated that he will not be marking his 62nd birthday anniversary on Wednesday, 19th July, 2023 over the state of Nigeria.
Obi in a series of tweets posted on his verified Twitter handle on Monday urged his family, friends and members of the Obidient movement to donate whatever gift they have for him to hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities.
He added that, on his birthday, he plans to raise money for schools and hospitals while spending his time and resources with ‘less fortunate’ people around him.
The LP candidate maintained that Nigerian leaders must lead by example and make sacrifices for the betterment of the country.
“Wednesday 19th July 2023, marks my 62nd Birthday. While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years, that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation.
“Let me humbly and respectfully appeal to all those who desire to celebrate me with any kind of gifts, to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times.
“Those who wish to do more can visit various IDP camps in different parts of the country. I intend to do the same thing. Aside from sharing my time and resources with the less fortunate people around me, I plan to raise money for schools, hospitals, etc.
“I have already said that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from us, the leaders and the well-placed. The state of our nation must give us cause to pause and ponder. There is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed.
“I want to celebrate in a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of. This, and not my birthday, is the true celebration that will be beneficial to all Nigerians,” he said.
The Deputy National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari, (North) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has emerged as acting National Chairman of the ruling party.
This comes after Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s resignation as the party’s national chairman.
In accordance with the party’s constitution, the deputy national chairman from the zone would take over in an acting capacity if a national chairman resigned.
Kyari led some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) into a meeting currently taking place at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja amid tight security.
Kyari was accompanied by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Enukwu; the National Vice Chairman (North-West); the National Vice Chairman (North-East); Salihu Mustapha; the National Vice Chairman (North Central); Issacs Kekemeke; Ejoroma Arodiogu; and the Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter.
Born in Borno State on January 15, 1960, Kyari is the son of the late Brigadier Abba Kyari, a former military administrator of North Central from 1967 to 1975.
In 1986, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee Martin in the United States. He then enrolled at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1989 to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.
In 1998, Kyari was chosen to serve as a representative for the now-defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP). Between 1999 until 2003, he was elected to the House of Representatives on the platform of the now-defunct All Peoples Party (APP).
He served as Commissioner in Borno State from 2003 to 2005 and 2007 to 2011. He was elected to the Senate in 2015 to represent Borno North on the APC platform. He was re-elected in 2019 and continued in office until 2022, when he was named Deputy National Chairman.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the tenure of the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Deposit Money Banks to a maximum of 12 years.
The new tenure of 12 years is an increase of two years when compared to the 10 years contained in the previous corporate governance guidelines.
The increase is containes in a circular on the new, “Corporate Governance Guidelines for Commercial, Merchant, Non-interest and Payment Service Banks in Nigeria.”
The circular dated July 13, 2023, was signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Chibuzo Efobi, and addressed to commercial, merchant, non-interest, Payment Service Banks and Financial Holding Companies
Also, the central bank increased the tenure of Deputy Managing Director (DMD/Executive Director (ED) of a bank to a maximum period of 12 years.
The CBN stated that the objectives of the guidelines are to among other things provide additional guidance on the principles, recommended practices, and responsibilities contained in NCCG 2018; outline industry-specific corporate governance standards for banks; and promote high ethical standards amongst operators, while enhancing public confidence.
Also, in line with the Nigeria Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) 2018, the apex bank further stipulated that no board of a bank shall consist of only one gender.
In a bid to achieve gender diversity and promote a gender inclusive board, it said banks must take a practical approach to women’s economic empowerment in line with Principle 4 of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP).
The apex bank explained that the guidelines followed the pronouncement of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) for sector regulators to issue sector-specific guidelines on corporate governance for institutions under their regulatory purview.
The CBN therefore, adapted the principles and recommended practices of NCCG 2018 in developing the new guidelines for affected entities, taking into account, the peculiarities of the sub-sectors.
The central bank said the regulation was issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 2(d) of the CBN Act 2007, and Sections 56(2) and 67(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA 2020).
Specifically, the regulation noted that where an ED becomes a DMD, a cumulative tenure of 12 years applies and shall not be extended.
Also, Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) (with the exception of Independent NEDs) of a bank must serve for a maximum of 12 years comprising three terms of four years each.
The CBN stressed that to qualify as a NED in a bank, the proposed NED shall not be an employee of a financial institution except where the bank is promoted by that financial institution and the proposed NED is representing the interest of that financial institution.
The guidelines further stated that an executive (ED, DMD or MD/CEO) who exits from the board of a bank either upon or prior to the expiration of his/her maximum tenure, must serve out a cooling period of two years before being eligible for appointment as a NED in the same bank.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has gone after Abdullahi Adamu, the National chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), over his inability to account for over N32 billion raised by the party from the sale of forms for the 2023 general election.
A source in the Commission confirmed to THE WHISTLER that operatives were in Adamu’s residence on Sunday night after he reportedly tendered his resignation letter to the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The operatives visited his residence located on Ali Akilu Crescent, by Aso Rock Presidential Villa with a search warrant around 8pm.
The source who does not want to be mentioned, said he was not part of the team that went to the chairman’s house, but a colleague who was part of the team told him that they were barred by police orderlies guarding Adamu’s residence from entering the house.
According to him, the operatives were barred despite presenting search warrants as they were told that it was late to grant such a request.
It was reported that Adamu left only N7 billion in the party’s account despite claims that the party account was audited.
Adamu was said to have sought the support of the state chairmen of the party to avoid being removed but failed.
The APC state chairmen were said to have distanced themselves from the alleged action of Adamu because he didn’t carry to hem along in line with the constitution of the party.
The spokesman for the EFCC didn’t respond to calls and messages sent to him as at press time.
Senator Iyiola Omisore, National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has been denied access to an emergency meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) amid reports that he and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, resigned from their respective positions.
Omisore arrived at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja at about 12:05 PM but was shut out of the ongoing meeting.
Our correspondent observed that Omisore had entered the party secretariat situated at Blantyre Crescent in Wuse 2, shortly after some members of the APC NWC had arrived.
The visibly angry former Osun senator, however, stormed out of the building after being denied access to the conference room by the sergeant at arms.
Some of the APC NWC members who had arrived before him were Senator Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman (North), Emma Enukwu Deputy National Chairman (South); National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman among others.
When asked by journalists about his reported resignation, Omisore responded: “I’m going to meet with the National Chairman, Adamu, to know why he’s not here.”
“I want to meet Adamu, and find out what’s wrong,” he said before zooming off from the party secretariat.
The meeting is taking place ahead of APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which would be attended by President Bola Tinubu.
Omisore’s exit will pave the way for the Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter (Plateau State), to immediately assume office as Acting National Secretary.
A Councilor, Nelson Sylvester, popularly known as Ofunwa, representing Eha-Ulo ward, in Nsukka Local Government Area Legislative Council, Enugu State, has been shot dead.
According to report, he was murdered by gunmen on Sunday night at his residence in Eha-Alumonah.
Although details of the incident are still sketchy, sources disclosed that the assailants stormed the lawmaker’s house and started raining bullets on him.
He added that the Councilor ran into a neighbouring compound, from where his lifeless body was later recovered.
The development has sparked tension in the town and other neighbouring communities.
According to Dailypost, the source, who described the suspected assassination as one too many, added that “it is heartbreaking; it is too hard for us to swallow. We are in deep agony.”
All efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Enugu, DSP Daniel Ndukwe proved abortive as he was yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.
In another tragic development, a Lagos chief, Baale of Lotu community, Epe, Fatai Jubril, 43, has been murdered by another traditional leader,during a land dispute at the weekend.
It was alleged that the Baale(nameswitheld), led some thugs numbering over 40, accosted the deceased and took him in handcuff to the disputed land in Museyo, Epe.
It was gathered that the thugs were accompanied by security operatives in mufti who handcuffed Jubril.
A family source told Journalists that trouble started when Jubril resisted to be handcuffed and he was beaten and subdued by the thugs accompanied y some security men in mufti before taken him to the land in dispute.
The source said that at the disputed land, those loyal to Jubril wanted to secure his release,but serious crisis ensued and there was exchange of gunfiring where Jubril was shot dead.
According to the source, Jubril died on the spot, fueling speculation that his abductors had the intention of killing him as he was shot in the head a a close range.
The atmosphere at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos was electric as industry professionals and thought leaders gathered to celebrate the successful conclusion of the World PR Day 2023 event.
Organized by GLG Communications, a renowned PR and reputation management firm, the event was a captivating affair that showcased the immense talent and contributions of the Nigerian PR ecosystem.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Dr. Reuben Abati, an accomplished media practitioner; Lanre Olusola, the founder of the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria (LCAN); Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the Group Managing Director at CMC Connect (Perception Managers) and President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA); Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, a public speaker and corporate executive; Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the CEO of NECCI Limited; Charles O’Tudor, the Group Principal Consultant of Adstrat BMC; and Peter Ukhurebor, the founder of Black at Cannes, among others.
In her address, the event convener, Omawumi Ogbe, described the cocktail reception as an opportunity for stakeholders and thought leaders to push the boundaries of public relations and set the agenda for the Nigerian PR industry.
The event featured insightful speeches from prominent speakers. Peter Ukhurebor shared his thoughts on harnessing the power of black creativity, highlighting the significant impact that diverse perspectives and experiences bring to the PR industry.
Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, in his address, emphasized the crucial role of public relations and how it can be harnessed to drive positive change and success.
The GLG World PR Day event also unveiled this year’s honorees of the PR Power List published exclusively by The Guardian.
The 2023 PR Power List, a comprehensive compilation of 50 exceptional PR and communication professionals who have made significant contributions to the Nigerian PR industry, showcased both returning honorees from previous years and new entrants who have distinguished themselves over the past 12 months.
see full list below
Explaining the rationale behind the PR Power List, Omawumi Ogbe emphasized the importance of recognizing PR practitioners and elevating the profession in Nigeria.
She acknowledged that PR professionals often work tirelessly behind the scenes, making magic happen for their clients. The PR Power List provides a platform to celebrate these unsung heroes who contribute to transformative change in business and society.
Furthermore, the list aims to foster creative excellence across all aspects of public relations and communications.
[MarketingEdge]
The Federal Government has withdrawn the Mobile Police Force personnel attached to several Very Important Persons, including ex-governors, former ministers and lawmakers.
The order, which was contained in a police wireless message from Mopol 45 Force Headquarters, Abuja, affected Daura Buhari, brother to former President Muhammadu Buhari as well as former First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s sibling and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
The development came a few weeks after the IG vowed to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard duties.
He had also announced plans to establish the Special Intervention Squad, which according to him, would have 40,000 highly trained police officers including selected officers from the Police Mobile Force.
This, the IG said, was to allow the police to take back its place in the “internal security architecture” of the country.
Egbetokun, who spoke during a meeting with Squadron leaders and Tactical Commanders in Abuja, on June 26, stated, “We shall affect the withdrawal of PMF personnel from VIP escort/guard duties.
While the protection of dignitaries remains paramount, it is imperative that we realign our priorities to address the escalating security challenges faced by the nation as a whole. By relieving the PMF of VIP escort and guard duties, we can redirect their focus and efforts toward addressing critical security concerns that affect our communities at large.
“In a bid to kick-start the process of regaining our pride of place in the internal security architecture of our dear country first and foremost, modalities for the creation of a new special squad – the Special Intervention Squad have been initiated.
“This special squad shall consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units in the country.
“These officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat-ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil.
“By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.”
Egbetokun set up a committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Adeleke Bode, to assess and advise on how the new policies could be implemented seamlessly.
[Tribune]
Russia said on Monday that it was pausing its participation in an agreement that allowed Ukraine to export its grain by sea despite a wartime blockade — a deal seen as essential to keeping global food prices stable — and would resume participation only after its conditions were met.
The Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov told journalists on Monday that the agreement was “suspended.”
The deal, known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and brokered by the United Nations and Turkey a year ago, had been set to expire on Monday. There was no immediate response from either party on Monday to Russia’s announcement.
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo (CFR) will exchange views with a cross section of Ndi-Anambra in a Town Hall Meeting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Thursday, July 20 by 6pm.
The Town Hall Meeting which is by invitation will be chaired by Sir (Dr) Emeka Offor, and the event will hold at Bolton White Event Centre, 31 Kigoma Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja.
Guests are expected to be seated by 5.30pm.
Solution is here.
Signed
Sir Paul Nwosu
Commissioner for Information,
Anambra State
July 17, 2023
More...
The police have launched an investigation into the tragic killing of an individual at Bar 38 Nightclub in the Fadeyi area of Lagos State.
It is alleged that the killer was Trevboi, a former signee of popular Afrobeats artiste Davido.
The incident occurred late Sunday night, and the police say they have launched an investigation into the matter.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, in a tweet on Monday, confirmed that the investigations are underway.
The Force spokesman revealed that investigations started some minutes after the incident happened. He further disclosed that the suspect abandoned his car and fled on foot.
According to him, the car and the documents in it are in police custody.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, even as authorities say they are actively working to gather information and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
[Channels TV]
Nigeria’s annual inflation rate climbed to a fresh 18-year high in June, after President Bola Tinubu scrapped fuel subsidies and allowed the currency to weaken before declaring a state of emergency to control the cost of staple foods.
Prices increased 22.79% in the year through June from 22.4% the previous month, according to the data published on the National Bureau of Statistics’ website.
The upswing was fueled by a 25.3% increase in food prices from 24.8% a month earlier and a slight uptick in core inflation to 20.3%. The median estimate of seven economists in a Bloomberg survey was 23%. Prices rose 2.1% in the month.
[Bloomberg]
Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, says he will not accede to requests by his friends, party members and supporters to join him in celebrating his birthday and even present some gifts.
Obi, however, appealed to those who may desire to celebrate him with gifts to look around them and extend the gesture to the people in need.
In a statement issued on his verified Twitter handle on Monday, the former Anambra State Governor said he has always maintained that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from everyone, the leaders and the well-placed, insisting that the state of the nation gives cause to pause and ponder.
While suggesting that there is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed in the country,’ Obi said he would want to celebrate in a Nigeria that works for all and which Nigerians can be proud of, claiming it is the true celebration that will benefit all Nigerians.
He wrote, ”Wednesday, 19th July 2023, marks my 62nd birthday. While I remain immensely grateful to God for His infinite mercies, I still maintain my decision of over 20 years that I will not celebrate my birthdays in today’s Nigeria, with the current deplorable state of the nation.
”However, some friends, members of the Labour Party, and the OBIdient Family and supporters have asked how they can join me in celebrating that day and even present some gifts.
”Let me humbly and respectfully appeal to all those who desire to celebrate me with any kind of gifts to look around them and extend such gifts to the people in need, especially in these difficult times.
”I urge them to visit hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the aged and people with disabilities and offer them generous gifts. They can also visit schools of basic studies in remote areas and support them with the basic amenities they need.
”Those who wish to do more can visit various IDP camps in different parts of the country. I intend to do the same thing. Aside from sharing my time and resources with the less fortunate people around me, I plan to raise money for schools, hospitals, etc.
”I have already said that the sacrifices for a better Nigeria must now start from us, the leaders and the well-placed. The state of our nation must give us cause to pause and ponder. There is far too much insecurity, violence, and bloodshed.”
[DailyPost]
Seeks Judicial Intervention, Proper Scrutiny Of Presidential Election Results
Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has described the 2023 elections, particularly the presidential polls, as the worst in Nigeria’s history.
According to Onaiyekan, “There have been previous instances of flawed elections, but what we witnessed in the last election is unparalleled. We have never experienced anything like this before.”
The respected cleric who spoke during a virtual town hall meeting organized by the Rebuild Nigeria Initiative (RNI) expressed regrets over the deep divide created by the intertwining of politics and religion among Nigerians.
Addressing the theme of the dialogue: “Nigeria-Pathway to National Peace and Reconciliation,’ Onaiyekan acknowledged that though there is nowhere in the world where elections are perfect, some of the acts witnessed during the last elections were simply foolish and absurd.
He expressed concern that while many aspects of the 2023 elections were still being challenged in court, individuals have been sworn into office, giving the impression that “nothing will come out of the court
“INEC promised us a standard election, but what transpired in the presidential election fell short of our expectations. We should not resign ourselves to accepting elections that lack credibility. These leaders claim to have been elected by us, yet we know we did not elect them.
“Even taking oaths with the Bible and Quran has become so common among politicians that they no longer have any moral compass.
“There are ongoing cases in court that have yet to be resolved. We have a president whose election is being challenged, and the court is handling the matter. It is not enough to attribute Nigeria’s problems solely to leadership. Why do we allow these same leaders, who have not denied being corrupt, to continue leading us?
“We do not need to legitimize it; what is wrong is wrong. They owe us the responsibility to wield the power acquired from public office judiciously,” he said.
Onaiyekan also recalled with nostalgia, the historical collaboration between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, highlighting a time when the nation was on the path to becoming a model country, characterized by peace and harmony.
“In recent years, we have witnessed a shift in this trajectory, a downward spiral, as religious fanatics have strained the relationship between the two religions.
“The emergence of Boko Haram caused significant damage, as it was perceived as an attack on Christians. Fanatics believe that anyone practising a different faith is in error.
“This is incorrect; we should assume that everyone is sincere and convinced of their own beliefs. That is why it is wrong for anyone to speak ill of any religion.
“I do not want it to seem as though we have lost our way as a people because we still coexist. Both religions have not given up on peace. While some individuals strive to create divisions for their own selfish gains, the majority of Nigerians still believe in unity,” he said.
The Cardinal emphasized the importance of speaking truthfully about the issues affecting the country, stressing that only the truth will save Nigeria from being destroyed.
“It is not a matter of being polite; it is about speaking the truth. For example, when I criticize a Muslim brother, it is not to provoke a quarrel but because it is the truth. We cannot refrain from telling the truth without sugarcoating it.
“When a politician wants to win or gain an advantage, they exploit ethnicity and religion, claiming, ‘I am fighting for you because you belong to this tribe or because you are a Christian or Muslim.’ This has further divided us.
“We complain about politicians manipulating situations, but why do we allow ourselves to be manipulated when the power to elect lies with the people?
“Moreover, it is challenging to distinguish between political leaders and religious leaders because their speeches blur the line between the two,” he said.
Onaiyekan reiterated the need for peace to foster national development, emphasizing the necessity of reviewing some national policies, saying accepting things merely for the sake of peace was wrong.
“When things are not done properly, development stagnates. The immunity clause, which shields wrongdoings, has hindered progress. We should not forget that Nigeria is the only country in Africa capable of making significant strides. If Nigeria fails, what other country can succeed?
“It is becoming shameful that despite our abundant natural and human resources, we remain at this level. I believe we can achieve more, not overnight, but a four-year term can make a significant difference.
“As a people, I do not believe we are powerless, as the people play an active role while the politicians play a passive role in elections. For far too long, we have placed trust in our leaders.
“We should no longer trust them, as they have taken us for granted and betrayed our trust. Those who have betrayed us still hold positions of power.
“We strive for peace, but I fear that if the court does not resolve the election petitions in a timely manner, issues may arise. Some of the president’s actions are in response to public protests, and we must continue engaging the government to voice our concerns.
“Although we have not seen the ministerial list, it will likely comprise the same old faces. The positive aspect is that no one remains in office forever; there will be an end when officials vacate their positions.
“We need functional structures in place. When these leaders leave the country, they behave properly, not because they are guarded, but because the system enforces it,” he said.